Something got me feeling like it was time to reach back into the vault and appreciate some albums from yesteryear- three in particular- which get me in the summer spirit and remind me of the best time of year:
Radiohead- In Rainbows
Something about this album just screams summer to me, and I think it's more to do with the sound than the lyrics, because anyone who know Radiohead knows that they aren't exactly uplifting. That being said, they're my favorite band and I get a huge kick out of them. This album in particular has amazing track after amazing track, but if I absolutely had to choose some highlights, I'd say "15 Step," "Reckoner," and "House of Cards." I haven't come across many albums like this, when after every track I think "Wow, this is the best track on the album- no wait, this one is- no wait..." It's just non-stop magic.
Mariah Carey- E=MC2
This album is soooo underrated! If The Emancipation of Mimi was fun, this one just kicks it up about ten more notches. It sets you up for such a nice day on the beach, leading into partying the night away. Highlights include the opening track "Migrate," the smooth "Cruise Control" and the- controversial for its title- "Lovin' You Long Time"
No Doubt- Rock Steady
This album just gets me so nostalgic for the early 00's and it's a pretty solidly reggae/dancehall- inspired album from start to finish. There's a few quirky ND tracks too, but a few of my favorites are the easy "Underneath It All," the club banger "Hey Baby," and the super cool "Hella Good."
Summer means something different to everyone. For me, it recalls all of the warmest, easiest, most exciting times I've had, when I'm so in my element- in the elements- that I don't have a worry in the whole world.
One of the best summers I've ever had was back in 2007, when I went to Mexico for the first time with my best friend and his family for two weeks, came home for a week, and then joined my own family to see Disneyland for two weeks. In case you're wondering, my best friend is on the far right, and I'm beside him. I've never had such a powerful tan, and when I got back home many strangers were actually thinking I was Mexican! To be fair, my hair is jet black and it was pretty long at the time.
For that matter, my first visit to Beijing and Hong Kong, in 2015 was unbelievable! In Beijing I contacted those I knew who had a good idea of the area and just told them to give me a list of places I could not miss- and then my mission was to see them all. If you've never travelled somewhere far away by yourself- just once- do it! I would equate it to the feeling we all dream a bird would have- complete and limitless freedom to go where the wind takes you.
I've always said that "as long as I'm warm, I'm happy." I guess it's a coincidence that while it was hot out, I also had some of the biggest thrills of my life! Don't let life pass you by, get out there and take advantage of every opportunity life throws your way.
Anyways, I just figured that I'd write about something super fun, because I'm usually hitting pretty hard and complexed subjects.
Enjoy your summer!
