Today is the first day of summer, and though it’s been quite warm here in Los Angeles, I confess I’ve not felt very summer-y. Yet.

 

But today I’m ready to start. And what better way to feel like summer than to listen to summer? With that sole thought in mind, here’s a list (in no particular order) of my top 10 summer jams, yo:

 

1. “Hey Ya” by Outkast – I can’t believe this song came out 10 years ago. It’s still fresh. Still sets a booty to shaking.

 

2. “The Way” by Fastball – When this song came out, I first heard it at the gym. And I loved it, through all the sweat. I don’t hear it too often anymore, but when it pops up, I stop to have a listen.

 

3. “Saints” by The Breeders – I flippin’ love The Breeders, and I could go on and on about how super-cool they are, but I’ll just leave it at this: this song rules. And they’re right when they sing, “Summer is ready when you are.”

 

4. “How Bizarre” by OMC – This one came out (gulp) in 1996 and it still makes me giggle. And it makes me want a drink with an umbrella in it.

 

5. “Suspended in Gaffa” by Kate Bush – This one is personal, and reminds me of swimming in a friend’s lake, darkness all around, the music tip-toeing across the water. Kate Bush is my musical idol, and has been since I first heard her, all those years ago.

 

6. “Always Alright” by Alabama Shakes – This is a new fave for me, and fave it is. Brittany Howard is the real deal, and I love the way she makes an entire chorus out of a “whoo.” She’s too cool for school.

 

7. “One Way or Another” by Blondie – This song will always remind me of “Six Flags Over Georgia,” and screaming the lyrics while riding “The Great Gasp.” Always, always, always.

 

8. “Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)” by Squeeze – I finally got to see Squeeze last year. They killed. And this song always will.

 

9. “Sabotage” by Beastie Boys – This song, for me, is inseparable from the video. And the video is so L.A., I can’t help feeling the palm trees. And the darkness. On the edge. Those things are L.A., too.

 

10. “Only the Young” by Journey – This is another one that makes me smile. Maybe as long as I react that way, I’m still young. Maybe.

 

This is my list today. Tomorrow could see an entirely different group (and probably will). And limiting music to only 10 titles is ridiculous. I mean, where do you put The Beach Boys? Bob Marley? The Go-Gos? Katrina and the flippin’ Waves, for cry-eye?

 

Summer music is an ever-evolving genre, as it should be. Personally, I can’t wait to see what sticks as this year’s jam. I just wanted to remind you of a few gems. And if you’ve not heard some of these, give them a listen. It’s summer. Time to prick up your ears and crank up your tunes. Hallelujah!

 

By the way, if you’re so inclined to share, what are your fave summer songs?

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