I am a fan of all those romantic traits associated with each season. This love does extend to the grey, sparse cold of winter as well as the moonlit nights glowing silver on freshly fallen snow. Hot chocolate and cozy, golden fires are rather alluring as well.
Having said that, I must admit I’m ready for spring to sprung already!
Things are beginning to thaw out. I think. The forecast is warm into the future and we’ve recovered from a stubborn bout of unseasonably cold weather. Of course there is still danger of another frost and one will be nearly guaranteed if we plant our gardens!
I’m ready for the blooming wildflowers and the snowmelt; I’m ready for longer days and mild nights. I’m ready for the hammock. I want to frolic outside in shorts, I want to take a dip in the pool, I want to cool down with a nice, frosty beverage, eat a burger fresh off the coals… I’m ready to be outside again!
Many believe that by focusing one’s energy on something, one might have the power to effect change on that something. Some light a candle, thus focusing the energy of fire and their own thoughts toward their hope, their heart’s desire, their “something.”
I wonder if this magic can be applied to the seasons? Can I focus my energy and conjure spring in some way? There are rain dances, after all. Music is a powerful tool; can it be used to switch the seasonal gears, so to speak?
If we focus our musical energy on this shared goal, we might find ourselves looking outside at a warm sunny day before we know it. To help my cause, to help us all focus our musical energy together, I have included a playlist with the springtime vibe to get us started.
The Backyard Barbecue
It is difficult to please everyone with one playlist, especially if you’ve got reps from several generations in attendance. Still, I think there are a lot of us that like a little of the old world and a little of the new.
Sometimes us older folks crave the comfort and familiarity of the classics but we still need something punchy and contemporary to balance it all out. Meanwhile, the youngsters might crave contemporary, popular music but also enjoy discovering gems from the past. I like this playlist for whenever these cravings come a calling.
Life Like This is a playlist heavy on The Rolling Stones and The Beatles because they are comfort food for the ears. Dance floor comes alive as Portugal. The Man and Meghan Trainor super-hits kick it up. But not too up, as Quarterflash and Max Frost cool everything down a bit. The Arctic Monkeys and Arcade Fire even snuck in there with Tom Petty and David Gilmour. It’s a super mix that tries its hardest to please ‘em all.
This blend of fun is the perfect soundtrack for a gathering, especially one that involves food and drink, good conversation and good times. You can crack a beer with Rihanna and finish it up with Neko Case. You can have chips and dip with David Bowie and eat your cake with Zero 7. This playlist attempts to offer three hours of BBQ contentment like no other.
I hope you enjoy the playlist; let’s prompt the warm breezes and buzzing bees of spring together.
Is there an album, song or playlist that signals spring for you? Do you have a favorite bbq playlist? Feel free to share your favorite springtime tunes here.