Summer! Road trips! Camping! Road trip music! Oh summer!
So, possibly we’re quite excited about the new season. It sort of kicked off for us a couple of weeks ago when we went to the Performance in the Park show in Banff. Nothing says summer like shivering and sheltering under a tree in the pouring rain, admiring how the bands bravely ensured the show must go on. It was such a determinedly Canadian scene! Short sleeves and pants worn under rain gear, umbrellas rather than parasols, children in wellingtons and galoshes throwing frisbees and footballs to keep warm, and enticing smells wafting over from the food tents. Far more coffee than beer was being sold…
Hey Rosetta and Shad gave excellent performances, and both have been added to our road trip playlists. I mentioned in an earlier post how I’ve been listening to quite a bit of Big Star and Neil Young recently, so they’ll figure prominently. Nothing too snoozy for the driver on those long trips.
Apparently, it is quite a common occurrence for men to make lists – of music, movies, books, preferred beers etc. Well, that sounds ridiculous. Grown men doing such a thing?
Here is a short list of what would make my shortlist of favourite summer tunes if I was the sort of person to do such a thing. (Took me forever, kept changing my mind after discussions with some guys I work with, my Dad, my brothers, a random dude on the train…) In the interests of time, and because, let’s face it, lists by other people are boring, I’ll keep it brief. Just three songs:
Thirteen by Big Star. If a song could ever capture the hopeful start of summer, the youthful yearning of first love, of what it feels to be young, and make you nostalgic for your early teenage years, then this is pretty close. I love this song, and maybe you do/will too?
Fam Jam (Fe Sum Immigrins) by Shad. He writes thoughtful, smart lyrics, performs with passion – and often a smile on his face – and tells stories that put you in someone else’s shoes. Apart from all that, his tunes are infectious! I enjoy old school hip-hop that isn’t riddled with misogyny and homophobia. The album Flying Colours is great, and will get played endlessly this summer.
September Gurls by Big Star. Oh, come on PlaidCamper, you’ve already included Big Star! What can I say? This is a summer classic, a bookend to Thirteen, and a summer closing song. The sound draws heavily on so many summery music influences, and the song is infectious – it may take up residence in your head, but it’s ok, because it is great. Ooh, bit opinionated there, but even the random dude on the train had to agree…
Anyway, a brief list as promised. A bit of fun to kickstart the summer, and possibly make you rather glad you’re not in the back of our car. Feel free to make your own suggestions in the comments below, and have a wonderful weekend!
OldPlaidCamper 
Happy Summer!!!
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Oh yes! And a happy summer to you!!
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Thank you ! Midsummers Eve (yesterday,) is one of the most important holidays in Sweden 😉
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Oh yes, you are in for a good time this summer! I remember “Summer in the City” by Lovin’ Spoonful,Tracey Chapman’s 1987 album, “Talkin About a Revolution” “Fast Car
” Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “Saturday Night” Eagles’ Peaceful Easy Feeling””Mountain Music’ by Alabama oh I must stop great driving and singing-along songs. Liked what you picked did give it a listen.
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Your choices are great – and I’d forgotten about that Tracey Chapman album, so will have to track it down, add it to the list!
Thanks, and have a happy summer of travels and music!
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Thepicture of the painted RV says it all, “Born to be Wild”! Run with it, friend; have a great mobile (and sedentary/feet up) camp-out this summer. Meanwhile, I’ll give the Big Star tunes a listen!
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My hope is the RV in the picture has a few miles left in it, and gets the occupants to where they’d like to be. Probably an act of faith, and more about the journey…
Thanks, Walt, and I hope you’re enjoying a pleasant weekend!
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Fantastic photos this week for your summer theme. I enjoyed your songs by Big Star, but as much as I have tried over the years to appreciate the hip-hop genre, I failed again. Four songs at the top of my summer playlist this year are Glory Days by Bruce Springsteen, All Summer Long and First Kiss by Kid Rock and Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon. Jimmy Buffett is always included and there seems to be quite a few disco songs played, but those are included because my Yorkie, Gabby, likes listening to great disco hits from the 70s (an old classic rock fan would not admit to that). Have a wonderful summer !
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Great suggestions! As for 1970s disco hits, well, they’re easy to like but hard to admit to!
Thanks, and I hope your weekend is going well!
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Hello Plaid Camper – thank you for this post and the photos.
Have a safe and wonderful summer – Enjoy!
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Thank you, and I hope you have wonderful summer!
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A great post! I’ve been trying to make a perfect playlist to publish on the blog for desert drive, mountain drive and ocean drive, but I might steal this idea!
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Thank you! I like your idea – a different soundtrack for different road trips…endless possibilities, and highly appealing for a mix tape nerd (that’s me!)
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Fun post, pc, a good kickoff to summer. I laughed at your description of the Banff performance, and your photos were great. Roadtrips ahead, and sweet days. Congratulations on making it through the school year. And have a blast!
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Glad you enjoyed this one! I really do make lists and mix tapes of music, so thought I’d inflict a short one on readers here. Sadly, for it is true, I’m quite happy making lists of books, movies, places, just about anything. Somewhat nerdy, and you’d think it indicates an organized mind, but no. If you could see my desk…
Thanks, Jet, and have a great week!
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Ahh, summer, it seems like such a long way off for me. Soak up some rays for me please, I miss it already! Enjoy. 🙂
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Will do! We’re hitting the road early tomorrow morning, heading for the west coast of Vancouver Island. It’s a rainforest, but there’ll be some sun (tent camping, so sun would be nice…)
Stay warm, and enjoy the weekend!
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That sounds so good. Enjoy and I hope to read about it!
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