The Sun Mixtape
You need it to live, so respect its mixtape.
Last week was all about the dreary weather, so it’s only fair to make a mixtape about the bright side of things. And since it’s suppose to be in the 80’s and sunny all weekend, it’s time to bust out the sun mixtape. Slap on some sunscreen, throw on some shades, and roll out your bike to enjoy what is hopefully the official start to summer.
The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun - Of course the creators of feel good sunny pop music would write a song or two about sunshine. If I could pick a song to be woken up to everyday, I’d pick this song.
Travis - Walking In the Sun - A lot of the bands with songs about sun also have songs about rain (case in point). I was unaware that weather was such a popular subject in contemporary rock-pop music.
Violent Femmes - Blister in the Sun - This jerky handclap classic always puts me in a better mood. You really can’t stay down and out while listening to any song with handclaps though. To me, this is one of the songs that are the epitome of warm weather.
Apples In Stereo - Sun Is Out - Another band that draws heavy influence from the 60’s pop era of The Beatles, the Apples In Stereo make feel good music. This track is a bit more heavy and trippy than most of their fare, but still infectious and fun.
The Polyphonic Spree – It’s The Sun - You really can’t help but have a sunny disposition when listening to the massive sounds of the large-scale productions of The Polyphonic Spree. Everyone’s favorite indie rock cult/choral group sing songs of hope and happiness, and are so syrupy sweet that it may induce a state of happy euphoria for any listener.
Yeasayer – Sunrise - The freak folk act Yeasayer makes eerie and danceable music, and this sultry track is perfect for a lazy sunny day outside.
Serge Gainsbourg - Sea Sex and Sun - I admit, this is probably my least favorite Serge song ever. It’s cheesy, it’s annoying, but damn is it funny and the perfect example of ridiculous and refreshing songs that only sound good on a bright and sunny day. Try playing this song during a snowstorm and see if you don’t want to kill people. It’s impossible.
Beck - Sunday Sun - Beck has that tropic flair to a lot of his music, that really makes him on of the best artist to throw on when laying by a pool, grilling out, or driving in a convertible. Surprisingly, this track is from his most down-tempo albums, giving a prime example to never judge a book by its cover.
Broken Social Scene-Looks Just Like The Sun - I believe the best way to experience Broken Social Scene is sitting in the shade at a summer festival while the band blows your mind with their massive layers of sound, so it’s no surprise they make the cut - another simple and sweet song from the Canadian indie rock powerhouse.
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - I Am Powerful and Warm - You know what’s powerful and warm? The sun. You know what is soft and hushed and soothing and wonderful? This song. Even if the band name conjures up images of the motherland.
Posted by Lisa White on Apr 23, 2009 @ 8:00 am
