10 songs to kick off your summer

Written by Avalon Jacka in Entertainment, Front Page, Music on May 4, 2012 8:46 / comments

It’s always a struggle to get through the last week of school, but we have made it, fellow Buffs. Just one more week of proving to your professors that you actually learned something this semester, and you’ll be free. Reward yourself for all your hard work by kicking back with a margarita, beer or soda (for our underage readers) and welcoming the warm weather with the following playlist.

CUI's Avalon Jacka let's you in on 10 songs you should be listening to as summer break approaches. (CU Independent File/Robert R. Denton)

“In Knowing“ by Swimming in Speakers
With a bouncy electronic melody, intertwining female vocal lines and an out-of-nowhere guitar solo in the middle, Swimming in Speakers will start your summer off right.

“This is What I Said“ by Cloud Cult
Nothing says “happy summertime song” better than hand claps, except maybe syncopated hand claps. Not only does Cloud Cults make you want to clap along, but you’ll be singing along to the “yeah, yeah” section by the second repeat.

“Cardinal Rules“ by Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
If this song isn’t blaring out of your speakers when you are leaving to go out in the summer night, you aren’t properly prepared to party.

“Over Here, Over There“ by Dr. Dog
Dr. Dog’s acoustic guitar and folky sound, combined with upbeat drums, make “Over Here, Over There” great background music for the numerous barbecues bound to happen this summer.

“Boomerang“ by Miniature Tigers
For a fairly simplistic melody, “Boomerang”‘s various lines are complex in themselves, adding some musical depth to your summer afternoon soundtrack.

“Brothers“ by Tanlines
’80s influenced vocals combined with rhythmic drums and an airy synth make “Brothers” more laid back than danceable. But don’t be afraid to groove along if you’re feeling it — it’s summer; no one will judge you.

“Drinking Problem“ by Surfer Blood
“Drinking Problem” is worthy of that afternoon margarita with friends. After all, you probably have a problem if you start drinking at 2 p.m. But as Surfer Blood says, “at least I know who my friends are.” “Drinking Problem” is sure to solidify your friendships with this truthful tagline.

“Disparate Youth“ by Santigold
The queen of indie grunge dance music is back with her album “Master of My Make-Believe,” out now. Although she’s changed her name ever so slightly, her music is just as infectious as it was in her debut. “Disparate Youth” is the ripe for grooving out after those long summer days.

“Violent Games“ by Polica
Perfect dance jam, “Violent Games” is full of grungy bass and surprisingly aesthetically pleasing autotuned vocals.

“The Expanding Sky” by Pontiak
Maybe it’s just because the name “The Expanding Sky” makes me picture the vast Colorado sky after a thunderstorm at sunset, but I honestly believe there is no better time to listen to Pontiak than sunset on a summer afternoon after a thunderstorm.

Contact CU Independent Entertainment Editor Avalon Jacka at Avalon.jacka@colorado.edu.

About Avalon Jacka

Avalon Jacka is a junior at the University of Colorado, studying News-editorial journalism and Russian studies. She loves music and hopes to incorporate it into her career someday. When she isn't doing homework, Jacka spends her time crocheting, singing and hanging out with her friends. She has also been known to play Mortal Kombat on the PS2 and win. It is one of her greatest accomplishments to date.

Tags: boomerang, brothers, cardinal rules, cloud cult, disparate youth, Dr. Dog, drinking problem, in knowing, miniature tigers, Music, over here over there, Playlist, polica, Pontiak, Santigold, someone still loves you boris yeltsin, summer playlist, surfer blood, swimming in speakers, tanlines, The Expanding Sky, this is what i said, violent games