Summer–those infamous dog days are finally here and in a flash after what was a lackluster spring. Out are the flirtatious warm breezes of Spring, and in are full-on ovenlike conditions. As the best of us desperately flee towards air-conditioned spaces as moths to a light, here’s a list of six songs that recognize the different meanings, perspectives and benefits of summer.
“Oslo in the Summertime” — of Montreal
Ever eccentric and experimental, of Montreal’s indie pop “Oslo in the Summertime” tells the story of being in Oslo, Norway. “Oslo in the summertime / Pakistani children play locked inside of the courtyard all day / Pretty people everywhere / Sun lamp tans and flaxen hair / Just tell the Americans not to stare.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kEvF1blLEk&feature=related
“Summer Skin” — Death Cab for Cutie
Count on Death Cab for Cutie to find a way to put a somber, deep spin on just about any topic, including summer. In this song, they view summer in its simplest form: a season, a subdivision of the year. Just as the seasons come and go, so do relationships. “On the night you left I came over / And we peeled the freckles from our shoulders / Our brand new coast so flushed and pink / And I knew your heart I couldn’t win / Cause the seasons change was a conduit / And we left our love in our summer skin.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR_VeG1XW_4
“Summer in the City” — Regina Spektor
“Summer in the city means cleavage, cleavage cleavage.” Enough said, right? Regina Spektor’s summer ballad is a bit of a misnomer. Despite the song’s voluptuous opening line, Spektor sings of a saddened lover. “It’s just when it’s summer in the city, and you’re long gone from the city / I start to miss you, baby, sometimes.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMq8qc9NxfQ
“Summersong” — The Decemberists
In “Summersong,” The Decemberists story journeys to the beach, where summer is comparable to the ocean arriving and fading, as do waves retract and flow. And summer arrives with a length of lights / And summer blows away / And quietly gets swallowed by a wave.”
“Deadbeat Summer” — Neon Indian
Some like their summers productive, and others not so much. Even if your summer is booked with work and weekend excursions, it should be a rite of passage to have at least one deadbeat summer per lifetime. Sometimes there’s nothing better than doing nothing.
“Summer” — Modest Mouse
Stealing cars, dancing, DJs, Slip N’ Slides and swimming holes make up the ideal summer for modest mouse. “Just the smell of the summer can make me fall in love,” sings Isaac Brock.
