For those of you that still check this site once in awhile...thanks. Here's a mix I put together today for that crazy time known as summer. It's just about here and like any other great time of the year it needs a soundtrack. My teaching duties are over in a couple weeks and I will be off into the great unknown. I may come back to posting at some point...just can't say when. Thanks so much for listening, reading, and sharing. I hope you all have the best damn summer eva. Before that happens though, make sure you get these songs in your headphones. Anything to add?

1. The Thanks I Get by Wilco b-side from the album Sky Blue Sky {mp3} [BUY]

This one is a special gift from Wilco for all the good people who bought Sky Blue Sky (me!) I'm only going to leave it up for tomorrow. Fits along perfectly with that summer car ride...with everyone singing along.

2. Major Label Debut (Fast) by Broken Social Scene from the EP To Be You And Me {mp3} [BUY]

This tune just exudes that burst of crazy love that's possible with long summer nights.

3. Honestly by Zwan from the album Mary Star Of The Sea {mp3} [BUY]

With the new pumpkins tune floating around (it's not half bad!) I've been listening back over Billy Corgan's catalogue. This song always kills as the guitars constantly reflect the lyrics. Oh and it's actually a happy song. Well done Billy.

4. Sundress by Ben Kweller from the album Ben Kweller {mp3} [BUY]

Kweller's latest is his strongest with some honest arrangements that are more than relatable. I love the line "I wanna start going on a morning walk..." me too Ben..me too.

5. Snakes And Ladders by Basia Bulat from the album Oh My Darling {mp3} [BUY]

I've wrote about this beautiful woman up and down with no signs of stopping yet. This song always reminds me of how spring grows and rolls into the beast that is summer.

6. Iko Iko by The Dixie Cups from the album Chapel Of Love: The Best Of {mp3} [BUY]

One of those underlying classics that gets stuck in your head....in that good way.

7. Get Me Bodied by Beyonce from the album B-Day {mp3} [BUY]

Summer is all about getting in the backyard (or hell front) and blasting something to dance to while you grill in one hand and drink from the other. Those who know me are aware of my weakness to some Beyonce. Here she keeps things shaking at just the right pace....don't want that cheeseburger to burn up now :)

8. Shout by Otis Day And The Knights from the Animal House Soundtrack {mp3} [BUY]

You know what I'm talking about. Remind Flounder to break it down.

9. Walking On Sunshine by Katrina And The Waves from the album Walking On Sunshine {mp3} [BUY]

Anyone ever seen The Secret Of My Success? Damn it's a great film. This song and Micheal J. Fox kept me going through the 80's. Amen.

10. The Boys Of Summer by Don Henley from the album Building The Perfect Beast {mp3} [BUY]

This one goes out to my pops. He used to keep Henley's smooth grooves busting from the old Geo Tracker all summer long. For that reason alone this will always be one of my summer jams.

11. The Boy With The Arab Strap by Belle & Sebastian from the album The Boy With The Arab Strap {mp3} [BUY]

It's just that kind of song. The one that keeps you moving.

12. The Boy In The Bubble by Paul Simon from the album Graceland {mp3} [BUY]

The last two are for my Mom. So many wonderfully bright summer's with these songs blaring out the porch windows. You couldn't ask for anything sweeter.

13. Summertime by Ella Fitzgerald from the album The Best of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong {mp3} [BUY]

xoxo

just!n

Posted by justin at 9:51 PM