Summer is almost here.... well not really, but Reegan's been wearing shorts for the past 2 weeks in anticipation, and I've been stinging for a beer at around 11am instead on midday - daylight saving couldn't get here any quicker!
Every year we get together and throw around our ideal songs that each of us would have on our summer mixtapes.... and every year we fight... but it's a fun fight, like the kind summer sun encourages: squirting someone with the backyard hose,
shaking up a beer and positioning at the front of the fridge for your flatmate,
slipping an ice cube into a girls cleavage at a party or
pants-ing dudes who wear nothing under their boardies... ahhh I love summer....
Here's what each of us came up with as our Top 10 Songs of Summer... some old, some so new the wavey warm heat lines are still floating above the cds - but that's what you need in a good mixtape am I right?
Be sure to add yours in the comments too!
Reegan - Radar Announcer / Party Liaison
NB. Reegan was too lazy to write how these songs directly relate to summer, other than "These are the songs I like drinking in the sun too". I guess that says it all anyway....
Childish Gambino - Heartbeat
Apparently, I am trying to be hardcore by putting Childish in this list but so what, I’m ok with good hip-hop
Childish Gambino - Heartbeat [VM DIRTY EDIT] from JIMBO on Vimeo.
Deep Sea Arcade - Steam
There’s something about this song in particular from their album that just gets me all summery. I know it’s a cliché but whatevs, maybe I like it more because the two Nick’s are good dudes? I dunno. Just shut up and like it.
Last Dinosaurs - Andy
One of the best albums of the year in my eyes, it’s filled with catchy pop songs and this one is one of the strongest from it. Also, having seen them and spoken to them a million times, they’re genuinely nice guys so that also makes me like them more (there’s a bit of a trend here, if you’re nice to me, I like your music)
Twin Shadow - Five Seconds
I know it’s an awesome album yadda yadda yadda but I continue to just skip to this song. Usually I try and time it for when the train doors open so I can have some sort of strut when I exit the platform.
I would also thank Zoe for forcing me to take on Twin Shadow (look who's got the microphone now big shot!)
Presets - Push
If you heard my interview with Jules and Kim you’d know I’m a huge fan boy. Anyone that’s my age is to be fair. I was a bit sceptical when they released Ghosts but now it’s a tune, not as good as this one though.
You gotta
head here to hear it for now as it's too new.
Scissor Sisters - Baby Come Home
Man I loooovveedd this album when it came out, I don’t revisit it as a complete body of work anymore but I definitely find myself coming back to this song.
Saskwatch - Your Love
Admittedly, I don’t know much about the band. I know there’s a lot of them. I know they’re from Melbourne and I know I likes em. That’s all I need right
The Harpoons - Keep You Around
Another band I don’t know a hell of a lot. I know it has Martin from Oscar & Martin fame in it but there’s just something about this song (and another from their EP which you can buy from Bandcamp) which is just special.
Van She - Jamaica
I like Van She a lot. My brother used to play me this song.
We spoke about it in our interview. It’s Mikey’s first song but man I really like this calypso sounding record. This is a deffs standout though.
Passion Pit - Carried Away
I could have put the entire album here, it’s so good and summery. Sometimes the lyrics are a bit melancholy but he’s buried them in upbeat grooves. I really dig it.
Olivia - Music Director / Future Music Fist-Pumper
Roger Sanchez - I Never Knew (Full Intention Club Mix)
One more my all time fave tunes. I’m a sucker for a great baseline and sweet vocals… this hits all the right boxes for me. Get me pumped for a night out every time.
Electric Guest - This Head Hold
It’s just a happy track... without fail you’ll see my head bopping to it when it’s on.
Van She - Idea Of Happiness
I remember seeing these guys for the first time when I was living in Adelaide... they smashed out Changes & Kelly (just to name a couple of my faves) and they were brilliant so needless to say; I was excited to hear new music from them. I wasn’t disappointed.
Kimbra - Two Way Street (Remix)
True, this track comes from a pretty old album but the song was given a new life with this remix. I’m such a sucker for a romantic song with a pretty vocal. Definitely the loveliest tune from ‘Vows’.
NB. Sadly Liv there's no embeddable stream for the Damian Taylor remix - the one you like. But here's a cool one by The Slips.
The Bamboos - I Never (feat. Daniel Merriweather)
There’s something really special about a gorgeous Daniel Merriweather vocal, he’s just solid and sexy. We featured The Bamboo’s album as our Record Of The Week a while back and this was definitely one of the stand out tracks on it for me.
Outro Lugar - Salome’ Da Bahia
Negrocan - Cada Vez
Afro Medusa - Pasilda
Ok, these were on my list from last summer but they still totally takes me to a beautiful beach somewhere in the world where you’re just relaxing and a DJ is spinning some amazing Latino House tracks. These 3 songs go hand in hand – they mix into each other perfectly.
Anna Lunoe & Flume - I Met You
This just recently got added to the Radar playlist and I can’t seem to get enough of it. I’m really into this down tempo pop fusion type sound at the moment. It’s just not too heavy and nice to drive around to. Anna’s vocal is fantastic.
Clubfeet - BrightLightsBigCity
Very nice house track... recently went to a BBQ where this was playing in the background, it was a gorgeous sunny day and absolutely PERFECT for the setting! Sounded fantastic when we had it on rotation on Radar as well.
Zoe - Digital Producer / Pete Neon look-a-like
Purity Ring – Fineshrine
I’ve been burning this whole album Shrines since it came out in July. I’m kind of obsessed with weird off-beat synth-pop. It makes you all warm and fuzzy inside… and I think this would be a cool track to slow dance/make out too… which is ideally how everyone wants to spend their summer right?
The Presets – Fall
This is my favourite new track from The Presets new album Pacifica. WAY more house-y than their other stuff so it's weird I dig it so much, but man - that chorus is bangin! I’m definitely going to be carving some crazy shapes to this on some sweaty dancefloor this summer or vacuuming naked to it… whichever duty calls first.
There’s no embeddable track yet as it's so hot off the press, so head here to listen.
Chet Faker – I’m Into You
Chet, I cannot say enough good things about you dude. This track is pure sex music, and well… everyone knows what happens when the temperature rises... and I'm not talking about mangoes coming into season #winkyface (although that is a bonus). I’ll stop talking now because I think my mum is reading this. Hi mum. If you haven't got this EP Thinking in Textures you’re missing out.
Kids of 88 – Tucan
Any song that spruiks “free my body” and “I’ll leave my world behind” to the sound of uplifting marimba chimes and handclaps has got me already running and diving into the surf in my head. This song didn’t get picked up anywhere else and I have NO idea why. Kids of 88 are an NZ band & this song features the Naked & Famous singer too. PS. Did I mention I love handclaps?
Lemonade – Neptune
Summer makes me go on long walks and ponder a lot of things… I know that sounds weird - but I am - and I celebrate that fact often (alone haha). This kind of synth-drenched "lonely pop" is some of my favourite to listen to when the sun is beating down and your head is floating away... PS. Lemonade are a Brooklyn based experimental 3 piece and if you like this get their album Diver, been out since May, it's phenomenal.
Flight Facilities ft Grovesnor – With You
Flight Facilities never fail to pump out a bangin summer jam do they? I remember they opened at Harbourlife a few years back with that Aeroplane remix of Friendly Fires “Paris” mashed up with Crave You – their hit at the time – SO good. The sun was out, we had squishy ribena containers full of vodka in our bags & our hearts full of hope… that day held so much promise… then my sister spewed into a red bull cup. To her credit, she did reemerge from behind the bin quoting Wayne’s World, “If you’re gonna spew, spew into this”. Respect.
Bullion – Let’s Go Away for a While
Bullion’s Pet Sounds: In the Key of Dee is such a vibey summer album – it should be considering it’s a J Dilla inspired mixtape laden with Beach Boys samples. I always find myself returning to it on a hot day on my way down to the beach… usually altering the way I walk into a “cool” loose-gate swagger (think Usher with haemorrhoids). Bullion was out here for Laneway this year if anyone caught him… This track is a fave.
Tame Impala - Sundown Syndrome
So yeah, I could pretty much listen to any Tame Impala track any time of the year. But I get a little nostalgic when the heat kicks in… thinking about hearing these boys for the first time (when this track premiered back in ’08 maybe?) is like remembering my first kiss – hmm overly soggy and honking of bourbon – I take that back. Let's just say, it takes me back to a warm place. I’ve heard the new album Lonerism too and it’s THE BOMB!
Olympic Ayres – The View
These guys are a very cool unsigned duo from ol’ Sydney town, highly underrated in my opinion! Can’t get enough of this track: it’s a catchy as hell and the tropi-pop (I made that term up) beat & keys just make you want to move your body (I dance weirdly - all shoulder I’m told) and I like the lyrics…. Starting something new with someone new.... oooh saucy.
City Riots - Wait For You
This is the latest single from my fave Adelaide indie band at the moment City Riots. I've featured it before in my TOP 5 TRACKS of the WEEK if you want more info on the band... but personally this song reminds me of my first love (he's a musician can you believe haha) and road tripping down the coast in uni break and "sleeping" under the stars... you know that feeling of complete freedom and when you're kind of figuring out who you are with someone else. This song reminds me of that feeling. He's now my best friend btw - TMI alert!!!! Like you care haha
Belinda - Radar TV Producer / We call her "Buns"
Bertie Blackman - Boy
This is my favourite track at the moment. Bertie’s sound is so refreshing. The percussion and base line make this track, the perfect summer chill out song. Super cute clip to go with it.
PSY - Gangnum Style
I might regret this one later as it is getting so much airtime right now – but who doesn’t love a track that gets everyone up and dancing in unison. We could be singing about Shetland ponies in Hawaiian shirts making love to leprechauns with bladder problems – but wouldn’t know as it’s in Korean. Such a random clip – it’s a must see.
The Beach Boys - Fun Fun Fun
It’s an oldie but a goodie! Caught the old boys on their Aust. tour this year and although they toured in our winter, every song they played made me feel like it was balmy outside! You’ve gotta love the harmonies – great summer vibe!
Passion Pit – Take A Walk
I love the popp-y-ness of this track. Sick clip to go along with it. Still trying to figure out how they did it. Their latest record Gossamer is the perfect sound track for a summer Barbie.
Missy Higgins - Everyone’s Waiting
I love that Missy is back. She came into the studio and performed this track for us live after Splendour. It’s such a chilled out song and reminds me of those Sunday sessions by the beach. Check out the film clip – shot at the beach in Byron Bay – it’s almost swimming weather!
Owl Eyes - Paper Planes
This track is just a favourite all year round. I wish she had made a video clip for this one – I can imagine rolling hills with 1000’s of flying origami birds. Love her sound. Slight girl crush!
Gypsy & The Cat - Sorry
Can’t wait for the new G&TC album. This track reminds me of drinking ciders in the sun…enough said!
Django Django - Default
Hooky and upbeat, and mad use of the tambourine. I was already in love with their music but fell in love with the boys when we caught up with them at Splendor. Who doesn’t love an accent!
Sam Sparro - Happiness
Reegan mentioned to me one day that every time this song comes on the radio I sing along to it. Which I now realise is true. It always puts me in a ‘happy’ mood and is now a major contender in my playlist when getting ready for a night out on the town.
Rudimental – Feel the Love
Ever noticed that there is an increase in birthdays around September/October period? It’s because everyone ‘feels the love’ around the holiday/summer time. I think this is the perfect summer anthem.
Add yours in the comments! Who doesn't love mixtape swapping?