Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Celebrating Summer in Song

It's the first day of summer. PopMatters has compiled their own list of the Best Music for Summer that includes some favorites of the library staff, including "It Must Be Summer" by Fountains of Wayne from Utopia Parkway (CD 18601) and Spilt Milk by Jellyfish (CD 17902); their staff must share our fondness for power pop.

If you want to track down more songs about summer, or songs about almost any subject, take a look at The Green Book: Songs Classified by Subject, compiled by Jeff Green (Reference ML128.S3 G74 1989). It includes songs from across musical genres and is a boon not only for radio DJs but anyone trying to assemble a themed playlist or set list. Under "Seasons: Summer" are songs such as "Summer in the City"by the Lovin' Spoonful (on CD 5004) and Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's performance of "Summertime" from Porgy & Bess (CD 18756).

While some subjects lend themselves to novelty (food; insects), some could be helpful for class assignments (peace; war, battles, military, soldiers) or finding appropriate music for a Halloween party (monsters, ghosts, vampires).

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