Since the 8th grade, the start of my summers usually involved the creation of some kind of playlist (though for me these were called “mix-tapes” for much longer than I’m willing to admit). In keeping with this tradition, and because writing about music is more fun for the moment than writing about ancient Greek and Jewish texts, I’m using this time to offer my summer playlist.
The list is purely for fun, ranging across genres, and not particularly Christian (no apologies here, though I’m hopeful that emerging Christian artists have yet more meaningful contributions to give us). I am no expert in music, only a fan interested in what I think is good.
1. The Sundays – Summertime (1997)
My own formative stage in music was the late 80’s-to-mid 90’s (not quite, but pretty much “get off my lawn” status). As a pre-irony, predictable teenager, I usually filled my summer playlist with songs with “summer” somewhere in the title (like this one). Summertime, nevertheless, exemplifies what I value in a summer song – playfulness (verging on tacky) and a vibe of optimism. It does not hurt that the song also includes crucial little things that I’m a complete sucker for in recorded music: well-placed tambourine and the solid accompaniment of horns (crazy about them). I am aware that starting the playlist here already threatens my musical credibility. The fruit-plastered walls? That bassist’s denim-cut shorts and socks? But these are the rules of engagement with all summer playlists, this one included. Like this bassist and his denim shorts, we’re not trying to impress, we’re just having fun here.
2. Classixx – Safe Inside (ft. Passion Pit) (2016)
Released just in time for the summer.
3. Oddisee – Slow Groove (2016)
Oddisee communicates well. He understands texture, he understands critical self-disclosure, he understands what’s important: “Somebody get coffee, black, single origin.”
4. Tedeschi Trucks Band – Anyhow (2016)
This is easily my favorite band at the moment. Do they need two drummers? Don’t we all? How can they be this good and still look like they’re barely trying? Susan and Derek Tedeschi are creating inspired music, combining full-ensemble recordings with effortless excellence in musicianship and soul — and yes, them horns.
5. RAC – Tourist (ft. Tokyo Police Club) (2013)
Every summer playlist needs a steady driving-home-at-night song. This one does the job nicely, sounding something like a cross between Ric Ocasek’s Cars and They Might Be Giants. I also would have accepted (among many others) Daft Punk (Casablancas) – Instant Crush, Counting Crows – Speedway (not to mention Morrissey’s Speedway), and Stereophonics – Dakota as serviceable drive-homes with the same, substitutable vibe.
6. Nujabes – Counting Stars (2007)
Nujabes is Japanese for “calm summer night.” No it’s not. But it could be. “Scholars maintain that the translation was lost hundreds of years ago.”
7. Manu Chao – Clandestino (1998)
Just this week, I’ve heard this track on FM public radio (twice) and on AM sports talk radio. Impressive coverage for this mid-90’s, little-known recording with a conscience. I’m obsessed with the low harmony on this track.
8. Del McCoury Band – Big Blue Raindrops (2014)
Our playlist has taken an unexpected turn, why stop now? No apologies for this.
9. Sturgill Simpson – The Promise (2014)
Rare is the cover that makes me like a song I originally despised. In fact, no other cover comes to mind (though maybe you can think of one). Covering When in Rome’s one-hit wonder (1988) from a “meta-modern” country point of view, the results are all the more remarkable considering When in Rome’s cloy original is a song I physically hate. Simpson transforms the wreckage into something astonishing. His latest album, “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth,” and the messages contained there for his new son is worth a listen.
10. Kendrick Lamar – Untitled 06 | 06.30.2014. (2016)
Kendrick gets summer.
Or click here for those without Spotify.
11. Chris Rasmussen – Flutter (2016)
https://youtu.be/e0taQxDCk-4
There’s a strong Biola connection among many here at Two Cities, and the latest album release from Biola’s own Chris Rasmussen is strongly recommended. The immersive swells and lush sound production on this track remains with me for days after listening and lends some needed art to our summer list.
12. Mondo Cozmo – Hold Onto Me (2016)
The video may appear to have the moralism of a youth group church skit, but life is like this. You step out, you’re awkward, you make meaningful connections, you’re often helped profoundly more than you help.
13. Wallflowers – One Headlight (1996)
This song was in heavy rotation in my earlier years, making not only every summer playlist, but every other kind of playlist back then (still managing to make its way in even now).
They say rock music is dead.
Jakob Dylan’s dad had a big hand in Rock ‘n’ Roll’s birth; Jake was singing this song right around its purported death. I’ll let musicologists sort out the details and point out all the things wrong with that last statement. At the risk of sounding even more “get off my lawn,” I miss rock music. Rock, to me, breathed its life in counterculture, an ethos now that feels dislocated for many. As long as we keep seeing video of the likes of Mike Huckabee playing rock guitar [sigh], rock’s return in the US appears to be a long way away, or at least requires being reborn in a dramatically new and authentic way. Until then, I can still drive it home this summer with one headlight.
So that’s my list – embarrassing moments and all (more on the Spotify/Apple playlists below). Keep summer alive, friends (even when the summers are busier now than we remember). Good music can bring people together. What are you listening to this summer? You can use the comments section below to keep the discussion going.
Spotify List here (with more songs):
Apple Music List here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/playlist/summer-16/idpl.86aaff06829a4335b31f55ef696a59aa
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