Summer Songs

It’s suddenly that time of year again, where the days are long and the nights are short. The smell of Banana Boat seems to fill the air, and people are sporting their aviators on the long drive to the beach, top down and wind in their hair. As such, the summer deserves a spectacular soundtrack to commemorate the mountains of BBQ and tanning that will ensue. Here's 5 albums to mark the occasion with.

20 Good Vibrations: The Greatest Hits- The Beach Boys
It would be inappropriate to exclude the Beach boys from any list dealing with the summer, so they proudly kick off this one. While they’ve got truckloads of classic tracks scattered across their discography, 20 Good Vibrations: The Greatest Hits is a lean and concise representation of their very best. Cuts like the wistful “Surfer Girl” with its swaying harmonies and warm bass really seems to embody those endless nights looking out at the lapping tide. Elsewhere, the rickety thump of “California Girls” conjures images of swimsuit clad ladies and island paradises. And as the sun sets on your beach adventures, doesn’t it make sense to have Brian Wilson and Co. holding down the tunes?

Key Cuts: Surfer Girl, I Get Around, California Girls

40 Oz. To Freedom- Sublime
While it might be one of the landmark albums in stoner culture, that doesn’t mean 40 Oz. To Freedom can’t be enjoyed sober. In fact, part of the reason it appeals to that specific crowd is because of how laid back the songs come across. Deftly blending everything from reggae to punk, ska, and hip-hop, Sublime marches through 22 tracks about enjoying the lazy days of summer, as well as capturing the restlessness of Southern California. “Waiting For My Ruca” starts off with a rather deep and hypnotic drum beat while Bradley Nowell’s nimble voice holds it all together with crafty hooks and smooth singing. Additionally, “Badfish” is a tender love song that’s augmented with rich surf rock tones and sugary upstroked guitar. Ultimately, with an album this relaxing, it’ll grant your summer some freedom in no time at all.

Key Cuts: Waiting For My Ruca, Smoke Two Joints, Badfish

Californication- The Red Hot Chili Peppers
Is there any other place in the world that seems to embody the season more that California? In that sense, it only makes sense that the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s Californication makes it onto our list. But aside from its namesake, the music found on Californication certainly embodies the spirit of the season with its fuzzy bass work and syrupy lead guitar. This is an album made for road trips, from the rumbling and tension filled “Parallel Universe” to the somber and expansive “Scar Tissue.” With unflinching honestly, the Chilis remind listeners not only of the best parts of the season, but of how the experiences seem to linger with us long after summer has past. Like sun baked baseball caps and clearly defined tan lines, Californication reminds listeners that some things about summer run deeper than mere photographs can capture, and that’s the record’s real beauty.

Key Cuts: Parallel Universe, Scar Tissue, Otherside

Everything In Transit- Jack’s Mannequin
Continuing with the California theme, Everything In Transit seems to be Jack’s Mannequin’s (And pianist/songwriter Andrew McMahon’s) open valentine to everything Southern Californian and beach-related. With descending piano and drifting guitar, “Holiday From Real” treats us to the sights and sounds of Venice Beach as well as McMahon’s fascination with capturing perfect moments in musical snapshots. Lyrically, McMahon is enamored with finding personal oases in the Californian sun while the whole world seems to tighten around him. If that sounds like a bummer, it isn’t. The record’s rich harmonies and upbeat hooks keep the songs hopeful, alongside the message. The real stand out is the synthesizer soaked power-pop of “Miss Delaney,” McMahon’s story of a girl who keeps him waiting in all the wrong ways. If “the-one-that-got-away” isn’t filled with summer nostalgia, nothing is.

Key Cuts: Holiday From Real, I’m Ready, Miss Delaney

Weezer (The Green Album)- Weezer
So this is it, the perfect epitome of the summer sound. Weezer’s second self-titled album is everything that makes up the season and thensome. For one, it sounds HUGE with deep drums and crunchy, but melodic, power-pop earmarking all of songs. Additionally, Rivers Cuomo seems preoccupied with love and memories, the stuff that summer is made of. So with confident rock swagger, Weezer marches through ten tight tracks that are tailor made to blast at full volume on your stereo. Most know the quaint acoustic charm of “Island In The Sun,” but the album’s hidden gem is the driving “Simple Pages.” Here, Cuomo reminiscences about his perfect crush with romantic images of radio hooks and huge guitars. It’s fitting, for Cuomo crafts the same sort of album he idolizes, an album that sounds big but feels intimate. In the end, he captures the spirit of the season with Weezer (The Green Album), making an album that feels endless even if its 30 minute running time makes it seem like a glowing memory.

Key Cuts: Photograph, Island In The Sun, Simple Pages

Author's Note: This is the last piece I wrote for for MIX IT UP Magazine, my internship site over the past year. What's posted on this blog is the unedited version, so check out MIX IT UP's website for the online/print version.