Song title: Surface to Air
Artist: Chemical Brothers
Year: 2005
Why I like this song:
A song that has become a summer anthem for me in recent years.
Seems like the perfect song to run through a field under a clear blue sky for me
Original video located here. Accessed 4th February 2012
Song title: Little Talks
Artist: Of Monsters and Men
Year: 2012
Why I like this song:
It's raucous but at the same time, sounds like nothing else going around at the moment
Much like the video, it sounds like something to have an adventure to
Song title: Good Life (Buena Vida) (Tommy Onyx's Summer Fiesta Radio Mix)
Artist: Inner City
Year: 1999
Why I like this song:
The original may have typical bombast of early nineties dance music so hearing this, which takes the more chilled approach, is a surprise.
It's aged better too.
Song title: Echo Beach
Artist: Martha and the Muffins
Year: 1980
Why I like this song:
A summer anthem that will no doubt resonate with anyone who has ever worked in an office and wished they were somewhere else.
Song title: Barflies at the Beach
Artist: Royal Crown Revue
Year: 1997
Why I like this song:
'tis a swingin' tune.
If this doesn't make one get off the barstool and head to the beach, then I don't know what will
Original video located here. Accessed 21st January 2012
Song title: Why Don't We Do Something
Artist: Hey Geronimo
Year: 2012
Why I like this song:
A new act that comes bursting out the gate with a catchy song and tonnes of personality? Works for me!
If anything, this comes across as keeping the Goofball Aussie flag flying and maintaining a tradition pioneered by the Fauves and Mental as Anything. Well I have enjoyed those two acts so this is fine by me.
Song title: Move Your Feet
Artist: Junior Senior
Year: 2003
Why I like this song:
Some people might think this annoying. I think it's such a joyous song, that's perfect for strolling through the city at summer
Song title: Turn Up Your Radio
Artist: Masters Apprentices
Year: 1971
Why I like this song:
Another bonafide Australian summer anthem. The two selling points are the horns and vocalist Jim Keays' performance. Allegedly he recorded the vocals when he was sloshed. Hearing it, I find no reason to doubt it.
Original video located here. Accessed 17th January 2012
Song title: Speak of the Devil
Artist: Hermitude
Year: 2011
Why I like this song:
Took me a while to come to this but I'm glad I did. Gotta love a song that makes you dance to a point where it just makes you and not a word is spoken. It's all in the groove.
Song title: Power to the Passion
Artist: Midnight Oil
Year: 1982
Why I like this song:
It's a unique hybrid of surf rock and dance. Pretty much an unmistakable Australian summer anthem. And it's proof that you can get anyone to dance to an angry song.
Song title: Endless Summer
Artist: The Jezebels
Year: 2011
Why I like this song:
Its big and it certainly evokes the imagery of blue summer skies. Great that someone has taken up the gauntlet of writing a summer anthem capable of of standing next to the greats.
Song title: Holiday
Artist: Ratcat
Year: 1992
Why I like this song:
A slice of Australian alternative that predated silverchair (yes that time period did exist. Stop denying that it didn't).
Pretty much what it says in the title: Great soundtrack for a holiday and going on a road trip.
Yes it's effectively a document of it's era but don't hold that against it.
Original video located here. Accessed 10th February 2013
Song title: Counter Revolution
Artist: Delta Riggs
Year: 2011
Why I like this song:
One gets the feeling that these guys are picking up the baton dropped by Jet.
But who cares? This rocks hard and has a great chant-along chorus.
Song title: Psychoactive Summer
Artist: Def FX
Year: 1995
Why I like this song:
It may be a product of it's time with it's fusion of dance and metal. It may have it's own slice of cheese ("Woohoooo! YEAH!!"). But damn, it's unbeatable as a summer anthem. That and vocalist Fiona Horne sure sells it.
Song title: One More Time
Artist: Groove Terminator
Year: 2000
Why I like this song:
It has enough bombast that I can easily imagine this playing at some beach party.
Song title: Summer Song
Artist: Joe Satriani
Year: 1992
Why I like this song:
Damn effective for a summer road trip.
Song title: Elephant Stone (12 inch mix)
Artist: Stone Roses
Year: 1989
Why I like this song:
The original is great by itself but I always preferred this 12inch version. Somehow, unlike the original, it gives off a vibe of running outside on a summers day....
Song title: Wipeout
Artist: The Surfaris
Year: 1962
Why I like this song:
From one quintessential summer/surf-rock-instrumental to another.
Much like Misirlou this has a degree of timelessness that appeals to generations and will most likely be associated with countless summers, before and well into the future.
Song title: Misirlou
Artist: Dick Dale and his Del-Tones
Year: 1963
Why I like this song:
Happy New Year, yadda yadda.
Its summertime at the moment so I want to talk about songs that I like to play around this time.
So lets start with one of the undisputed summer anthems.