The sun is out, the sky is clear, the temperature is begging you to head down to Jax Beach. Unfortunately, you’re stuck at UNF. Spinnaker Radio feels for you. We’re here all summer too, so we understand completely. We understand so much that we compiled a list of twelve songs to get you out of your sad summer funk. Some of these are quintessential breezy summer songs, others are new songs we think will be huge in the next couple months. Regardless, listen up and get yourself in gear to rock these summer semesters.
Read the list below:
1) Fun, Fun, Fun – The Beach Boys
You can’t have a summer playlist without the Beach Boys. Seriously. Channel your inner Wilson brother and pretend it’s a sunny California day in 1964 as you cruise to this.
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2) Giants – Bear Hands
This is a Spinnaker Radio prediction – this song is going to be very popular this summer. Bear Hands is Brooklyn-based, and they were in Jacksonville a few weeks ago playing to a small crowd at Jack Rabbits.
[nicevideo link= “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG_D-JpGqsM”]
3) Crazy for You – Best Coast
Surf Rock is great year round, but surf rock is especially good in the summertime. Lead singer Bethany Cosentino has a perfect delivery for those lazy summer days where all you want to do is lay around at home and do nothing. This song in particular is great for that, and has a hilarious music video to go with it.
[nicevideo link= “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCqjFxUMU6Q”]
4) Say Yes to Me – Surfer Blood
This song was a suggestion by the Spinnaker graphics editor, Michael Slayton. Surfer Blood is another really great surf rock band, this time from West Palm Beach. We’ve had them play live for us at Spinnaker Radio.
[nicevideo link= “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2mY5CdQE3Y”]
5) Wipeout – The Ventures
This classic is instrumental, except for the completely necessary “WIPEOUT!” If you’re digging the 60s vibe of the Beach Boys tune mentioned earlier, this is your next step. Hang ten, dude. Cowabunga and what not.
[nicevideo link= “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bKG0p6Tv9Q”]
6) Boys of Summer – Ataris (or Don Henley)
This song was so good it was a hit twice. First Don Henley of Eagles fame made it a classic in 1984, then the Ataris made it relevant again in 2003. If you want yet another version of this song, DJ Sammy, famous for the techno hit “Heaven”, made an electronic dance version. You’re welcome.
[nicevideo link= “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap4jRRK75dA”]
7) Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Our very own Spinnaker advisor, John Timpe, recommended this one. You can never go wrong with Will Smith. Plus, the music video is so classic early-90s it would be a crime not to have it on this list.
[nicevideo link= “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr0tTbTbmVA”]
8) King of the Beach – Wavves
Blast this 2010 song on a summer night with your friends when it’s almost too muggy to even leave the house and air conditioning is your best friend.
[nicevideo link= “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDKh61eMMuE”]
9) Summertime Clothes – Animal Collective
This is a good one to set as your morning alarm clock when you actually have to get up and go to class. It’s not too aggressive, and probably will put you in a good mood for the rest of your day, even through your summer classes.
[nicevideo link= “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxhaRgJUMl8”]
10) In the Summertime – Mungo Jerry
Listen to this one from the 70’s and try not to smile or bop your head. It’s nearly impossible. Be wary though. There is a 97.5% chance this song will get stuck in your head.
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11) Deadbeat Summer – Neon Indian
Need to chill? This is your jam. Listen to it after a stressful day on campus when you’re sad all of your friends are in the Bahamas or wherever drinking margaritas on the beach.
[nicevideo link= “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBVHH9Gg2mA”]
12) Talking Backwards – Real Estate
Real Estate is one of our current favorites at Spinnaker Radio. This is a song with some serious nostalgia feelings. Drive with your windows down to this one and remember all the good times from previous summers.
[nicevideo link= “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgsdblVq8wo”]
Enjoy your summer semester, Ospreys. We’re at Spinnaker Radio if you need us.
