The calendar might insist that summer won’t begin until June 21st, but the ninety-something degree temperatures beg to differ.
These hot desert days slow everything down; the heat slathers everything in a golden lacquer. The days become filled with early activity and long afternoons that stretch, almost stopping time. All signs of life live hidden in the shade.
In the spirit of appreciating things for what they are and not trying to make them something they are not, languishing in the heat can be made into a rather indulgent activity. Or more accurately, an indulgent lack of activity.
The summer will provide plenty of afternoons dragging into evenings; these will require lemonade and somewhere to put your feet up. A shady respite, and perhaps a fan silently feigning a gentle breeze, is essential. A water source of some kind is highly recommended as well.
And of course, there will need to be music. A soundtrack to help your thoughts soar beyond your surroundings. A soundtrack to occupy the mind, helping to keep the dreaded smartphone someplace air conditioned, where it belongs.
Golden Tunes was compiled for these still, thick summer afternoons. It isn’t too mellow so it avoids becoming a smoldering lullaby; it isn’t too energetic either, so it won’t make you feel lazy if you opt out of dancing along.
Opening on a cover of David Bowie’s Golden Years, the playlist has plenty of nods to the past. It also keeps it modern with the likes of Radiohead and Portugal, The Man. Country hero Waylon Jennings snuggles up to Canadian indie-darlings, Sloan, without batting an eyelash. Bob Dylan and The Band both make appearances. The playlist is thoughtful enough to feature The Beatles, Paul McCartney and Wings. It’s quirky enough to include Tom Waits and Talking Heads. It has rarities like Gossling and powerhouses like Elton John.
Basically, it’s a great summer playlist for kicking back and watching the day unfold. I hope you find some time to enjoy it this season.
Cheers!
As always, please do not hesitate to share what's on your mind. Do you have a favorite summertime album, playlist or tune? Is there a summer memory that always pops up when you listen to certain music?