Summer School: Summer Soundtracks

Summer School subject by “sleeping in”:
“summer soundtracks. what are the songs that scream "SUMMERTIME!!" and why? and your favorite song "how bizarre" doesn't count, foo.”

This is a great one. Summer Soundtracks are like time capsules for me.

This Summer should be an interesting one… Before I left for La La Land, I was itching to get one last mix in... I wanted to lay some shit down that I figured would be good for driving around sunny Santa Monica.

Anyway, this is what I came up with. Download it, burn it, put it on your ipod, and see if it translates as effectively to YOUR Summer as it does mine…

Summer 2005 Mix

Read on for the track list. Some of it’s new shit, some is nostalgia… Some is a unique blend of both. The mix ain’t perfect… Recorded live, train wrecks, dopey cutting & all.

Let me know what you think.

Common “Be”
God damn Chi-Town… Kanye & Common make a nice team.

Plastyc Buddha “String Vibe (Nicodemus & Osiris NY Hip Harmonic Mix)
Such a groove… Head-nodder.

Latyrx “Lady Don’t Tek No”
Continue head-nodding please.

Marvin Gaye “Music”
Marvin’s good for any time of year… But this remix screams Summer for me.

12 Round “Sexual Healing”
Again… Marvin. This time remixed by some French cats. Sexy.

Cibo Matto “Clouds”
I just pictured myself driving in a convertible…

Nas “I Can”
When I’m feeling down and need my inspirational Nas…

Modest Mouse “Ocean Breathes Salty”
This album was a staple for me last Summer.

Go Home Productions “Sly Beyoncé Walks Like A Nerd”
Well… One of the quintessential modern-day Summer anthems is “Crazy In Love”. And whenever I hear any Banamarama song (even if it’s “Walk Like An Egyptian”), I always come back to “Cruel Summer”. Throw in some Sly and the Family Stone, a little NERD and we’re golden.

Will Smith “Summertime”
Sorry… But c’mon!

N.W.A. “Express Yourself”
Yes.

Beck “Hell Yes”
Or like Beck says… Hell Yes!

The Go! Team “Get It Together”
Love this shit.

M.I.A./Gwen Stefani “Hollaback Girl/Sunshowers”
“Hollaback Girl” is just one of those songs that has absolutely no grey area for people. Either you like it, or you hate it. That’s right. I like it. For some reason I’m just a sucka for those A-cups. But so as not to completely piss anyone off I tossed it up with some Maya Arulpragasam.

M.I.A. “Pop”
More Maya… This time off Diplo’s mixtape.

Fannypack “You Gotta Know”
If there’s anyone that I would like to get to Austin for a show, it would be Fannypack.

Hydroponic Sound System “Percy Keeps His Disco Dubby”
My girl loves this song. The bassline makes her wiggle. And that Spanish guitar breakdown is Sick. Plus I gotta represent for my people in Dallas.

Tangoterje “Can’t Help It”
MJ. But not just any MJ. Slap some latin flair on that sucka and make your summer nostalgia complete.

Nuyorican Soul “Runaway”
Okay… This song can easily turn you away upon first listen… But just give it a chance people! I promise you’ll come to love it as much as me. When India starts bustin’ the Spanish verses? So so sweet.

La Funk Mob/INXS “Motor Bass/Mediate”
INXS Kick was my soundtrack one Summer when I was a young adolescent buck. Brings back memories of hanging out in the Galleria, throwing super balls from floor to floor. This one I slapped on a La Funk Mob track.

Shantel “Bucovina”
It don’t get more Summer than gypsy music. Know what I mean?

Le Tigre “After Dark (Diplo Remix)”
I oh so love that yelpy voice.

Jem “They (Cut Chemist Remix)”
I fucking hate Dido. But for some reason I actually dig UK’s version of her.

ESG “Dance”
Damn I wish I lived in the Bronx in the early 80’s so that I could see these girls doing their thing. Fuckin’ A.