We’re in the middle of the summer, almost approaching the dog days. It’s hot and sticky out there. July is an eventful month. At least this year it is for me. First my wife and I took our nieces to Michigan to hang out at my dad’s cottage by the lake. We are also training for a Sprint Triathlon! Denielle (my wife) has a birthday coming up too! But there’s BBQ’s, summer blockbuster films, pool parties and MUSIC to celebrate all of these events…..and more!
A playlist for the month of July was put together by the two of us. It expresses the feelings of summer; volleyball, the beach, more road trips, swimming, the heat, the parties, surfing and just whatever feels good during these dog days. There is ice cream to keep cool, or times you wash your car on the driveway, just hanging out at the drive-in movies or walking downtown and listening to street musicians. Even buying a balloon from a clown at a county fair while you wait in line for a roller coaster is a good time. It’s the music that we all sing and tap our feet to. I’ll list the songs with these little explanations as to why and how they fit into your 2013 July Playlist. Enjoy!
1. California Gurls…..Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dog
Guilty Pleasure!!! Not gonna lie. I LOVE her music!!!! It’s an awesome song about the summer!
2. Get Lucky….Daft Punk
So far this is shaping up to be THE SONG of the summer of 2013….it’s just really catchy
3. California Sun….The Rivieras
I know it’s from the 1960’s but I always think of the film Good Morning Vietnam because it’s on the soundtrack and feels good on the ears cruising in my car
4. Playing With The Boys….Kenny Loggins
My wife likes this one because they play it during the “volley ball scene” in the film Top Gun. A bunch of cute guys in the sand, I guess. Still I don’t mind the tune.
5. Pipeline….The Chantays
I love the guitar work on this one. A surfing classic!
6. Baltimora…..Tarzan Boy
Ooooooh Ahhhh Ooooooh chantings of Tarzan! Total 80’s track. Not sure why it’s
on here but it seems to fit the group.
7. Brown Eyed Girl…..Van Morrison
Denny’s birthday is coming up. She likes Van Morrison and has brown eyes so why not???
8. Summertime….DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince
Classic
9. In the Summertime….Mungo Jerry
I love this song! Sounds good anytime. In the car, at the pool, having a drink, at a party, anywhere.
10. Surfin’ USA….The Beach Boys
You gotta have the Beach Boys on the list. And this is a perfect example of why.
11. Tequila….The Champs
Makes me wanna dance on the bar like Pee Wee Herman. Ha ha ha
12. Summer Girls….LFO
Never heard this before but now I think of Abercrombie & Finch and pretty girls.
13. Surf City….Jan & Dean
DO I have to explain this one?
14. Wipe Out….The Surfaris
Same
15. Good Day Sunshine….The Beatles
Makes me smile and nothing can go wrong when the Beatles are on
16. Leader of the Pack….The Shangri-La’s
This one’s kind of a wild card. I like the song a lot. It deals with greasers and pink lady type of relationships and car accidents and I guess it’s not really a summer song but it does seem to blend well.
17. Brighter Than The Sun….Colbie Caillat
Just a feel good sunny song
18. Summer of 69….Bryan Adams
Kind of an anthem, if you ask me
19. Great Balls of Fire….Jerry Lee Lewis
It’s energetic and keeps the pace going
20. Surfin’ Bird….The Trashmen
This one is really hyper and definitely can induce laughter. Plus it’s definitely a California surfing tune
21. Soak Up The Sun….Sheryl Crow
Should be obvious….hot days
22. Green Onions….Booker T & The MG’s
Perfect background music to any situation really
23. Itsy, Bitsy, Teeny, Weeny, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini….Brian Hyland
How can you not throw this one on here? Duh??
24. California Girls….The Beach Boys
We finish where we start, sort of. Same title, original version but not the same lyrics but still sends the same message. Those girls from California got it going on!
So there you have it! Enjoy your summer! Feel free to add suggestions that I am sure I missed.
Peace out….C-Note
The Music Bard 