Throwback Tracks -- June 22, 2017
David R. Smith
It is obviously my mission to write these articles earlier than the day they actually drop. Now; obviously history has proven that hasn't always been the case. However, this week I'm making a go of it! In the sense that I'm writing it the day before...
That said: today is the 21st of June, which means it's the first day of summer. Which is awesome. Because in Calgary that only means a month left of snow. Before we get a month of reprieve before getting more snow.
So to celebrate, this week's TBT is going to be songs that, for one reason or another, remind me of summer. Whether it's songs that I listened to in the summer, or songs that just have a summer feel. Either way, here we go!
The Guys From do not hold the rights to any of these songs, it is more our hope to expose our readers to new (*cough*) and different retro music, or re-expose them to things they may have forgotten about.
At the top of each section, will be the song name, followed by the artists' name linked to their website (if possible...which is totally hit and miss with oldies), so you can fall down the rabbit hole, finding and supporting what you dig.
Kryptonite - 3 Doors Down
I'm kind of cheating here. Technically this song came out in 2000. But if it's not a throwback, I don't know what is. Plus I sincerely doubt that Shaun will be putting any 3 Doors Down tracks on Tuesday Tunes, so they're kind of in the netherworld of artists.
And really, when I think of songs that remind me of summer, this one comes first and foremost to my mind. It came out the summer I turned 17 and my then best friend, Kelvin, and I spent many miles heading to the lake listening to this song (and the rest of the album.) As certain songs start playing, it immediately harkens me back to a certain time of my life. This is one of those songs. As soon as I hear it, I can picture myself riding shotgun in Kelvin's mom's car, down highway 18 towards Thunder Lake. It's one of the best memories I have.
Also, Kelvin's car lit on fire down the same stretch of road a couple summer's later. We had to extinguish it with beer. That's both an hilarious, yet tragic memory.
You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night) - Meat Loaf
This is another song that reminds me of summer. But from when I was super young. It was likely the first time I ever heard Bat Out Of Hell. That much I can't remember. But I do remember sitting on the bench seat of the truck, hearing the opening dialogue, with the music following. I don't think I really understood the dialogue at the time. But man did I appreciate it.
There's something super sexy about this song. Even though it's not necessarily the sexiest of songs. Does that make any sense? I love the bit of symphonic/orchestral feel that it has, and the Loaf can just wail, am I right? There's something to be said about the lyrics too. A slightly less conventional love song, and yet... it's a great love song!
Steal My Sunshine - Len
I had no idea these guys were Canadian! Also, this song isn't one that I actually equate with a certain summer memory, but does this one not just scream summer? It has such a fun, lighthearted feel to it. Plus. PLUS the guy is wearing a tank top! What's more summery than a tank top?
I don't pretend to love this song; I find it only okay. But it's hard not to get into a happy place when one hears this song. It just makes me want to drive around with the top down, cranking this tune and enjoying the sunshine. Hopefully nobody steals it...
Swish.
Last Night - Traveling Wilburys
Once again, I was forced out of using The End Of The Line, because stupid Shaun already used it once. So I had to find another Wilbury's song. But there's a reason why I wanted to use them. My family and I listened to the crap out of this album.
I know of all the songs, this one doesn't really have that "summer" feel. It's a bit more down tempo and perky. But let me tell you; driving through interior BC, on your way to Vancouver Island, with a little brother screaming in the middle seat of a non-air conditioned station wagon, you take what you can get. And this song helped me through situations like that. Though maybe not as specific as something like that.
*cough*
School's Out - Alice Cooper
Who doesn't think summer with this song? School's out for summer. It's in the song! This might be THE ultimate summer song. I'm pretty sure when I got the Dazed and Confused soundtrack, this was the first song I listened to every time a school year ended. Because it was time for holidays. Man I miss those days. Here's hoping that a year from now, when I've got my instructor job, that maybe I'll get back to that sweet feel of freedom that comes along with time off. And if that time comes, I'll definitely be cranking this tune again! Don't get me wrong, I love teaching and sure am looking forward to the new gig, but a couple months off? Heck yeah!
Woo! Happy first (or, technically, second) day of summer, kids! I hope these songs fill you with joy. The sun should be shining, so go take the top down or roll the windows down. Or just do something to enjoy these tracks loud! Or. Play these following playlists. Also loud. With the window down.
Throwback Playlist for Dec 16/Jan 17
October 2016 Throwback Playlist,
September 2016 Throwback Playlist
-D (@davidronn)