Summer is a strange time for the indie music listener. The Bon
Iver vibes passed with the snow, James Blake is a little too chill for massive
thunderstorms, and while The National is perfect for coffee and dozens of
blankets, they don't mesh well with popsicles and harsh sunshine. Summer is
definitely confusing for those of us who tend to gravitate toward somber and
intricate tunes. Over time, I've figured out what songs I tend to zero in on
during these sunny months--without compromising any of my indie cred, of
course. Take a look at a few of my recommendations, preferably from your phone
as you lay in the grass with a glass of lemonade on hand.
"Crazy For You," Best Coast.
OK to be honest, anything by Best Coast is perfect for the summer. Bethany Cosentino is a legend. I could've thrown a dart at a list of her discography and picked whatever it landed on. While it may not be layered with multiple oboe pieces or a violin solo, this song is fun, short, and the very definition of beach-y. What's not to love?
"Swing Lo Magellan," Dirty Projectors.
Another band with a general summer feel, Dirty Projectors hit a pleasant, swooping groove throughout their song "Swing Lo Magellan." This is one of those hammock songs--lean back, close your eyes, and sway along with the music.
"Love And Some Verses," Iron & Wine.
So I'm not afraid to slow things down a bit when it comes to music. "Love And Some Verses" is one of the more mellow songs on this list, and I'd pair it with the perfect summer sunset (or sunrise, if you’re into waking up), a blanket on the grass, and your favorite person admiring the sky with you.
"He Woke Me Up Again," Sufjan Stevens.
Okay, so anyone who knows me would understand that I can't make a playlist without involving Sufjan in some way, shape, or form. "He Woke Me Up Again" is a perfect lazy morning sort of song. It reminds me of rumpled sheets, early morning light, and the promise of an exciting day ahead.
"Banana Pancakes," Jack Johnson.
Made for those humid, stormy summer days when you obstinately refuse to leave air-conditioned buildings, "Banana Pancakes" is a light, carefree song about lazy mornings, delicious breakfast food, and nestling in for a day at home.
"Mr. Tambourine Man," Bob Dylan.
Do I even need to explain this one? Hint: that’s a rhetorical question.
"Changing of the Seasons," Two Door Cinema Club.
My favorite positive break-up song, "Changing of the Seasons" conveys the perfect attitude for anyone wishing to start this summer with a clean slate. It helps that the song is insanely upbeat. Goodbye spring, hello summer.
"Somebody," Jukebox The Ghost.
Just like with Best Coast, Jukebox is definitely one of my go-to summer bands. I could blast this song in my car and scream the lyrics at the top of my lungs on a sunny summer afternoon -- that’s the best way to listen to summer music, after all.
"Honey & I," HAIM.
I have only good things to say about HAIM. Three sisters that sound like a modern take on a 70s rock band? Yes, please. Another group whose discography I could listen to all summer, "Honey & I" is especially fun to jam out to on the way to a beach with a car full of friends.
"Meet Me in the Woods," Lord Huron.
This song reminds me of a montage where a group of friends hike through a tall, mysterious forest, occasionally hammock, possibly go swimming, and end the day with a bonfire on a cliff. It’s a slow-burning, persistent song that feels like August.
"Shake It Loose," Astronauts, etc.
If you live anywhere considered south, you might start hating the humid, muggy heat that summer turns into sometime in July. For these days, I tend to listen to slow, simmering, jazz-influenced songs to cool down and match the lazy mood that summer heat can put me in, and "Shake It Loose" fits perfectly.
"All Your Yeahs," Beach House.
OK, so if you’re a fan of Beach House, you know that while the name implies fun summery pop music, they’re pretty much the opposite. Still, "All Your Yeahs" is a great slow, synth-infused summer jam for leaning against an AC unit during a hot afternoon and sipping iced coffee.
There are tons of other musicians I haven’t mentioned -- of course, summer calls for The Beatles, The Ramones, The Cars, and The Beach Boys to all be played religiously. Sneak in some Vampire Weekend, The Strokes, and Arctic Monkeys too, for good measure. Whatever gets you in the mood for whatever it is you’re doing this summer, I hope some of my suggestions stick. Have fun, slather on that sunscreen, and enjoy any adventures that come your way!
