Part of what makes summer so great is the music that acts as the background to all of your activities. Whether you are working outside, sitting a bonfire, barbeque, or simple patio party, or lounging at the beach, the music you listen to shapes the atmosphere and experience.
Therefore, I am starting my countdown of the essential albums for you to listen to this summer. These albums set the perfect summer mood, through their musicianship, lyrics, and general laid-backness.
To start this countdown at number 5, we have a tie between two albums by the NYC indie-pop band Bishop Allen, two albums that really go hand-in-hand: "Charm School" and "The Broken String."
Bishop Allen's songs are almost entirely upbeat, acoustic, and most importantly CATCHY. They are loose, groovy, and fun, and serve as an excellent background for any road trip or party. Let's start with "Charm School."
This was Bishop Allen's first LP, and was released in 2003. From start to finish, it rings with the band's signature harmonies, acoustic twang, and interesting arrangements, featuring concert bells, piano, and various percussion instruments.
Rolling Stone describes the album as follows: If Modest Mouse spent a year in a Chuck E. Cheese ball pit, they might emerge sounding like the delightful Brooklyn quartet Bishop Allen. That's not to say that these indie-poppers aren't a serious band. On their debut, Charm School, the foursome blend sharp, jangly guitars with catchy melodies and big choruses. Songwriters Justin Rice and Christian Rudder write cheeky lyrics and layer their tunes with handclaps ("Charm School") and singalongs ("Ghosts Are Good Company"). And the band's carefree attitude, along with their musicianship, make Charm School as addictive as it is playful. Add drummer Margaret Miller and bassist Bonnie Karin, and they enter indie elite. Karin's ethereal backing vocals complement Rice's perfectly -- propelling already memorable tracks into charmed harmonic bliss.
The top tracks on this album are "Eve of Destruction" and "Things Are What You Make of Them," as both provide fantastic sing-along fodder for any occasion.
Next, we look at "The Broken String" that picks up where "Charm School" leaves off, and increases the band's knack for interesting arrangements, as they know employ organ, horns, and strings. This album serves as a great continuation of the first album, and it would be worthwhile to listen to these albums as one continuous experience.
The top songs on this album are:
"Click Click Click Click," a song that many people may know from its use in Sony Camera commercials is one of the catchiest songs you will ever hear and is one of those songs you will most certainly put on repeat.
"Butterfly Nets" this song was included in my countdown of best star-gazing songs, and I stand by its merit as a summer song as well. This song is more mellow than much of the band's material, but is great for slowing down the pace of a get-together.
"Rain." This may be the band's catchiest, if not best song. It is incredibly upbeat, and it perfect for singing along with. This is also a phenomenal party song.
These two albums are an essential listen for this summer, and are only the tip of the iceberg for your summer soundtrack. I still have 4 spots to fill (which will actually comprise of 5 or 6 albums). Take my word on this countdown: If you have my albums serve as your summer soundtrack, you will have a better summer. Period.
Stayed tuned for more!
Peace Love and Understanding
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