Every summer needs a playlist to fit the mood of your long road trips, cramped plane flights, pool parties and meadow picnics. These songs will hopefully quench your musical thirst.
Walk the Moon — “Anyway I Can”
This song off the band’s self-titled album released June 2012 may not have gained traction last summer, but with the band’s recent presence in the festival circuit — SXSW, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Firefly — and appearances on talk shows, it will most likely take off in the near future. With an interesting meter, fast-paced beat, and plenty of lead singer Nicholas Petricca’s falsetto voice, this song has the makings of a great addition to the ideal summer playlist. Its optimistic persistence is infectious — “Frown long, I can’t frown long/With your face in my head…/Say, I’m gonna get you back/Anyway I can anyway anyway I can.”
Lady Danville — “Cars”
Off the band’s EP ‘Operating’ released in 2012, this song has clear remnants of the a cappella style from which the band members originated, full of nonsensical syllables galore. Though the lyrics of the song actually describe a somewhat depressed man in denial about his future, that melancholy theme does not match the catchy melody that is more suited for a summer mood. The band recently changed its name to Hunter Hunted after it lost its drummer, and the new incarnation was placed at #1 on Billboard’s Next Big Sound chart in March, so this summer may prove favorable to the adorable duo.
Lake Street Dive — “Clear a Space”
I have seldom heard as powerful a voice as Rachael Price, lead singer of Lake Street Dive, especially on this jazzy track. Price’s voice is akin to the ‘60s-esque quality of, dare I say, Etta James, so this track will appeal to the whole family and will be perfect for summer visits to grandma’s house. The Boston-raised band will perform at The Southern May 16; anyone in town for the summer or Final Exercises should consider checking them out.
Justin Timberlake — “Let the Groove Get In”
Off Timberlake’s newest and much-hyped album ‘The 20/20 Experience,’ released last month, this track is perfect for a summer pool party dance-off, with upbeat, repetitive lyrics and a melody akin to salsa music or even Bhangra. This exotic tone is a departure from Timberlake’s more Top-40 brand, but is enjoyable all the same. I dare you to resist his pleas to let the groove get in — “Come on shake — like you know you got something to prove/ Baby mama, move like the groove’s taking over you.”
Yeah Yeah Yeahs — “Mosquito”
This song, off the album of the same name released last week, is a combination of an upbeat guitar melody in the chorus, a suspenseful baseline and lots of percussion. It will make you want to dance and scream and head-bang tthroughout your various road trips and parties. The band’s summer tour is split between the U.S. and the U.K., but locals can catch them at Sweetlife Festival in Columbia, Maryland on May 11 — just don’t forget the bug repellent.
Other miscellaneous summer favorites:
“Freedom” — George Michael
“How Do You Like Me Now?” — The Heavy
“Summer Sun” — Jukebox the Ghost
“Foreplay / Long Time” — Boston
“Army”— Ben Folds
“If You Want to Sing Out” — Cat Stevens
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