201220931
Already blessed with a great view of motorists from my second-floor office space, I figure to be even fortunate now that higher temperatures have compelled me to open my window more often. I always take an interest in what drivers have on the radio, so as summer approaches and as I feel the temptation to shun air conditioning in favor of Mother Nature’s offerings, here are the top 10 songs that I wish to hear as our paths cross.
10) “Summer Wind”: I have never really gravitated toward the Frank Sinatra catalogue, but this seasonal beauty, which turns 50 this year, will never be a fickle friend to my ears.
9) “I’m on Fire”: Like Sinatra, a fellow product of New Jersey, Bruce Springsteen has not earned many spins by yours truly; however, the yearning present within this 1985-issued classic can cool my desire for a great diversion in under three minutes.
8) “In the Summertime”: I am a big fan of T.S. Eliot, so when I first heard of Mungo Jerry, I immediately recognized the band’s name as an homage to “Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer” from the writer’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.” Literary appreciation aside, this debut single, which reached the #3 spot in the Billboard 100, could even put me in a good mood in the dead of winter.
7) “Summer Breeze”: Who else loves hitting (or trying to hit!) those notes when Seals and Crofts sing “Blowing through the jasmine in my mind”?
6) “Summer of ’69”: I was born in 1979, making music from the ’80s a very instrumental part of my maturation. Bryan Adams played a huge part in that growth, as I found myself particularly enamored with people who wrote their own songs rather than those who relied on others for hits. This beauty from ’85 still sounds incredibly fresh to me, and I hope he still has that “first real six-string” handy to reminisce.
5) “Under the Boardwalk”: The Drifters have won my favor since I heard “Up on the Roof” and “On Broadway” for the first time just shy of adolescence. “Under the Boardwalk” rounds out their trio of cherished titles consisting of prepositional phrases, and the 1964 gem schools me in the brilliance of forgetting one’s cares and pursuing happiness, limitations, be damned.
4) “Seven Nation Army”: I am accustomed to hearing this one at sporting events, particularly Catholic League basketball title games at The Palestra (Thank you to the squads at Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School for ALWAYS advancing to championship night!), and although it is not a summer tune, this White Stripes masterpiece has such a relentless guitar riff that I am hoping someone has the good sense to give us all a treat or two.
3) “The Boys of Summer”: While The Eagles were a phenomenal group (“Hotel California” was almost a member of this list), I have always preferred the solo output of Don Henley to his discography with the band. Try to avoid releasing a tear or two when listening to “The Heart of the Matter” or to keep from emulating the “she” in “All She Wants To Do Is Dance,” for example; however, “The Boys of Summer,” from 1984’s “Building the Perfect Beast,” has to be his signature tune, with the initial note setting us up for a nearly five-minute examination of love and loss.
2) “Don’t Stop Believin’”: Immensely fun to play on piano, this 35-year-old masterpiece from Journey could be the anthem for every day of the year. During the summer, I think it sounds particularly apt, as in some way, shape, or form, “Everybody wants a thrill” when days grow longer and dream burn more brightly.
1) “Here Comes the Sun”: My absolute favorite song, this 1969 masterpiece by The Beatles first grabbed my attention when the 16-year-old version of me watched a PBS show for my junior year physics class at St. John Neumann High School. Twenty-one years later, I know that nothing will ever eclipse this tune’s message of hope, happiness, and appreciation. The 15 to 20 seconds just before George Harrison sings the final verse are gorgeous and make me feel so fortunate to be alive, which I consider a must-have component if a piece of art wishes to endure. ■
Contact Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
