Summer came to Seattle like a power bomb. It topped 85 a few days ago. This makes Alyson melt. I apparently was not ready for summer, though my listening tastes have prepared me for the incoming heatwave. I apologize in advance for not including the actual song, “Heatwave.”
1. “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift
1989 is the gift that keeps on giving. The music video is amazing in that it incorporates so many people in a sci-fi homage with little to no plot other than showing all the famous people. It’s still pretty awesome.
2. “Foreign Object” by The Mountain Goats
Seeing The Mountain Goats a few weeks back has thrown me back into listening to them almost all the time. The new album, Beat The Champ, isn’t my favorite, but it is about wrestling. This song is so fun to sing live. Hundreds of people singing about stabbing someone in the eye with a foreign object just makes me laugh. It is one of the classic dark-subject, fun-singalong Mountain Goats song.
3. “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys
With the release of Love and Mercy, Brian Wilson is back in the pop culture consciousness. This has always been one of my favorite songs. I dedicate this song to my wife who is completely the love of my life.
4. “Hannah Hunt” by Vampire Weekend
While waiting on them to release new music, at least I can go back and listen to their three albums and be satisfied. I gain something new each time through. It is fun and deep music at the same time. It also makes great summer listening.
5. “The Crane Wife 3” by The Decemberists
For a band named after the coldest month, Colin Meloy and company provide great escape from the heat. The Crane Wife continues to be the best Decemberists album. I am blown away by its simplicity. The song itself just exudes emotion. I am surprised I don’t cry every time I listen to it.
6. “Under a Rock” by Waxahatchee
2015 is a banner year for releases by women in rock music. So many great albums have come out this year. Waxahatchee’s new album is fantastic. It might even be a perfect album. I am still mad I missed out on seeing her when she was here!
7. “Lydia” by Chastity Belt
Another one of the best releases of 2015 is Time to Go Home by Seattle’s Chastity Belt. The hearkening of mid ’90s indie from Chastity Belt has always been the draw for me. This song is no different. The ethereal nature of the music haunts me throughout the day.
8. “Pedestrian at Best” By Courtney Barnett
After two stunning EPs, Courtney Barnett released her first full length this year, and it’s proven to be an awesome listening experience. She goes full bore and assaults your eardrums pleasantly. The video is worth it for the carnival atmosphere.
9. “TV” by Colleen Green
The second Hardly Art artist on this list, Colleen Green’s third studio album has also been a great album to come out this year. I also agree with the lyrical sentiment about TV.
10. “Party In the USA” by Miley Cyrus
As requested by my wife. I present to you one of the ultimate summer anthems.
How is everyone keeping cool this summer? Any great songs I missed? Have a great summer!
