Old-school meets new-school with this roster of summertime tunes compiled by Local Spins writer Adrianna Walker, from an NRBQ classic to brand new tracks by Whitney and Twin Peaks.
Getting Folks Moving: Kalamazoo’s The Go Rounds certainly do that, earning a spot on this Local Spins playlist. (Photo/Anna Sink)
Adrianna Walker
EDITOR’S NOTE: As part of the celebration of Local Spins’ fourth anniversary this year, we’ve asked some of our writers and contributors to create Top 10 playlists of favorite tunes for summer — right in the midst of the hectic music festival season. The only caveat: At least one of the picks must be a local or regional artist.
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For her list, Local Spins writer and photographer Adrianna Walker concocted “a sunny, youthful playlist with a little nostalgia to balance things out. These are tracks I’ve been listening to this summer — some new and some feel-good throwbacks worth returning to every summer.” (Scroll down for the playlist on Spotify.)
LOCAL SPINS SUMMER PLAYLIST: ADRIANNA WALKER
1. “On My Own,” Whitney – This Chicago band has recently turned some heads because of its impressive debut album that couldn’t be more perfect for summertime. “On My Own” encapsulates the band’s theme: easygoing, a bit melancholy but warm, youthful lyrics, melodic lead guitar, and of course, the infatuating horns perfectly placed.
2. “Salad Days,” Mac DeMarco – One of Mac Demarco’s classic laid-back and alluring songs – one that you bring back every summer.
3. “Wanted You,” Twin Peaks – Clay Frankel’s low, Lou Reed-like vocals make this slow jam oh-so-sweet. This nostalgic anthem makes it one of the most memorable songs (it’s not fair to choose just one) on the band’s new album. Also, fun fact: Frankel is apparently capable of singing like both Lou Reed and Mick Jagger in the same song.
4. “Polly,” Whitney – Another gem from Whitney, this song builds from a sleepy, woeful story to a mesmerizing, thick, harmonious wall of sound. This song also convinced me that every band NEEDS a horn player, as the horns basically steal the show in this one.
5. “No Rival,” The Go Rounds – Kalamazoo natives The Go Rounds’ soulful vocals and instrumentally rich arrangement of twangy folk-rock makes for fun and energetic tracks like this one that gets people moving.
6. “Getting Better,” Twin Peaks – This charming track – and the whole album, for that matter – proves that Twin Peaks can cross genre lines with ease. A little bit of ragtime piano, twangy lead guitar, a bouncy rhythm: The song is a delightful, instrumental surprise.
7. “Magnet,” NRBQ –This song may be 44 years old, but I promise you can’t tell. The sorrowful lyrics are perfectly disguised in happy piano rolls and a thumping rhythm that could pass for a modern band’s take on blues.
8. “Heartbeat,” JJAMZ – A pleasant mix of electronica, pop-rock and soft vocals and you’ve got JJAMZ’s power-pop sound.
9. “When the Stars Go Blue,” Ryan Adams – Because it seems like Ryan Adams has released what seems like the most albums of all time by one artist ever, I’m still catching up on all of his glory. Here’s one of his most lovable, nostalgic ballads.
10. “Silver Lining,” Rilo Kiley – This song is literally sunshine. Empowering lyrics, gospel-like backup vocals and a positive message.
ADRIANNA WALKER: The Local Spins Playlist on Spotify
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