As the summer is winding down, it’s probably time for me to do a column on those songs that remind me of summers’ past. Usually, I dig up random songs to make a point but this list is pretty basic. They are just songs that remind me of summer either lyrically, musically or just something that triggers a memory.
The first song is probably the perfect summer song, “Summer” by War. I can not help but listen to this song and get transported to that perfect summer day. War was one of the most underrated bands in rock. They were a crossover band that could rock and play soul or funk as well. The story they told was always about brotherhood and harmony and they did it through song. Like Sly and the Family Stone, they preached togetherness as one unit instead of division. Something we desperately need right about now.
You can’t include a list of summer songs without “Summertime Blues”. The Eddie Cochran classic has been done multiple different ways and the version I like best is Rush’s version from the Feedback album. It’s different for sure, and Giddy Lee’s vocals are not for everyone but if you think about it, it’s amazing that three guys can pull off such a full sound. This song could also be put on my Headbanger’s list of Loud Songs. The Who’s version from Live at Leads is excellent as well.
I am not stretching much with this selection but I just feel it has to be included,”It’s A Beautiful Morning” by The Rascals is another perfect vibe for summer song. Come on, you can’t listen to this song and not smile and remember those perfect days where you had zero to do other than go out and enjoy the day on your Cul-De-Sac
Here is one from the past that was popular during the summer of ‘68 and for some reason it just brings back great summer memories, Hugh Masekela’s “Grazing in the Grass”. An instrumental featuring Masakela on trumpet. This was a surprise hit and it should never be confused with the Friends of Distinction’s “Grazing in the Grass”. Same song, two different approaches.
“Venus” by Shocking Blue isn’t your typical summer song but for some reason, it reminds me of the summer of my youth. This group out of the Netherlands released a ton of music but this song I think is the only one that charted in the US. It’s been covered dozens of times but none of those covers comes close. Honestly, it is just a simple dumb song but back then, all I listened to was simple dumb songs.
Frank Sinatra is not a rock and roll icon. However, no list of great summer songs is complete unless you include “Summerwind”. I don’t think any explanation is needed.
Another odd choice is “Hitchin’ a Ride” by Vanity Fair. To say I dug deep to find this one is an understatement. Play it and for some of us of a certain age it will bring back memories of hitchhiking to the beach and doing nothing all day except swimming and hanging out with friends.
No list of summer songs could be complete without a Beach Boys song, never my favorite, they had great harmonies and very well crafted songs. Dozens of their hits could be included but I chose “Sloop John B”. Just reminds me of driving to the beach. Even though it was released in 1966, it still had tremendous airplay almost every summer into the 80’s.
Not summer themed, “Liar” by Three Dog Night is another song that just brings back those summer memories. Three Dog Night was another underrated Canadian band that sold tons of records but never garnered the respect they deserved. Too poppy they said but if you listen to the lyrics of this song you will change your mind.
This one isn’t summer themed either but more era-themed. “Hot Rod Lincoln” by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen was equally catchy and funny. It was released in the summer of ‘72 and was one of the theme songs of that summer as we started driving and breaking away a little from the cocoon of our homes.
Lastly, Alice Cooper’s “Schools Out”. The theme song of every kid busting out from that last class, waiting to get summer started. Alice Cooper was just one of those bands that you love to hate. However, at the end of the day, you just loved them. I can remember going out on a Friday night and getting home just in time to see Alice Cooper in some random performance on ABC’s “In Concert” series. Seemed every week they were headlining it.
Obviously, everyone has their own summer soundtrack and I would love to hear about other songs that bring you back to a simpler time. If anyone sends me “Cake by the Ocean” (Catchy but not what I am looking for) I will delete them.
I count on You to end our week with musical taste buds. And again You succeeded, Very Eclectic!