Summer’s here! The weather’s scorching, friends wanna get turnt and it’s time to fire up the grill — just in time for the backyard parties that our great nation’s independence mandates (Article 2, Section 11: Congress shall make no law forbidding the getting down of all Americans every 4th of July). Bask in these ten festival jams during your awesome barbecue:
1. How to Dress Well — “Repeat Pleasure”
Compared to past HTDW releases, the vocals on “Repeat Pleasure” are mixed to be more up front. This brings out Tom Krell’s sensational, intimate, blue-eyed soul cadences, which makes the song glisten with summery beauty and freshness.
2. Wavves — “Post Acid”
Hectic melodic punk from some of the best-haired brosephs in all of rock music.
3. Japandroids — “Young Hearts Spark Fire”
Despite the major key lively guitars, “Young Hearts” centers around a depressing, afflicted mantra: “Now we worry about dying/I don’t wanna worry about dying.” It’s a painful, but brutally awesome summer jam.
4. The Drums — “Money”
Remember when “Money” was buzzing hard through the blogosphere a few years ago? Bring back that 2011 indie nostalgia with The Drums’ post-punk lament about being broke.
5. Notorious B.I.G. — “Juicy”
This is the epitome of East Coast hip hop’s golden age.
6. Pavement — “Here (Peel Session 1)”
It’s more booming and passionate than the Slanted and Enchanted version, and all your friends will be complimenting you for being able to find such a deep Pavement cut.
7. Lambchop — “Gone Tomorrow”
Lambchop paints a heavenly alt-country landscape with tranquil guitar patterns and solacing violins.
8. Haim — “Falling”
These trendy sisters make some groovy, blissful indie rock. “Falling” is an amazing encapsulation of effervescent 80s pop music at its best.
9. De La Soul — “Stakes is High”
Another great track. Its downtempo vibes are great for mellowing out the partayyy.
10. Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea — “Problem”
Oh come on. Why not?
