Hi everyone, I'm Caleb Kelch and this is my first article on Odyssey. I am very pleased to have this opportunity and hope you all enjoy! During my time, on here, I will be talking mainly about music from the past as well as talking about the present. For my first article, I'll pick my top 10 songs of the summer. The songs will be all sorts of genres including alternative/indie and rock.
10. "May It Last" - The Avett Brothers: "May It Last" comes off of The Avett Brothers' most recent album, True Sadness. Although, this song may not be played on the radio I suggest you take a listen. From its beautiful sound to the vocals that sort of melt in thin air; this song is by far a classic from The Avett Brothers and one of my favorites off the album. This song seems to be a great fit on the list because everyone has those down times during the summer where all you want is relaxation and this song is perfect for a nice, sunny day while just floating in the pool.
9. "Take It From Me" - KONGOS: Two years ago, the KONGOS took the world by storm with their debut album and boy was it a good one. Well, their back and even better than ever. The KONGOS decided to stay true to their original sound and I think we're all glad they did. Take It From Me followed in the footsteps of Come With Me Now by being one of the best summer songs in the alternative/indie music world.
8. "Spirits" - The Strumbellas: "Spirits" was one of the first hits of the summer if not, the first. The early summer hit was a huge shining moment for Americana fans. Although the song faded into the abyss by mid-July I still believe it was one of the best songs of the summer.
7. "Ophelia" - The Lumineers: The Lumineers did it again with a fantastic new album and a great song to lead them to success. Even though "Ophelia" may not be a fun, pump-up song, it is a great song to just sit back and sing to. The Lumineers released one of the best albums of the summer and I suggest everyone listens to it.
6. "Get Out" - Frightened Rabbit: This Scottish band has been around for around 10 years or so and has seemed to become a big hit in their home country. Frightened Rabbit's first U.S. released album has been a big success especially with their first single released from the album, "Get Out"; which is the perfect song for the summer. The song has a great rock feeling to it and is a perfect song to drive with the windows down on any summer day. I am very pleased to say that I have seen Frightened Rabbit live and they put on a terrific show.
5. "All We Ever Knew" - The Head And The Heart: The Head And The Heart's new album falls into the late summer category, but it is a fantastic album. "All We Ever Knew" was released about mid-way through the summer and it sure became a classic in an instant.
4. "Trouble" - Cage The Elephant: Cage The Elephant never seems to miss a beat; every album and every new song they release they just seem to get better and better. Cage The Elephant's most recent album was released last year, but they continue to release singles off the album. The most recent being "Trouble", and it has just been tearing up the charts. "Trouble" was one of the best songs of the summer for 2016 and I think all of Cage The Elephant's fans thank them very much.
3. "Way Down We Go" - Kaleo: A band from Iceland that started releasing singles in the U.S. last year has started to become pretty big in the just the last 6-12 months. They released their debut album in June and I speak for everyone, thank you very much, Kaleo! Boy, it is fantastic in every way and never seems to lose your focus. I have been very fortunate to seem them live and if you think they're good in general see them live and your opinion will definitely change in a good way. "Way Down We Go" has been Kaleo's biggest hit so far and I don't question it at all. The song has been composed just perfectly and the vocals just melt your brain while the sound is just so hard to describe because of how amazing the song is.
2. "S.O.B." - Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats: The song that quite possibly could be the rock song of the year has taken the nation by storm. The Night Sweats' sound is so unique with their flavor of rock and their blues-esque sound makes them a standout hit. "S.O.B." is by far one of the best songs of the summer and is a great song to rock out and party too. The Night Sweats' debut album could hands down be one of the best of 2016. From tunes like "S.O.B." that has a very fun and rocky sound to it while I Need Never Get Old starts off real smooth and slowly increases into a great tune to dance to. Wasting Time provides a very mellow and smooth tune and never leaves that level and just provides an escape from the world. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats have definitely been my favorite band of 2016.
Honorable Mentions:
"Threat of Joy" - The Strokes, "Good Grief" - Bastille, "HandClap" - Fitz and The Tantrums, "Mountain At My Gates" - Foals, "I Need Never Get Old" - Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, and "Go Robot" - Red Hot Chili Peppers
*Drum roll*
1. "Dark Necessities" - Red Hot Chili Peppers: RHCP is back and we are all very very happy people. The new album is hands down one of their best and one of the best of the year. RHCP's new album's sound reminds you of their classic sound that never became old or boring. "Dark Necessities" showcases the amazing talents of Flea, Chad Smith, and Anthony Kiedis as well as newcomer Josh Klinghoffer. This song has been the best song of the summer and there's no question about it. The gradual entrance for each member just grabs you in right away and the vocals are just terrific. For all these reasons and more,
"Dark Necessities" is hands down the best song of the summer.
That concludes my list for the Top 10 Songs of the Summer and I hope you enjoyed this list and start to listen to the bands that I have listed if they interest you. Thanks!
