Ah, August. That dreaded eighth month in which we trade sunny skies for a fistful of fall classes. Although you’re more likely to be surfing the Web than actual waves now that the semester has started, why not hold onto the fading summer sun for just a few moments longer? Relive the glory days of summer ’13 with this Endless Summer playlist.
“Sun Giant” – Fleet Foxes
What could be more summery than the gold-tinged harmonies of this dreamy Fleet Foxes track? Oh, right. Nothing.
“In My Arms” – Jon Foreman
Jon Foreman, best known for his current gig as lead singer of rock band Switchfoot, also released some more melancholy solo EPs back in 2008. Ever the fanatical surfer dude, “In My Arms” compares embracing a loved one to the marriage of shore and sea. Kowabunga.
“Summer Nights” – Grease Soundtack
Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Boy sings about girl while wearing impossibly tight black pants. Tell me more!
“Dog Days Are Over” – Florence + the Machine
The dog days (of summer) may be coming to a close, but the ethereal, otherworldly vocals of lead singer and full-time fashion icon Florence Welch manage to make one feel happy about that. Bonus points: In the music video Welch wears what can only be described as a priestly purple kimono, while what look like real-life smurfettes (!) and a gospel choir dance happily in the background.
“Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles
It would be a complete and utter to shame to compile a summer playlist without including the most iconic song about the sun, ever. Only with moody Florida weather it’s more like “Here comes the rain. No, wait, here comes the sun. Ugh, here comes the rain again.”
“Fun Fun Fun” – The Beach Boys
If there was ever a band to listen to while you drive along the coast (or as you sit in your dorm miserably, wishing it could be July again) it would be none other than sixties’ surfer group, The Beach Boys. For more end-of-summer jams, give their entire Endless Summer record a listen.
“Portrait of a Season” – The Happiness Machine
This local St. Pete band makes music that sounds like a blissful summer day. With poetic lyrics, cheery keyboards and guitar solos that make you want to hug the sun, The Happiness Machine inspires smiles for miles. Even if the only place you’re driving is to and from the parking garage.
