Soundtrack to Summer

Gift for a drummer friend, pattern from Sublime Stiching

As our great city embarks on day three of a poorly timed heat wave (the garbage collectors, public, pool operators etc. are on strike) I thought it to be the perfect opportunity to present to you my Soundtrack to Summer!

All it takes is the opening bar from one of my past summer favorites to transport me right there again:
- "i don't want to miss a thing" - Aerosmith summer of 1998 - just broke up with my first serious highschool boyfriend, thought life would never be the same
- "I love you always forever" - Donna Lewis summer 1996 - first trip to Europe without my parents, first taste and buzz off white wine
- "Jump" - Pointer Sisters summer of 1984 - Jumping (obviously) with Sibling J from one couch to another in our basement - the challenge being to climb back up on the couch before they said "jump" again - good times.

Without further ado, here are my Soundtrack to Summer picks for 2009!


Pick #1: Pheonix - Wolfgang Amadeus Pheonix

If the song "1901" doesn't get you totally psyched for a great game of ultimate frisbee, to cruise the streets on your bike or walk with an awesome strut, then nothing will!
This album should be your soundtrack to kicking butt this summer and feeling awesome doing it.

Pick #2: Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

Nothing beats summer love - new for those who are looking or deeper for those who have someone already holding their heart - and this latest album from Neko is the soundtrack to do it to. These are songs for warm breezy days under a tree in the park, for slow strolling and holding hands.

Pick #3 - Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

If you have not already spent some time listening to the gentleman of Grizzly Bear, this summer is the time to do it. Challenging, catchy and perfectly harmonized - this album is great for a hot day in the sun or a cozy rainy day tucked inside.

Pick #4 - Ohbijou - Beacons

This is a pick of mine for a few reasons:
a) Sibling J is in the band!
b) It was recorded at our family cottage
c) It is really, really great.
* The cd release part is tonight at the Opera House - come join us!

With the rate I am listening to these (about 4 times a day, on repeat) I may be ready for a new list by the time August rolls around! So please let me know - What is your soundtrack to summer?