Well yesterday was Labor Day so it marks the end of Summer for many people in the US. However, I’m about 3 days behind on posts because I took a short trip over the weekend and didn’t post. So here are two summer classics to round out summer with.

Don Henley – Boys of Summer [YSI]

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Drifters – Under The Boardwalk [YSI]

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(Media Fire was down at time of posting. Those links will be up ASAP)

For all intents and purposes, Summer is nearly over. As far as I’m concerned, Labor Day marks the end of summer, which is especially true for those of us who work in education and go back to work the day after the long weekend. So that means only one more Summer Sunday after today. So for you today, here are a few modern tracks that I feel really encapsulate the feeling of Summer. Enjoy.

Uncle Kracker – Smile [YSI]

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The Ataris – In This Diary [YSI]

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Camera Obscura – Honey In The Sun [YSI]

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So I just saw these guys this past week (concert review to come soon). Prior to seeing them live, I had never heard even heard of them but I went with a friend and really really  enjoyed their show. They opened the show with their song “At The Beach” appropriately enough seeing as we were in Myrtle Beach. The song was perfect for the atmosphere there and perfect for a Summer Sunday. After the show, I downloaded some of their music and was actually a little underwhelmed. The energy and raw emotion just weren’t there in the studio recordings. They were too clean and lacked their live dynamic flavor. Even with all that going against it, “At The Beach” is still a perfect song for one of the few remaining Summer Sunday posts.

The Avett Brothers – At The Beach [YSI]

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I wish my summer went a little more like Chicago’s version of it. Instead, I was out landscaping all day and now I feel like I just want to lay and take a handful of Aleve for my back. Regardless, gotta love the Chicago horn line and all it’s glory.

Sorry, once again it’s a busy weekend and this is a short post. Just dig Chicago.

Chicago – Saturday In The Park [YSI]

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I’m usually not big on country music AT ALL but when it comes to a solid Summer Sunday post, this is perfect. A nice little acoustic guitar with some storytelling combined with an overall carefree mood make this perfect sitting on the beach and just relaxing. Maybe a mixed drink is more appropriate for the beach than a beer but now I’m just being picky. I also like the fact that the story kinda changes through the song. He takes that the carefree mood on the beach and just applies it to his entire life. I guess in some ways I feel the same way about life and thats really why this song breaks down my “I dislike country” barriers.

I’m just gonna drive up by the lake
And put my ass in a lawn chair, toes in the clay
Not a worry in the world, a PBR on the way
Life is good today, life is good today

Zac Brown Band – Toes [YSI]

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Let’s keep summer rolling with another summer tune. This week is The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun.” This is probably one of my favorite songs to listen to on a nice sunny summer day. IT just encapsulates the the mood summer should bring. When I was trying to decide which song to post, I heard a car playing this while I was about 5 miles into my bike ride this morning and realized, without a doubt, this would be today’s song. Hope it makes you feel as good as it makes me feel.

The Beatles – Here Comes The Sun [YSI]

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It’s a Sunday evening and the World Cup has completed. I’m happy to say that I saw about 75% of the games this year; however, I was not rooting for Spain… It doesn’t matter, though. I enjoy soccer all around. The 102°F+ heat wave has subsided on the east coast and I decided to head outside and try out my new cleats while kicking around the soccer ball. Turns out it is still 90°F outside, though. Woops. Well that didn’t last long. Anyway, here’s my Summer Sunday selection with the Isley Brothers’ “Summer Breeze.” It was partially inspired by “How I Met Your Mother.” Saw the show for the first time this weekend and watched nearly the entire first season.

O yeah! Below the song is a badge for signing the petition to get the 2018 World Cup in the US. Do it!! Thanks much.

The Isley Brothers – Summer Breeze [YSI]

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Just listened to this song again. Damn, I love this song!

Apparently I forgot about my own Sunday theme I wanted to go with: Summer Sunday. Missed two weekends of it. Oops. Well, here’s my next installment of it and I’ll try to remember for now on. This cover of The Lovin’ Spoonful classic song “Summer in the City” comes from the 1999 compilation album “M.O.M., Vol. 3: Music for Our Mother Ocean” featuring Butthole Surfers. They’re cover adds that “back of my neck feeling dirty and gritty” feel to the song really well. And on a day that is 95 degrees and feels like 99 outside, this song just fits the mood. Guess I’m gonna go change from jeans to shorts. Relax and stay cool today (easier said that done for my northern hemisphere readers, I’m sure).

Butthole Surfers – Summer in the City [YSI]

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Check the rest of my summer tunes here.

Today’s song choice was simple and for obvious reasons. I work in a school and today was the much anticipated last day. Well, not last day in the normal sense. I have two weeks off before going back to work summer session. Regardless, this 1972 school anthem has always been one of my favorite ways to leave school for the summer. This was Alice Cooper’s first big hit and, honestly, it’s what I most remember him for without a doubt. Anyway, if you are out of school just for summer, or even forever as Cooper says, enjoy it. Carpe totem.

Alice Cooper – School’s Out [YSI]

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Beginning last Monday, I started my official one-a-week Summer Sunday that pulls songs off a summer playlist I made 2 years ago. Here’s the second installment with the Eels “Mr. E’s Beautiful Blues.” Maybe not that classical summer song but it’s light airy feel is nicely uplifting. Which is definitely what I needed today. Got my car towed last night an hour away from home and the towing place was closed today so I couldn’t get it back. Yeah, a bit stressful but music is my release.

So you know what: Goddamn right, it’s a beautiful day!

Eels – Mr. E’s Beautiful Blues [YSI]

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