News Editor & Features Editor
Warmer
weather is finally upon us with spring in full force and summer getting closer.
Here are some essential tunes for fun in the sun this summer.
If
you’re going for a road trip this summer or just riding around town, roll the
windows down and turn up these albums perfect for singing/shouting along to:
To Pimp a Butterfly – Kendrick Lamar:
this funky hip hop album filled with many memorable songs such as “King Kunta”
and “i” will be the highlight of your ride.
Celebration Rock – Japandroids:
this high-volume powerhouse features summer anthems such as “The Nights of Wine
and Roses” and “The House that Heaven Built” complete with catchy, shout-along
choruses, overdriven guitars, and powerful drumming.
Joyce Manor – Joyce Manor:
though it clocks in at under 20 minutes, this outburst of punk rock force is
not short of thrills, fitting catchy hooks and unbridled energy into a small
package. Like a can of pressurized air thrown into a fire, this album explodes
through your speakers in a short but impressive display.
Run the Jewels 2 – Run the Jewels:
features a riptide of verses with unbelievable flow and chemistry by
collaborators Killer Mike and El-P. Never worry about overplaying this one;
with sparse choruses or repetition, there will always be an aspect that is
fresh or that had unnoticed every time you put it on.
Headed
to the beach or pool this year? Whether you’re relaxing in the sand, surfing
the waves, or just floating on a raft, these albums will be sure to give the
beach vibe you’re looking for:
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King of the Beach – Wavves: looking
to let it all go and rock out at the beach? This album embodies that spirit
completely with ditties about getting sunburned (“King of the Beach”) and “just
havin’ fun” (“Post Acid”).
Pet Sounds – Beach Boys: for
those who just want to relax and listen to the waves crash with their
significant other beside them, characterized by the classic love songs
“Wouldn’t it Be Nice” and “God Only Knows”.
Nouns – No Age: feel like riding down the
sidewalk on a skateboard passing palm trees on your way to a California beach,
feeling the heat and tasting the salt in the air? Give this album a spin.
Distorted guitars and infectious riffs from the L.A. duo give the feeling of
being right on the seashore.
Salad Days – Mac Demarco:
when you want to lay down for a tan, or just float and go wherever the waves
take you, give this album a listen. Its mellow vibes are the perfect soundtrack
for lazing around in the sun.
If
your main goal this summer is just to party the night away, look no further.
Here is some fun music sure to get the party started.
Cobra Juicy – Black Moth Super
Rainbow: Feed your dance/psych-pop desires with Black Moth Super Rainbow’s 2012
LP Cobra Juicy, packed with hypnotic pop hits.
Alegranza – El Guincho: Named
2008’s Album of the Year by world music webzine Club Fonograma, El Guincho’s critically
acclaimed tropical, psychedelic pop will take you to mystical, uncharted realms
of your mind.
Dark Sky Paradise – Big Sean: The
new album from Detroit rapper Big Sean has given the phrase, “It’s 2015,” a new
meaning with the album’s lead single, “IDFWU,” charting at 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100. 
