Sunny Days . . . mel

It reached 22 degrees in Ottawa today (that's around 70, for any yanks out there), I've been done of class for about a week, and I'm currently sitting on my balcony with a bottle of Keith's and some tunes playing. This can mean only one thing: it's summer. Or at least close enough that I can get away with drinking outdoors to cool down, instead of to increase circulation to my extremities. To celebrate this change in seasons, I'm presenting my first attempt at a Mocking Music list, and if you haven't guessed the theme yet, you've spent too much time on someone's balcony. It's summer, stupid. Exploding Dogs in Summer 10. The Fiery Furnaces - Here Comes The Summer [MP3] The entire point of this post is summed up in title of this track. The only difference is, I refuse to wait until it's June. 9. Sublime - Summertime [MP3] Of the bazillion covers of this song that, I'm sorry, but I have no idea who actually recorded the original, this track made the list because it does what I think is so necessary when recording a cover. That being maintain the integrity of the song while leaving your mark. Sublime does just that, and maybe it also made it because it sounds a little like Snow, and he makes me laugh. Inforrrrmer! 8. Kathleen Edwards - Summer Long [MP3] One thing you'll notice about me if you follow my writing is that I'm a sucker for an alt-country chick, and local (to me, and apparently two other mockers) Ottawa artist Kathleen Edwards rises to the top of the heap of Neko Case wannabes. I'm ashamed that I'm living in her hometown and have yet to see her perform live. Expect a review if I ever do. 7. Death Cab For Cutie - Summer Skin [MP3] Like so many songs about the season, this track reflects the carefree approach we all hope for, but with the signature pretty, flowing sound of Death Cab that has been ripped off by many aspiring OC artists. 6. The Bravery - Swollen Summer [MP3] This list was looking too mellow, but this song is a good pick me up after all of the easy-going acoustic-on-the-beach kind of tunes. This could be the closest thing to an indie tail-gate anthem I've found. But, much like the back of a dodge ram, I'm open for suggestions. 5. Belle and Sebastian - A Summer Wasting [MP3] The greatest summers are when you don't even know how you passed it. Murdoch captures this perfectly, speaking of a summer wasted, but the accompanying freedom. Mmmmm youth. 4. Jason Collett - Almost Summer [MP3] This is perhaps the most fitting track of the list, since it's only April, but I have no problems jumping the gun. I can only assume this song reflects the summers of many high school students, and if you replace the turned corn fields with potato fields and the lemon gin with cheap beer, I suppose it's not too far off from mine. 3. The Flaming Lips - It's Summertime [MP3] Starting with the sound of birds chirping and the line "it's summertime", it's hard to doubt that 'tis the season for this song. Although the lyrics aren't all sunshine, lollipops and rainbows everywhere, it's an important reminder that you can't ignore the world and play frisbee on the beach the whole time. 2. Wilco - Summer Teeth [MP3] Another great track with the easy-going, melodic sound that suits a backyard BBQ perfectly. Sing along, chat over it, play some football in the middle of your street, it doesn't matter. Just chill out. 1. Islands - Jogging Gorgeous Summer [MP3] This track is summer incarnate. The calypso drums lend a tropical island feel, and with a catchy beat this tune could almost convince you flower patterned shirts are a good idea. Almost. Fashion faux-pas aside, with lyrics like "millions of sunsets, but the one I'll remember is the one where you told me you'd love me forever," it will stir up memories of summer nights and fall goodbyes for all of those hopeless romantic scenesters. Download: The Fiery Furnaces - Here Comes The Summer Sublime - Summertime Kathleen Edwards - Summer Long Death Cab For Cutie - Summer Skin The Bravery - Swollen Summer Belle and Sebastian - A Summer Wasting Jason Collett - Almost Summer The Flaming Lips - It's Summertime Wilco - Summer Teeth Islands - Jogging Gorgeous Summer Buy: Wilco - Summer Teeth Islands - Return to Sea Jason Collett - Idols of Exile When Mel comes in off the balconey, you might find her on her new blog, lower case m (which has 47.99% Mel-approved content). Related: Who Are You Calling a Narcissist? Jesus, Mocking Music Loves You Too Yes, But is it Heart? The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts No Pan Troglodyte Business Here Everything Is Automatic