Beyond The Liner Notes: Cool Songs For The Summer

Hi again, Internet!  It's Josh here with my look at 3 great songs that instantly transport me to that hot, sunny paradise otherwise known as summer vacation. Maybe they might do the same for you.



#1. Schizophrenia-Jukebox The Ghost

This Philadelphia-based indie band is slowly creeping above the radar here in North America. Having performed at the renowned SXSW(South By Southwest) music festival in Austin, TX both in 2010 and 2011, this track from their sophomore album "Everything Under The Sun" is a fantastic way to get into the summer mood. With a mellow keyboard riff, a guitar sound that keeps things interesting and a vocal delivery that seems to tell a story about a man seemingly having symptoms of bipolar disorder/schizophrenia (hence the song's title), this song just makes you want to kick back in a hammock and sing along. Yes, is IS that catchy.


#2. Homesick- A Day To Remember

The title track from this Ocala, FL. based band's 3rd studio album effectively combines the chugging breakdowns and brutal feel of metalcore with the catchy hooks of pop-punk. The lyrics really describe the singer's concerns about leaving his home (whether physical or spiritual) and knowing he won't be returning for a long while. The album itself is a great listen from start to finish, but this track starts to have a dreamy feel around the bridge-breakdown.



#3. Platypus (I Hate You)-Green Day

Yes, this song may be from 1997, but it's fast punk music. That kind of stuff is welcome any time of the year. Coming off of Green Day's fifth studio album, Nimrod, this song clocks in at a mere 2:21. The lyrics and instrumentation is typical of 90's punk, but Billie Joe Armstrong's delivery is strong enough to keep up. The melodies are very strong as well, and don't be surprised if you find yourself nodding your head and air guitaring along when you hear this song.


Well, that's it for the first full installment of Beyond The Liner Notes. If you guys have any questions or requests for topics to cover, e-mail me at justjoshin92@hotmail.com. Speaking of which, here's today's question for you: What's YOUR favorite summer song? Is it something poppy, or maybe some well-known piece of classical music? Whatever it may be, let me know and I'll be sure to feature some of your comments in the next post.

Thanks again for reading and remember: If it's relevant, I'll be sure to talk about it!

Josh W.