It’s time to roll down the windows, drive at a steady speed, and crank the volume in honor of your future hearing aid. There’s a great thing about summer that begs for loud music – no other season calls for it the same desperate way. And although you don’t have turn to blast amps to rock, you won’t find many acoustic guitars in this bunch. Download and enjoy.
“Don’t Tern Around,” The Everybodyfields
Leave it up to Sam Quinn and Jill Andrews of The Everybodyfields to record the perfect “kiss my ass but I still might love you” song. We all feel like that in the summer, don’t we?
“Let it Ride,” Ryan Adams
I finally got to hear this live in Indianapolis last year. What a tune, definitely the Cold Roses highlight for me. And it screams to be played at a proper volume on your next ride to wherever you’re headed. Say what you want about Adams, he’s a hell of a talent.
“Fuckin’ Up,” Neil Young and Crazy Horse
If you like Neil Young, you’ll know that he’s a sucker for feedback when he’s recording with Crazy Horse. There’s a solid minute of it at the end of this song. Not sure if Pearl Jam ever conquered that.
“I’m Amazed,” My Morning Jacket
The standout for me off Evil Urges, their newest offering. I’m not sure if it beats anything off Z, but then again, I don’t care.
“Sequestered in Memphis,” The Hold Steady
Normal looking dudes that rock. We need more of them and less posers. Yes, hold steady.
“For the Birds,” What Made Milwaukee Famous
Check these guys out next week at Off Broadway (7/31). And look for an interview next Wednesday.
“You Got Me,” Tristan Prettyman
Tristan Prettyman = fun. This song is all you need.
“Idiot Wind,” Bob Dylan
Does this song ever get old? Does this album (Blood on the Tracks) ever get old? There will never be another.
“Dear Old Song and Dance,” Tim Easton
Here’s Easton listing off every drug imaginable. At the end of it all, he’s waking up sober in Amsterdam. Huh.
“Myriad Harbour,” The New Pornographers
This Daniel-Bejar masterpiece demands repeat listens. Have fun.
“Like a Melody,” The Greencards
They like to call it “newgrass.” I’ve come to believe that you can’t really classify music anymore. This song sort of proves that.
“Radar Gun,” Bottle Rockets
50 down to 30, oh man, oh man. These rockers from Festus rock the Peavey and Creston guitars with style.
“Fraud in the ‘80s,” Mates of State
I wasn’t at the show at the Bluebird (but damn, I saw pics – was it really that hot in there?). This song’s no fraud.
“Fighter Girl,” Mason Jennings
“Come on, kiss me/ Keep on kissin’ me,” sings Jennings. Yeah, I’d say it fits.
“Love Vibration,” Josh Rouse
Rouse loves the ‘70s (he even named this album 1972). And he moved to Spain, fell in love with a Spanish girl, and kept on recording awesome music. Dude has an idea….
“Don’t Let Them Take You Down,” Jesse Malin
“It’s a beautiful day,” Mailn sings. And no, he didn’t steal that from U2.
“Be With Me,” Jessica Sonner
Sonner has a nice sense of melody to go with a sweet, unique voice. Can’t beat that.
“Ode to LRC,” Band of Horses
So that damn winter storm made me miss their show at the Gargoyle last February. Doesn’t mean I can’t play this song to death, which I keep doing.
“How the Hell Did You Get Back Here,” Backyard Tire Fire
If you like The Drive-By Truckers, give these guys a chance. This one’s off their album that will be coming out next month, so you’re just going to have to take my word for it. It rocks.
“The One I Love,” Greg Laswell
There’s always room for a new singer-songwriter, and Laswell fits the bill nicely. I recommend his album, Three Flights From Alto Nido.
What are your favorite summer songs? E-mail me at jgonulsen2@yahoo.com or post a comment below.