Ok, I posted my list a week or so ago, but now I want to add a few notes about some of these songs and why I think they go on a “summer” mix of music. But it’s kinda long, so I’ll bury it in the
“Give Me a Dollar†by Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone
I found Jumpin’ Johnny by accident, but count him as a friend. This song was once used on that New Orleans detective show that lasted a season or two, but I think it’s a great way to kick off a road trip. Which is one of the things we do in summer…“Little Bitty Pretty One / Rockin Robin’ by Rod Piazza
This one is just contagious, and I hope there isn’t any nasty Jackson backlash against this tune.“Squeeze Box†by The Who
Ah, yes, I can remember an entire church bus singing this song as we rolled down the highway from camp. Also, parking with my now-bride.“Saturday In The Park†by Chicago
If this doesn’t make you think of Summer, I don’t know what will. Also strangely appropriate since I was mailing this mix over my vacation on the fourth of July.“Late Last Night†by Todd Snider
Who hasn’t felt this way?“Hey Rene†by Evangeline
The third time through listening to the disk in the car I realized that this tune should really come before “Late Last Night” by Todd. Come on, let’s go out…“Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes†by Jimmy Buffett
Ditto the thinking of summer. Right now I’m thinking of the poor folks in Cuba, Haiti, and elsewhere that got slammed by Dennis.“Margaritaville (punk Version)†by Todd Snider
yes, really. He even played this at Margaritaville Cafe in Key West, on the night he pulled a Pete Townsend and broke a beer sign while waving his guitar over his head.“Destination Unknown†by Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone
More Johnny. Let me tell you something about Johnny: he is great. He has a big heart and will get most folks off their ass and dancing.“Smailtown blues†by Ruthie Foster
Ruthie — I could write a lot about her. She’s from here, well, about thirty miles from here, but she was playing locally with her band when we first moved here, and they were freakin’ awesome. Please note she’ll be on Austin City Limits at the end of July (uh, ‘check local listings,’ I’ve always wanted to say that) and you can see more of this fabulous woman. I could write several stories about her.“Looking for a Love†by J. Geils Band
Summer tune if there was one..“Paradise By The Dashboard Lights“ by Meatloaf
Again, because we used to go parking. It’s hard to tell by looking at me now, but we did all kinds of wild stuff in the back of a Datsun. Hatchback.“Alright Guy†by Todd Snider
Damn straight! I still don’t know why..“Beer Run (live at lynaughs)†by Todd Snider
I have this song ten different ways. My kids always insist we play it in the car. “Beer song. LOUD.”“Beer Drinkin’ Woman†by Gary Primich
Not much better, is there?“Nothing Wrong With That (Beat-Up Ford, Pt. 2)†by Jack Ingram
I don’t even qualify as a Beat up Ford, I don’t think, and I got me a rolls-royce.“(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding†by Nick Lowe
I couldn’t decide if this one really fit. It is a fabulous song, well done, a great recording. But is it summer? To me it is, I bought the CD and listened to it one summer over and over again, so this song (and others, it’s a double CD) are forever “summer” to me. Also strangely appropriate in this world of ours which seems bent on tearing itself apart.“Walk Like A Camel†by Southern Culture on the Skids
Ah, another summer song. When we first moved here (about ten years ago) this would come on the radio (yeah, it was summer time, I’m not bright enough to NOT move in Texas in August) and they would never say who it was – they figured everyone knew. So after hearing it a couple dozen times I finally found out and hunted up a copy.“Goodnight Moon†by Jack Ingram
Another great song, written by a guy (Will Kimbrough) about being out on the road and away from his family. Jack does it justice (and he’s away from his family a lot, too). Both of these men are great entertainers and all around nice guys. Lemme know if you want to know more (but most folks who have read me realize that I named my blog after a Jack Ingram song…)
Dang, is that all there were?
This was fun, I wanna go again!