Song title: Buena Vista
Artist: Gomez
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
Now I will forever associate Gomez as a 'summer' band as they give off a 'laidback' vibe. And it only takes one listen to this to imagine going to beach somewhere and chilling out, evening sun in front of you and a cocktail in one hand.
Song title: For the Love of It
Artist: Salmonella Dub
Year: 1999
Why I like this song:
Can't go wrong with putting on some reggae on during the summertime. And here we have some of New Zealand's finest put their own spin on it. There is a damn good reason that Salmonella Dub has become synonymous with 'Chill-out' music.
Original video located here. Accessed 27th February 2012
Song title: Oblivion
Artist: Grimes
Year: 2012
Why I like this song:
I switch on my TV one Saturday morning to catch rage and i come across this.
What appeals to me about this song is that it's just so bizarre and unique. It sounds like a horror movie but there are numerous little touches throughout that maintain interest.
Plus the video shows Grimes being the only one enjoying the music while everyone else remains oblivious. Something i can indeed relate to.
Song title: Always the Sun
Artist: The Stranglers
Year: 1986
Why I like this song:
Once again, it's a song that - intentional or not - gives off a summer vibe. It must be those synths....
Song title: Bobalong
Artist: Kinobe
Year: 2000
Why I like this song:
Way back in 2001, I got the debut album from British electronic act Kinobe. In the years since, it has become a mainstay soundtrack for many summers. Indeed, the entire album has one of the best summer vibes throughout.
And this was one of the high points of the album. Very chilled and very representative of the album as a whole.
Song title: She Wears a Mask
Artist: Machine Translations
Year: 2002
Why I like this song:
Once again, a song that captures a particular vibe - that being, going to the city on a summer evening, getting food, hanging around, and getting drunk.
Song title: The Other Side of the World
Artist: Dishwalla
Year: 1997
Why I like this song:
You wouldn't think the grunge/post-grunge movement would inspire a summer/chillout song but here we are. It's surprisingly effective as something to drift away to.
Song title: Long Hot Summer Night
Artist: Earl Gray
Year: 2005
Why I like this song:
This song didn't take off and become a hit. Which is puzzling to me as it seems perfect for lounging around one's house at sunset with beer in hand (party atmosphere optional)
Note: No Youtube video for this song but this song does exist
Song title: Groovin'
Artist: Young Rascals
Year: 1967
Why I like this song:
Another good song to chill to. One would think it was custom made for lazing on a sunny afternoon - particularly telling is that opening line
Song title: Pure Shores
Artist: All Saints
Year: 1999
Why I like this song:
I was never interested in boy/girl groups of the nineties but I will admit that I had a soft spot for this song. I found this to be a great song to chill on a summer evening.
Seems the girl's harmonies and William Orbit's production made for a winning combination
Song title: Harold and Joe
Artist: The Cure
Year: 1990
Why I like this song:
You would think that The Cure would be the last band that could do a summer-time song but, for their gloom, I can't fault Robert Smith for his pop sensibilities. And this is one such example.
Somehow this has the impression of something playing at a pool party where there's a lot of fizzy raspberry drinks.
Song title: Take Me to the River
Artist: Talking Heads
Originally Done By: Al Green
Year: 1978
Why I like this song:
Proof that a cover can completely transform a song, here we have a song about one's religious convictions morphed into lounging around on a deck chair on a beach somewhere. In fact, it; so laid back in it's vibe, that said deck chair could drift out to sea and you wouldn't care.
Song title: 4
Artist: The Cruel Sea
Year: 1991
Why I like this song:
This song plays to two of the strengths of the Cruel Sea: a) they can crack out a great instrumental and b) they are very much a laid-back band.
This is indeed a song that I will forever associate with Australian summer. Near where I live there is a big river that leads out into the sea. On one side are some housing and on the other is a barbecue area and some bushland. And for me, this song speaks of chilling in said area on a sunny evening.
And if a song can take you to a time and place then it has done it's job well.
Song title: Island in the Sun
Artist: Weezer
Year: 2001
Why I like this song:
Perhaps the most summer song to ever exist.
One would argue that Rivers Cuomo is doing every trick in the book to evoke summer (guitar delay, lyrics about holidays and sun, laidback feel) but he succeeds! I've heard this for many summers since it's release and I hope hear it again for many summers more.
Song title: Summertime
Artist: Sundays
Year: 1997
Why I like this song:
Apparently this about being in your thirties and still being single.
But you wouldn't think that given the summer vibe this song gives off. Indeed, I recall many times hearing this in 1997/98 in the front room at my parent's house and chilling
Song title: Sunshine
Artist: 78 Saab
Year: 1999
Why I like this song:
I recall this song being something of an anthem back in the day. Granted it never reached a large audience but those who did loved it.
I've said previously some songs require a certain environment to work and, in that sense, one would think this song was custom made for summer roadtrips.
Song title: Summer
Artist: Buffalo Tom
Year: 1995
Why I like this song:
Some songs about summer seem to evoke memories of the summer time, of an era that is long gone (just ask the Beach Boys). This song is doing just that but through the perspective of nineties cynicism.
Having said that it does its job and it's still a damn good song.