Summer Hits

It's summer! And you know what that means? Music! Just like every other time of the year. But the difference, of course, is it's summer!
And to celebrate this mementous occasion I thought I'd stick up my ultimate summer playlist, consisting of 5 albums and 5 songs that always mean summer to me.
And just for doing this I score some free headphones, thanks to (plug alert) Altec Lansing! I know, right? Try to contain your excitement for me.
Here's a picture of their logo if you're unsure.

And why not check out this link here and checking out Altec Lansing on Facebook! Just cos I said. (Free stuff for me! Woot!)

Now I have a mix of old and new here, as this is my list of songs to get me into a summery mood. As you can see, my fellow Whiteboy bloggers have already started with their best of 2010. But I've just gone with whatever tickles my summer fancy.

So to start off with, here's my top 5 summer albums:


Living End - self titled (1998)
Aah back in the summer of 98. That sounds just like a song lyric.
The first studio album for The Living End and, arguably, their best. I got this album for Christmas between year 7 and 8, and basically played nothing else all summer. Even all these years later the album sounds just as fantastic as it did 12 years ago. Definitely the perfect starter to any summer adventure.

Hungary Kids of Hungry - Escapades (2010)
The first I'd heard of this band was when I was given a ticket on the spur of the moment to see them at the Factory Theatre in November. With no expectations, I was very pleasantly surprised. These guys take elements of the typical indie pop sound but actually make it interesting. They've got some fantastic harmonies and are an all out fun band to watch and listen to. Perfect beach music.

Incubus - Fungus Amongus (1995)
I don't know what it is about funky music, but it always seems to remind me of the holidays. Incubus' first album is pure funky jazz. Light and fluffy with a constant groove, it's perfect for makin' sweet love on the beach on those hot summer nights. I have no experience in that scenario whatsoever to guarantee the perfection of it. It actually sounds too sandy. But I imagine it'd be a good accompaniment. Definitely works in the bedroom.

The Grates - Teeth Lost Hearts Won (2008)
Now this album came out in the winter of 2008. On the day of Splendour in the Grass in fact. But I never actually got into this album until I had to take several long road trips up to Coffs Harbour on stinking hot days, with no air con. It's so warm and fun and Paitence's voice is so delicious that it makes me hot just listening to it. Awesome.

Sublime - 40 Oz to Freedom (1992)
Enough said really. The ultimate lazy Sunday album. For many of my friends, summer equates to lots of chilling. Lots of chilling is very easily acquired by weed. Weed is synonomous with Sublime. So, naturally Sublime was played often during those summer months. I have some fantastically hazy memories with this album.

Now I've also put down 5 songs that really get me into the summer groove. But all the albums these songs are from could easily do the same.

Rock Your Socks Off Tenacious D (2001)
I spent countless nights in 2004 driving around with Javid Van Der Piepers cranking this album. This song is a particular favourite of mine. Hard rock, Jack Black style. No better way to get pumped for summer really.

Cherub Rock Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream (1993)
Siamese Dream really is an amazing album, but when I put in the cd and Cherub Rock starts with that drum roll, it just feels like summer. I became obsessed with the Pumpkins when I moved from Sydney to Coffs in January and this album was in my diskman, at that stage, non stop. Ah the nostalgia.


No You Girls Franz Ferdinand - Tonight (2009)
It's always the summer months where I seem to get into girl troubles. The most awesome time of the year. So this one fits nicely with that theme. Great tune and great lyrics in my opinion.

John the Fisherman Primus - Frizzle Fry (1990)
Fishing. Can't get much more summery than that. And with Les at the helm you can't really go wrong. I love funky bass and no matter what Primus song gets played I'll be in the mood for summer. But this one in particular just tickles me in so many great ways, it's definitely one of my 'ultimate' summer songs.

Easy Faith No More - Angel Dust (1992)
This is obviously just a cover by Faith No More and the original by The Commodores is also quite good.
But Mike Patton just does it for me. And this easy-going, chilled song always gets me into a chipper mood.