It took less than ten seconds for me to decide the Seasick Steve’s new CD “Sonic Soul Surfer” would be my “2015 Summertime Fun Guy” soundtrack.
The opening lick of “Summertime Boy” is sick and the video is even cooler. As the singer begs for sunlight and declares throughout the song that he’s a “summertime boy,” it fills out my dream list of a perfect summer. Sunshine and then more of it. Bring the heat like you brought the snow and cold, Mama Nature. I don’t like having sand in my toes. But I do enjoy watching ice melt down the side of my hand on a hot Friday night listening to music.
I decided to ask around and see if any of these local musicians believe in the summer soundtrack. Were they committed to a seasonal spiritual revival? Or too scorned to even consider such a pitiful list?
Let’s head down south to Lowell, Mass and see what Bucky Fereke has to say on the subject. Bucky is an all-around creative guy – fashion, music, art, fathering – with a working man’s mind that never seems to stop going.
“My pick for best summer album for me is “It’s a Shame About Ray” by The Lemonheads. In addition to the variety of styles on that particular album, I’ve always loved their sound, how—them being from my home state of Massachusetts—I can hear and identify with the “grey” in some of their lyrics, but, there is also an overwhelming California and sunny/surf vibe to their music that is uplifting and energetic. Great for blasting with the windows down on those sunny days…”
What did I tell you? This guy gets to the root of it. This is why a summertime soundtrack is vital in all of our lives. Identity!
Off we go up Rt. 89 and see what Walker Smith has to say from Hillsborough. This guy is one of the best singer/songwriters you probably never heard of. Yet. I bet he has a summer soundtrack. I bet it’s called “White Moon.”
“For me it’s no competition, Paul Simon’s “Graceland.“ The musical composition is so sophisticated but yet they are the catchiest songs you’ll ever hear. It’s one of those albums you can listen to from start to finish and just get lost in it.”
Agreed, Walker. Nothing beats a Boy in a Bubble except maybe a gal with diamonds on the soles of her jelly shoes.
Jim Tyrrell doesn’t mess around when it comes to music. He’s the man who seemingly finds everyone a stage to perform on in the Plymouth area. Including himself and his killer trio, “The Midweeklings.”
Tyrrell had no reservations when it comes to his summertime musical tastes.
“Foo Fighters – Wasting Light. For me, a summer time album is one that holds up in a car on the highway with the windows open. It should be upbeat, with good sing-along potential, and heavy enough to survive the roar of the road. This Foo Fighters record (and most of the others) works for me.”
Mike Demers of the band Laid to Dust wasn’t having any of this seasonal bliss nonsense. Whether it’s the dead of winter or the dog days of August, Demers is going to head right when the rest of us summertime fools head left.
“I detest most summertime-themed music, so when I saw the weather forecast this morning calling for temps of nearly 90 degrees, I reached for something cold. “Fallen”, by Burzum.”
Right there is one reason why Laid to Dust is a remarkable band. They are a strong minded, unswayable group of gents with killer chops and conviction. Go left, they’ll be happy to go right.
Speaking of strong minded gents, let’s head down to Manchester and check in with songwriter Tristan Omand, another slayer of great tunes. Omand decides to take us on a ride down MacDougal Street. Better yet, a long, slow walk on the sun drenched Village streets where a lonely back table in some nameless dark tavern rests equally easy on the tongue.
“My summer album has been “Inside Dave Van Ronk” for sure. There’s such a wide range of songs and each one jumps right out at you and tells a story. He was an amazing performer and guitarist.”
And there you have it, the gift of summer that keeps on giving. Could be on a ride down the 101 on an early Wednesday morning when it’s already 70 degrees outside. Or a sonic ride through the badlands of Ashland. Or a trip through a border state where the lemons are best served up by a man named Ray. Or just some zydeco, zydeco, zydeco.
Whichever flavor your summertime soundtrack presents itself in, embrace in all its glory, call it your own and challenge it to define the summertime of your life.
I know I will. Cause I’m a summertime boy…..
The post The Summertime Soundtrack appeared first on Concord Monitor Sound Check.
