Music To Welcome Summer
Sure it’s gloomy in Indy today, but summer is almost here!
To commemorate the near commencement of summer’s gloriously long, sun drenched days, I offer you a sampling of albums to ready its arrival. If you suggest an album (by commenting below) that I don’t have here, I’ll add it to this post with your name, review of the album, and link to your site beside it.
So let me know–what music do you enjoy while waiting for summer?
(500) Days Of Summer–Music from the motion picture
What more could you ask for? The Smiths, Regina Spektor, Carla Bruni, Feist, Simon & Garfunkel, She & Him–they all make an appearance on this golden summer soundtrack. Good album to a good movie!
(A)fternoon by Mae
Vibes you’ll fall in love with. Lyrics you’ll hold on tightly to. Musical progression to spur you through the day. A beautiful album to the core.
Thicker Than WaterMusic from a film by Jack Johnson and the Malloys
Whether a fan of Johnson or not, consider giving him props for creatively pushing the boundaries of music productology. In Thicker, Johnson teams with G. Love, Special Sauce, Finley Quaye, Natural Calamity, The Voyces, and more, to make this soundtrack worthy of summer, surfing, beach fires, and loving relationships. For those long evenings spent with friends, I can’t think of a better compilation.
Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky by Ok Go
I saw Ok Go in concert last Wednesday at The Earth House in Indy so I want to show them some love. Of the Blue is an upbeat, driven album composed of fun, lighthearted melodies, artistic lyrics, flowing rhythms, and showy musicology. By the way, Ok Go actually puts on a surprisingly stupendous live show. Their music, in my opinion, is ten times better in concert. This Too Shall Pass is a nice track if you need somewhere to get started.
Sigh No More by Mumford and Sons
The lyrics will make you think deeply, and the music is a sweet blend of bluegrass, blues, jazz, and rock. I’m still familiarizing myself with Mumford, but I’ve enjoyed what I’ve heard thus far.
Why Should The Fire Die? by Nickel Creek
This album is a college classic for me. Nickel Creek takes me back to Spring semesters at ASU. It’s a beautiful album from a gracious acoustic band. Quietly progressive, you won’t find Nickel Creek confined to their predecessors rituals and norms too heavily. They willingly push the limits of what bluegrass is and can be.
Weathervanes by Freelance Whales
Freelance Whales’ music is full of life–a bit alternative, a bit whimsy, a bit classy, and a whole lot of fun. Thanks to Steven & Leah for this recommendation.
O by Damien Rice
One of the most highly regarded albums by one of the most talented musicians of our time. Lyrically smoother than any album I’ve heard since its release in 2003, Rice’s mesmerizing voice and music are packed full of emotion and eerily, soulful energy. For those who love O, every song on it usually points back to a specific life-altering event. The music is memorable and holds meaning for so many of us.
Vagabonds by The Classic Crime
It was during the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake when my friend Ryan introduced me to The Classic Crime. He told me they were donating the revenue from the sales of Vagabonds to the relief effort there. I was immediately interested, and, after listening to their music, a fan for life.
Jars of Clay by Jars of Clay
This is one of my classics. I know it’s old (1995 release date!). I know many consider them one hit wonders, but this album will live on forever in my collection because it is a pure masterpiece lyrically. I don’t know if it was due to the time period when this album released, or the deep, resonating words of their songs, but Jars left a lasting impression on me. Forget Flood. The true essence is delivered in Worlds Apart.
Live At Red Rocks 08.15.95 by Dave Matthews Band
It’s nearly impossible to have a fulfilling pre-summer or summer music review without mentioning an album by Dave Matthews Band. And, in recognition, I remind you of Live At Red Rocks, their best live album (in my opinion) ever recorded. With that said, however, their Big Whiskey & The GrooGrux King tour, which came rolling into Indy with Tim Reynolds last summer, was spectacular. Many summer nights have been spent with friends listening to and loudly singing along with a myriad of Dave Matthew’s tracks.
3 Comments
Nice. Mae (A)fternoon is one of my favorite albums of last year. I listened to it non-stop while in Africa. I’ll look forward to checking out some of the other bands!
Rhythm, Chord, and Melody by The Reign of Kindo is worth checking out. It’s Jazzy, melodic, and with really thought provoking lyrics. It’s a very different sound from what I’ve been listening to lately, but very good.
I will check them out, for sure. Thanks for the suggestion.
educate me.