Summer Tones Playlist 2011: Something Old, New Borrowed and Blue Part 2
Soon enough review stalker Dave returns from his extended holiday in the sun. Before he gets his blogging groove back on I have one more guest posting of summer playlist tones for y’all. Here’s 4 more that reflect upon the time of year.
Something old:
Appears the unusual heat dome has broken and the temps are now near 90 degrees in most parts of the country. That’s a bit of relief after the sweltering 100 degree dog days of last week. Some of that was broken up with a scattering of precipitation. Every time it rained it poured and each time I kept humming this oldie but goodie. Next time it rains this summer hum this chestnut and try and get it out of your head.
Summer Rain video by Johnny Rivers from the album Realization (1968)
Something New:
The Fiery Furnaces have been making some nervous art rock for over 10 years. The Brooklyn based duo have had moments of greatness on some of their albums. But it appears Eleanor had to leave her brother behind to record her sweet NYC tribute album. Included on her debut album, ‘Last Summer’ are songs about city ‘hoods Bensonhurst, Roosevelt Island, Coney Island and Owl’s Head Park. The lead track ‘My Mistakes’ could be the summer song of 2011. Check out the video and you’re sure to be sold with its inspiring imagery and catchy melody. It’s a hook laden beauty of a tune.
My Mistakes video by Eleanor Friedberger from the album Last Summer (2011)
Something Borrowed:
When it comes to songs about this time of year fellow Brooklyn-ite George Gershwin nailed it. In 1935 he wrote the music for the American folk opera ‘Porgy & Bess’. The hit song from the show has been covered countless times by so many including Janis Joplin, Sonny & Cher, Billy Stewart, Peter Gabriel, Sam Cooke, Brian Wilson, Sinatra and numerous others. But when Terry Hall took a stab at the classic in ’82 he ho-hummed his way through it while his “Fun Boys” from The Specials chanted away. An inspired and inventive take on the standard that sums up the season quite nicely whatever year it is. Hush little baby don’t you cry.
Summertime video by The Fun Boy Three (1982)
Something Blue:
When Jack White married British super model Karen Elson he may have subconsciously had plans to record her. Once the 6 year marriage ended her debut album was released. She had been singing occasionally over the years with Robert Plant, Cat Power and with the NYC “cabaret” group, the Citizens Band. The album is a haunting countrified treat that includes a song about the season that Bananarama (The Fun Boy 3’s girls) also complained about back in the’80s. This is not that happy new wave ditty but one that is extremely sad and blue. It’s a tearjerker that may require a tissue. Can’t help but wonder, did she write this for Jack?
Cruel Summer video by Karen Elson from the album The Ghost Who Walks Out (2011)
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