- The Observer, Sunday 21 May 2006
Our cover star Lily Allen is set to have the smash hit of the summer, which got us thinking of our favourite soundtracks to summers gone. 'Hot fun in the Summertime' by Sly and the Family Stone, 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' by Roy Ayers, 'Here Comes the Sun' by the Beatles, 'Summertime' by Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, and 'Hot In Herre' by Nelly immediately came to mind, but on the Observer blog we asked for your suggestions.
For toggy, 'nothing captures a summer afternoon better than 'Summer Breeze' by the Isley Brothers'. But Malibu argued 'Please - summer means sun, which means the beach, which means beach music: 'I Get Around', 'Surfin Safari',' both by the Beach Boys, pictured.
'Your Fucking Sunny Day' by Lambchop is 'ballsy, bright, funny, and the soundtrack of hosepipe bans' says Stew28, 'and virtually anything from Wilco's Summerteeth album is perfect. Lush, dense pop with a melancholic edge'. 'Somewhere In My Heart' by Aztec Camera suggested mroli: 'Summer in the city and the air is still'.
Niron (and plenty of others) suggested 'Loaded' by Primal Scream, although KidCurrie argued 'surely the stoned 10-minute Weatherall mix of 'Come Together' is a better choice for lying in the grass on a hot woozy afternoon'. 'Shoot The Pump' by J Walter Negro and the Loose Joints, says Paul, is 'about setting off a fire hydrant in order to cool down'. For the end of the day, pniggy suggests 'Sunset' by Kate Bush. 'Languorous with a zesty ending'.
So from your choices, only a few of which are reprinted here, we've picked a playlist, with your comments attached. Keep adding to the blog (see address below), and check it for next month's topic, which we'll post when we've recovered from lazing around in the park.
1 Good Vibrations
The Beach Boys
'Anything by the Beach Boys really, but if you had to pick one...'
2 Here Comes The Sun
The Beatles
'Has to be on every summer compilation. It's the law.'
3 Summertime
Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
'Cheesy, yes, but a classic.'
4 Hot Fun In The City
Sly and the Family Stone
'Stick it on Friday afternoon when the sun's out and it will set you up for the weekend.'
5 All Day Music War
'A laidback but euphoric song, similar to Sly's "Hot Fun..."'
6 At The River Groove Armada
'If you're fond of sand dunes, and salty air...'
7 Sunny Afternoon The Kinks
'Perfect for "lazing on a sunny afternoon, in the summertime".'
8 Sunshower MIA
'Perfect for chilling on a hot day.'
9 Pop Singer's Fear Of The Pollen Count
The Divine Comedy
'All jaunty, sickly and sunny.'
10 Summer In The City
The Lovin' Spoonful
'My perfect summer vibe.'
· Songs are (mostly) available to download from iTunes
