Our Top 10 Summer Bands

Summer is now in full swing, and I couldn’t be happier. To me, music is an essential aspect of this season. Whether I am going for a walk, relaxing on the beach, or even just chilling in my apartment with the windows open, it is essential that I have good music playing. I always find myself coming back to certain bands in the summertime — both new and old, they are the ones that always seem to capture the exact feeling of summer that I want to surround myself with. So here they are, my top ten summer bands — who would make your list?

10. Beach House

Their music could be the soundtrack to the lazy, hazy days of summer. To me it evokes the feeling of thick, humid air…lying in the grass with your friends, doing nothing at all. The reflection of the sun on blue pool water, sunburn, and evening walks to get ice cream.

9. Cayucas

I may have only discovered this band recently (and they haven’t been around very long) but I have a feeling they’ll be a summertime staple for years to come. They’re like a modern version of the Beach Boys and I’m hooked!

8. Local Natives

I find myself listening to Local Natives a lot on my headphones at work this time of year. It’s mellow enough to not distract me but still keeps my spirits up and gets me excited for those extra hours of daylight after the work day ends!

7. Tame Impala

Tame Impala sets a great tone for summer evenings.  Driving with the windows down and the stars overhead, hanging at a backyard party with friends and string lights setting the mood, or most of all, those waning moments of darkness before the sun starts to rise.

6. Caribou

I break this out every summer, and it’s funny because I think it’s actually the only time of year I listen to this band. It’s partly for sentimental reasons, because their album “Andorra” reminds me of the beautiful summer I lived in San Francisco, but it still applies to the here and now.

5. My Morning Jacket

For a long time going to Bonnaroo was a yearly tradition come June, and at every Bonnaroo I attended (except for one), My Morning Jacket played.  To me they will always bring back those hot nights on the farm, and dancing with joy when we were cooled off by rain.

4. Washed Out

Washed Out is another one I tend to listen to only in summer.  It’s dreamy and atmospheric, making it the perfect background music to just about any summer activity.

3. Van Morrison

I always love Van Morrison, but in the summertime it takes on a more sentimental feeling for me. His songs are so full of nostalgia and remind me of old high school loves and summer nights on the boardwalk.

2. Rolling Stones

Again, the Rolling Stones are always good. But some of their songs just seem to be made for backyard barbecues, summer road trips and adventures. Speaking of which, is anyone going to see them in Philly tonight??

1. Neil Young

What I love about Neil Young’s music is that no matter what scenario you’re in when you listen to it, it’s always perfect. His album “On The Beach” rarely leaves my car stereo during the summer months.

Who would be on your list?