Building your Perfect Summer Soundtrack

(June 2010) –Whether you are headed out on the open road, relaxing on the beach or by the pool or enjoying the company of family and friends, music is an essential part of the summer season. Creating your own perfect summer soundtrack takes time, practice and, ultimately, a great range of artists and genres to fit your moods and activities.

Today’s hits are sure to be blaring on the radio, so lets focus on some older and less recognizable songs and artists that fit these typical summer situations.

Road trip: It may be the ultimate challenge for any musical compilation. You’re in the car, possibly for hours, and music is your one salvation. The good news is that there are countless songs that are sure to put you into the road trip spirit. Here are a few that would make almost any list.

• “Slow Ride” – Foghat. The name says it all.

• “Life is a Highway” –Tom Cochrane. A perfect road trip anthem.

• “Boys of Summer” - Don Henley. What could be better for a trip with the guys?

• ”Low Rider” – War. The song makes you want to put down all your windows and crank the stereo for the world to hear

• “Summer of 69” – Bryan Adams. A great sing along song for the ride as you reminisce about growing up.

• “Route 66” – The Rolling Stones. Perfect for a drive on a warm summer evening

• “Stuck in the Middle with You” – Stealer Wheels. Fun when you have a car full of friends.

Basking in the sun (and the down time): Few things offer the kind of simple pleasure as does laying basking in the sun. Whether on a beach blanket, sprawled on a favourite comfy outdoor chair or cuddled up in a hammock, it is one of the best way to relax and wind down. So, with that laid back vibe in mind, accompany your well-deserved break with some mellow tunes.

• “It’s Five o’clock Somewhere” – Alan Jackson. A subtle reminder that there is always a party going on.

• “Could you be Loved,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” “No Woman, No Cry” and on and on - Bob Marley. No relaxing afternoon or vacation would be complete without this musical genius.

• “Summer Wind” – Frank Sinatra. No artist is cooler, and no song gives you the feeling of ultimate summer decadence like this one.

• From “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” and “Margaritaville,” to “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” no one captures the carefree days of summer like Jimmy Buffett as he reminds us all to relax and enjoy the ride.

• For a more current artist to add to your laid back mix, Jack Johnson is a great, if not widely well-known pick. Johnson’s folk-rock jams feature poetic lyrics, and rhythms that will get anyone nodding along in approval.

Get togethers: The summer gives all of us more opportunities to enjoy the company of friends and family with regular get togethers. This summer, be sure your back yard, porch or patio is ready with the right music to get everyone in a celebratory mood.

• “Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond. We dare you to find someone who doesn’t know the words, and nothing gets a party going like a sing along.

• “Patio Lanterns” – Kim Mitchell will bring back the memories of your first kiss under the glow the moon and patio lanterns.

• They aren’t called The Beach Boys because they are great for listening to on a rainy day. Their upbeat tracks are perfect background for any summer gathering.

• Make it a Motown evening with hits from the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, the Supremes or any of your favourites.

• We mentioned the Beatles “Day Tripper” above for a road trip, and any of their other classics would be perfect for a family and friends get together. From slower tracks like “Let it Be” and “Yesterday” to more rocking fare like “Can’t Buy me Love” and “Twist and Shout,” you really can’t go wrong.

• Having a reunion or just entertaining all the relatives? If so, you have to include Sister Sledge’s “We are Family” to the mix.

What songs would you put on your summer soundtrack? Visit us at Facebook and join the discussion now!