Like fine wine and cheese, there’s a different track for every summer activity. Musical Prozac columnist and song connoisseur Azra Kassam considered the fine balance of tempo, melody and beat to match your favourite summer tracks with the activity du jour.
During the summer, I find everything takes on a magical quality and I fully appreciate life’s simple pleasures under the glorious sunshine. But even the greatest moments can be made better with a complementary song to highlight the fine notes of freshly cut grass, blue skies and easy living. While there’s something to be said for the sounds of nature, here are a few recommendations when the silence just isn’t cutting it.
If you’re: Cleaning your room on a Sunday morning with all the windows open…
Try: “On Top of the World,” Imagine Dragons
Why: As awesome and fun as summer can be, mundane chores still need to be done. Fortunately, bands like Imagine Dragon produce great “pick-me-up” songs that will turn any boring task into one that will have you dancing and singing your way to a sparkling room in no time! The positive lyrics will remind you why you love life, and the rhythmic clapping will force a smile on your face whether you like it or not.
If you’re: Road tripping with your best friend with the windows down and the wind whipping through your hair…
Try: “Gold on the Ceiling,” Black Keys
Why: Since “Gold on the Ceiling” is off the Black Keys’ album El Camino, named after a 60s model Chevy, it’s only fitting that you start off your road trip playlist with this great garage rock track. In fact, go ahead and throw all the tracks off El Camino on that playlist while you’re at it. “Gold on the Ceiling,” with its bluesy riffs and driving bass (no pun intended) will be sure to keep you awake at the wheel.
If you’re: Laying under the stars with your summer love… Read more…
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Purity Ring, an electro duo from Canada.
Purity rings, also known as abstinence rings, took off in the US in the 1990s and are worn as a sign of chastity by Christians who are saving themselves for marriage. I am not sure what this has to do with this Canadian hipster-chic electro duo, but I don’t really care because they make my ears happy, and they’ll do the same for you. Plus they have a killer live show, and they’ve already won the hearts of fans at music festivals all around the world.
Origins: Edmonton, Alberta
Band members: Megan James (vocals), Corin Roddick (instrumentals)
Known for: Corin’s carefully chopped beats and Megan’s ethereal beats
Used in a sentence: Dream pop, 90s R&B and modern day hip-hop are all combined to make Purity Ring’s unique sound.
File next to: Niki and the Dove, Adult
Download now: “Lofticries”
Five fun facts:
1. Megan is trained in piano and Corin plays the drums
2. During live shows Corin uses a custom made tree-shaped instrument for sound and lighting that he built himself
