Heatwave tunes.
We do love a good heatwave and although it’s a bit overcast today, it’s still ridiculously warm and we are still feeling that summer vibe.
This is a follow up to our first barbecue playlist. Once the tennis starts, there’s no looking back and we are in full summer mode now.
So wherever you are, if you’re out the back garden or stuck in work, these tunes will give you that sunshine feeling.
U2 – Beautiful Day
An obvious choice given the title perhaps, but this is one of U2’s greatest up-tempo-stomp-your-feet-with-joy tracks and every time the opening chords ring out, we are transported to the sunny places.
It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away! No problem Bono, we won’t!
Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay
No song has ever represented a lazy sunny afternoon quite like this classic from Otis Redding. It’s a thing of beauty and one to make you forget, at least temporarily, whatever ills you may be experiencing.
We challenge you not to whistle along to that bit at the end. It’s impossible.
Happy Mondays – Step On
Shaun Ryder has rarely ever sounded better. The opening piano sequence oozes Vitamin C and is a song dripping in good summer vibes.
Get the suncream on and let the Happy Mondays twist your melon with this absolute classic.
https://youtu.be/6M0xdLO_bmo
Future Sound of London – Papua New Guinea
Rarely has dance music ever sounded so cultured, so beautiful as this one from back in 1991. Another track with echoes of sunnier places and endless nights.
This is breakbeat techno at its finest and it is simply majestic. A haunting vocal coupled with a slamming bassline, it’s one of our all time top five dance tunes. Flip-flops are optional, headphones are a must.
The Drifters – Under The Boardwalk
Released all the way back in 1964, this is a classic tune from American band, The Drifters. Covered by so many other artists such as The Beachboys, The Undertones, John Mellencamp and Bette Middler, but never bettered.
It’s a summery song and it’s fully deserving of its slot on the playlist.
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – Summertime
You can’t have a summer playlist without featuring this track. It’s got a groove specifically made for summer, not too fast, almost chilled and full of optimism.
Soup Dragons – I’m Free
This is a cover of the Rolling Stones song ‘I’m Free’ but it’s fused with the reggae stylings of Junior Reid.
With a stomping dance beat, this is a song which will have everyone putting down their burgers for a few minutes and having a good old dance. Don’t be afraid of your freedom!!
Urban Cookie Collective – The Key The Secret
A tune so catchy, it should come with a warning of sorts. It’s another song which will transport you to somewhere like Ibiza or indeed Bundoran. It’ll bring you somewhere nice, guaranteed.
The La’s – There She Goes
Scouse indie legends The La’s blew everyone away with this simple thing of beauty. As catchy a chorus as you’ll ever hear, it just reminds us of being on summer holidays from school and having the world at our feet.
We lay on the grass watching the sky mostly and all was good.
Rui Da Silva Feat Cassandra Fox – Touch Me
Another fine example of an incredible vocal married with a killer bassline. It’s so simple, you’d wonder why everyone isn’t doing it.
That’s the thing though. This is so brilliantly executed and it’s another must have on your summer playlist.
The Beach Boys – Surfin’ USA
Nobody quite does a summer song like the Beach Boys do and this is one of their classics. No matter where you are, this tune will take you to the beach.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
