Summer Is (Almost) Here!

Hooray! This means warmer weather and sunshine. But what do you take out and pop in your record player when the weather heats up? Here are some suggestions:

(As an overall guideline, rock music with reggae influences is great for summer, but not for everyone.)


1. Sublime - Sublime (1996)
Sublime's self titled album is one of their best. It's upbeat, relaxed melodies and lyrics are perfect for the beach. The most notable tracks on the CD are "What I Got," "Wrong Way," "Santeria," and "Doin' Time," a ballad with the words 'Summertime, and the livin's easy..." Up and down this is a fantastic album that creatively mixes rock, reggae, and punk.

2. Bob Marley - Legend (1984)
Simply the best of reggae. This 14 track album contains more of Marley's later work, but is a must for reggae lovers. Not only is the beat relaxing and smooth, but the lyrics speak of struggle, love, and freedom. It is the best of Marley, and those who wish to explore more of his work should dig deeper into his earlier albums. It would be great as an introduction to reggae music. From praying for everything to be all right in "Three Little Birds" or wailing for deliverance in "Redemption Song," Marley's best is paramount to other reggae.

3. Fishbone - The Reality of My Surroundings (1991)
The Reality of My Surroudings is Fishbone's best album. Although they are categorized as 'Ska' music, RMS combines many different genres on to one album. From the hard rock of "Fight the Youth" to the funk of "Housework" or the reggae of "Pray to the Junkiemaker," Fishbone proves its musical talent is wide and not focused on one particular sound. The tracks on RMS are faster than both Sublime and Bob Marley, and almost seem to dance.

4. To be continued...

5.

Honorable Mentions: Pepper - No Shame, Slightly Stoopid - Everything You Need