Local Spins Spring Playlist No. 1: Ricky Olmos lets the good times roll

From Bob Marley to Macklemore to Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos fashions a playlist to get folks dreaming of summer and sunny skies. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

 

EDITOR’S NOTE: With the summer festival season fast approaching and Michiganders growing weary of cold weather, Local Spins asked its team of writers and contributors for Top 10 playlists of favorite tunes for spring and summer to help heat things up. The only caveat: At least one of the picks had to be a local or regional act. Writer Ricky Olmos kicks things off today by uncorking a sun-splashed roster of musical gems, with a full Spotify version of his Guest Playlist below. More playlists to come this spring.

1. “Is This Love,” Bob Marley & the Wailers — It simply has the sound of summer. Floating through its chords and swirling around in its bright melodies and lush harmonies, is a sound as bright – as hopeful – as a sunny July day. Reggae-timed guitar chugs along and the iconic Hammond B3 organ never sounded so good. Turn it up and let your head nod as your cares float away.

2. “Downtown,” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis — Pure indulgence may be the reason listeners gravitate towards this song. Frankly, there isn’t any real profound lyrical insight, social commentary or internal existential crisis going on here. The song is about riding mopeds around town, and that’s as deep as it gets. But the Seattle rapper’s over-the-top single is pleasingly grandiose and extravagant when it comes to production qualities and musical composition. Macklemore muses on the joys of cruising around town on two wheels with hilarious swagger amid a swirl of horns, huge group vocals, and an infectious groove. There’s only one way to experience this track: in the form of its very fitting music video.

3. “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” Mike Mains & the Branches — No doubt a danceable jam, the second track off Michigan’s Mike Mains & the Branches’ sophomore LP is ready to be blasted from stereos all over The Mitten. Catchy lead vocals dominate the pop-rock foray and a shining, sing-along chorus will involuntarily make its way into your head and stay there. . . until you can’t help but blurt it out while driving, walking, cooking, grocery shopping, doing taxes, etc.

4. “Gold in the Sun,” Young in the City — Seemingly straight out of the 1980s, Seattle songwriter Noah Gundersen’s side project seems oddly familiar at first listen, though you know you’ve probably never heard it. A stereo-left electric guitar rhythm opens the track, accompanied by Gundersen’s strong vocals and an addictive guitar lick. From there, the verse grooves into a half-time chorus with belting vocals. A “Wild Horses” reference, ’80s-esque drum groove, more half-time, and all the electric guitar you could ever want ensue.

5. “A Mirror is Harder to Hold,” Jon Foreman — The bright, Dylan-esque track of persevering love and nostalgia makes for a perfect pairing with a coastal drive down Lake Michigan shores. The opening line sets the scene right away: “We could go down by the water, we could go down and talk about last summer,” Foreman’s sincere, raspy voice sings over playful mariachi horns and acoustic guitar. From there, the soft story unfolds as gently as the first morning rays.

6. “You Don’t Know How it Feels,” Tom Petty — Opening with a harmonica solo that may very well be what sunshine would sound like if it made noise when it filtered through blue skies and reached towards rolling green hills and winding roads, Tom Petty’s popular psychedelic, slow-burning groove feels like summer all around. Petty’s voice is hushed and gentle between instrumentals, and electric piano, drums, bass, and guitar take it from there, rolling around and around till once again returning to that sweet and simple harmonica hook.

7. “Freedom,” Allen Stone — The funky feel of Allen Stone’s music hardly matches his look. The long-haired, self-proclaimed hippie from Seattle has a voice that could rival some of Motown’s best. Nearly his entire album, “Radius,” could score a summer bash, with its pop-sensible, soulful take on funk and R&B. But spinning the wheel, one might land on “Freedom,” a fast-paced pop tune with carefully placed instrumentation and circular melody that showcases Stone’s vocal range. But don’t stop there. Do yourself a favor and let the record keep spinning.

8. “Where is my Mind,” The Pixies — With one of the most distinguishable intros of any song, The Pixies’ adored song hits hard with addictive guitar hooks, simplistic drums and angsty vocals. Perfect for a long, scorching summer day of youthful shenanigans and headbanging in your parent’s basement.

9. “Let the Good Times Roll,” Ben Rector — This vintage-sounding groove feels like dusting off an old leather suitcase and finding an old treasure. Rector’s silky-smooth voice is backed by a full-band that includes warm electric guitar licks, cranked piano, bold drums and bass and a crunchy Hammond B3 organ. The live version of the track (recommended) adds a playful audience sing-along, a round of solos, and plenty of banter.

10. “Captain America,” Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers — It seems that anywhere Michigan’s Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers perform, a party envelopes. Add this track to your backyard barbecue playlist and let the good vibes soak in. Smooth saxophone and funky breakdowns keep things interesting and the chorus groove never gets old – a summer anthem no doubt.

RICKY OLMOS: THE LOCAL SPINS GUEST PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY

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