JUKEBOX: Your Cure for the Wintertime Blues
Oh. My. God. I can’t take this winter for another second. What was pretty in December and mildly annoying in January has become downright ridiculous in February. Even as I write this, it’s snowing again, and the thought of suiting up in four layers to walk two blocks is making me want to go back to bed and not wake up till May. I’m not alone in my crazy desperation for it to be over — one town in New Hampshire is so fed up that they issued a warrant for the arrest of Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog who predicted six extra weeks of this mess!
If you’re one of the many people feeling down and out over the lack of sunlight, freezing weather, and mountains of slush, we’ve got a pick-me-up for you! There’s nothing like good music to reverse the winter blues, and no music captures the feeling of summer better than retro pop. So kick back, grab a frozen margarita, and forget about the weather with this playlist that will bring you back to the warm and happy days of summer.
1) “Good Day Sunshine,” The Beatles (1966)
Lots of songs talk about sunny days, but few songs feel more like one than “Good Day Sunshine.” That opening build is so exciting — you just know the song is going to be about something awesome. And really, what could be better than walking with someone you love on a gorgeous day? Paul McCartney’s piano mimics the feeling of your feet on the pavement, making it impossible to not imagine the sun beating down as you take a walk on a summer afternoon.
2) “Under the Boardwalk,” The Drifters (1964)
If you prefer your summer fun time to be a little more relaxed, The Drifters’ dreamy story of a seaside vacation will make you forget the snow faster than you can say “pass the sunscreen.”
3) “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” The Beach Boys (1963)
Summer equals sun, sand, and California surf rock. So no summer song list is complete without the Beach Boys! Enough said.
4) “Afternoon Delight,” Starland Vocal Band (1976)
Ok, so it’s not really about summer at all. But you’ve got to admit that an “Afternoon Delight” sounds so much more appealing when you don’t have to peel off seven layers of winter clothes before you can get delighted… and then put them all on again after.
5) “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah,” Allan Sherman (1963)
Love it or hate it, what’s more summery than summer camp? Whether it reminds you of your own camp experiences, or is reminiscent of the letters your own kids send home, Allan Sherman’s 1964 novelty song will surely bring back memories.
6) “Saturday in the Park,” Chicago (1973)
This is the ultimate “I wish it was summer” fantasy song — dreaming about a park, ice cream, music, and celebration. I think everyone who’s gotten hit with the winter this year can tell you that they’ve also been “waiting such a long time” to get back to the park on the Fourth of July, or any day we’re not buried in snow!
Take this playlist with you next time you have to brave the bitter winter. We hope it helps you beat the blues!
What are some of your favorite summer tracks to beat the winter doldrums? Tell us in the comments!
