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…

Since 1997, U.K. band Keane has been wooing Brits with gorgeously emotional lyrics and a distinct piano sound that set them apart from other rock bands. With more than 10 million albums sold worldwide they’ve definitely wooed fans across the pond and in other international markets. After a four-year break between their third album Perfect Symmetry and the release of their fourth album, Strangeland in 2012, Keane is back with a vengeance.

Here are five things you might not know about them:

They’ve been plotting to conquer North America: Although they have fans everywhere from Britain to China, (they were even invited by Burberry to play a concert in Beijing in 2011), Keane has yet to experience that kind of success in North America. “I think that’s been our plan for quite a few years really,” said  Tim Rice-Oxley, co-founder, chief composer and pianist. ”It’s never going to be easy for a British band to conquer America, but we feel they’ve got a lot of love for us here and we’re just really happy with that.”

They want to give you the best night of your life: Keane’s favourite thing is performing live shows and with a score of new songs and more energy than a five-year-old after a Big Gulp. They won’t disappoint. “I am looking forward to being on stage with my friends and trying to get everyone going crazy and singing along. Keane fans are really dedicated and passionate. We like every single person in the room to be having the best night of their lives,” said Rice-Oxley.

They think making music is magical: While some other artists are busy pulling out gimmicks like Mary Poppins and her carpet bag, Keane likes to keep it real and focus on the music. “We think it’s sacred, to us it’s magical that music sort of appears out of thin air. The music is something that we feel so passionate about. We don’t want to do stuff that just feels like we are doing it for commercial purposes.”

Give a listen to their newest single, “Silenced By The Night.”

They aren’t trying to be cool and they don’t care what you think about that: Read more…