Still trying to cope with the bright, beaming rays of that ball of fire called the sun? Yes, we’ve officially reached the prime of summer and with the picnics, bikes and rollerblades coming out in full force, here’s a little playlist to accompany everything you do in the next couple of months.
A day spent lying down and relaxing by the water must be marked by the simmering ease of Best Coast’s effortless melodies washed over with layers of fuzzed-out guitar charm, all narrated by the romantic coos of lead singer Bethany Cosentino’s voice. With a highly-anticipated debut record entitled Crazy For You due out July 27, expect to hear the sunny hits of this California duo in more places than just the sandy beach. (Must play: “When I’m With You”, “Boyfriend”)
A lazy afternoon at home: Wilderness of Manitoba
Too humid to get out of bed? Then spend the day at home, grab a pair of headphones and lie back and relax to the breezy warm tones of the Wilderness of Manitoba. More suited for a calm autumn night, the band’s new record When You Left the Fire also works really well as a summer cool-down with a calming cup of tea. (Must play: “Orono Park”, “Summer Fires”)
Coffee date in Kensington: Jason Collett
Kesington Market and Jason Collett almost go hand in hand (“Charlyn, Angel of Kensington”, anyone?) and for good reason. There’s no better pairing than a sip of comforting, warm coffee with the smooth, whisky voice of Collett and his sunny folk charm. (Must play: “Love is a Chain”, “High Summer”)
Those crazy parties that you will have no recollection of in the morning: Wavves
We all attend at least one of these each summer. And this year, there’s no better soundtrack to your wreckless incoherent nights than the wreckless incoherence of California stoner rockers Wavves. Their new record King of the Beach (out via iTunes this Thursday, physically August 3) isn’t as soaked in droning layers of noisy fuzzed-out reverb but it allows for main man Nathan Williams’ adolescent voice and fun lyrics to truly shine through. So grab a beer, smoke a joint and let the Wavves wash you away. (Must play: “Post Acid”, “So Bored”)
Getting pumped for a day at a festival: Sleigh Bells
Some people drink coffee, some drink beer but either way, one needs some good energetic jams to pump through your veins before attending those overwhelming music festivals. Wake up, brush your teeth and blast a healthy dose of Sleigh Bells’ debut record Treats as you’re preparing breakfast. It’s a surefire way to get pumped for a day full of overpriced water bottles, long waits and ultimately, hours of mindblowing music. (Must play: “Tell ‘Em”, “Infinity Guitars”)
Picnic in the park: Maylee Todd
Make some sandwiches and salads, pack a few refreshments, head to the park and enjoy a lovely picnic with friends while listening to the quirky pop gems of Maylee Todd. There’s a little something for everyone on Todd’s debut record Choose Your Own Adventure, from loungy jazz tunes to spacey, funkadelic workouts. (Must play: “Summer Sounds”, “Aerobics in Space”)
Hanging out with friends: The Drums
A great conversation piece (or am I the only one who can go on for hours about the Brooklyn music scene, preppy indie boys and this surf-rock trend?) and a universally accessible band to bond over cups of lemonade would definitely be New Yorker quartet The Drums. I dare you to prove to me that “Let’s Go Surfing” is not a perfect pop song. (Must play: “Let’s Go Surfing”, “I Felt Stupid”)
Let’s go to the mall: Two Door Cinema Club
In need of some retail therapy? Then to keep the spirits high, bring your iPod along and enjoy the Phoenix of this summer, Irish trio Two Door Cinema Club. Their vibrant, super-catchy hits are sure to make you smile and somewhat help you cope with your hatred of crowded malls. (Must Play: “Something Good Can Work”, “Cigarettes in the Theatre”)
A backyard BBQ under the stars: Forest City Lovers
Just as the day cools down and you’re relaxing on a friend’s patio, awaiting the sizzling burgers on the grill for dinner, the saccharine melodies of Forest City Lovers will surely suffice as the starry soundtrack to your evening as well as the cherry on top of your sundae that will undoubtedly follow the delectable main course. The band’s first release in two years, since 2008′s gorgeous and dazzling Haunting Moon Sinking, Carriage is out today so pick up a record and give it a spin tonight! (Must play: “Tell Me, Cancer”, “If I Were A Tree”)
A lonely night at home: The National
We can’t always have exciting evenings out, sometimes we just need a night in. And what better company to have than the melancholic crooning of The National and their latest record High Violet. Just make sure you don’t get too depressed. (Must Play: “Afraid of Everyone”, “Bloodbuzz Ohio”)
