A Whole Load Of Summer Songs To Make You Forget The Weather

Many of my friends are off on holiday this week so I thought it was appropriate to create a nice, relaxing summer playlist. If you are off on holiday, these songs are perfect for lounging by the pool, bronzing on the beach or chilling at the bar. If you're not on holiday this week then this is perfect for taking your mind off the awful weather and escaping to wherever your mind wants to go. So sit back, relax and enjoy some soothing summer songs...

At The River by Groove Armada

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM7WPPzQ_ZI 

It's one of those pieces of music that you've probably heard over and over again but had no idea who it was by. I was like that for years until I stumbled upon The Best of Groove Armada and realised I'd heard most of their songs before but had no idea who they were by. I decided to put the full length song up rather than the single because you miss the beautiful intro in the shorter version.

Pictures by Benjamin Francis Leftwich

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6N3jUDKzq0

I was introduced to Benjamin Francis Leftwich when he supported Fleet Foxes and I have loved him ever since. His voice makes you drift off and, as such, he is perfect for falling asleep by the pool or on the beach.

Jump In The Pool by Friendly Fires

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofRCldHb7X0

This is pretty self explanatory. It's a song about jumping in a pool. It's a great summer song in general and, like many Friendly Fires songs do, it just has a sunny vibe to it.


Spanish Sahara by Foals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaVE4WVlsDQ

I could have chosen a number of Foals songs but this is my absolute favourite. A beautiful track that, whilst not being the most upbeat song, still gives a sense of relaxation whilst you are lying in the heat of the sun.

All I Need by Air

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw8i28bNoYY

I really love Air and think they're extremely under-rated. The video is slightly frustrating with all the talking but I would encourage anyone to download this track. In fact, I'd encourage anyone to download Moon Safari, it's a brilliant album.

Let Forever Be by The Chemical Brothers feat Noel Gallagher

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5FyfQDO5g0

Something a lot more upbeat now and, if you're like me and you leave all your cares at home when you go on holiday, then this is the song for you. It's basically Que Sera, Sera for the electronic generation.

Sunchyme by Dario G

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY2OFztWiuY

No holiday playlist is complete without some kind of catchy euro-pop summer anthem. I had to include this as it has summer written all over it. Yes, it may be old and yes, it may be cheesey but I love it.

Albatross by Fleetwood Mac

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAefTj7GXwQ

Probably most well known these days for helping M&S sell food, this was actually a huge hit in the late 60s for Fleetwood Mac. It's lazy, drifting guitar gives a sense of ultimate relaxation.

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing by Jack Johnson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffgsf3pqaD8

Jack Johnson makes me happy. So do holidays. Therefore this makes a perfect holiday song. It probably helps that he spends most of his time on the beaches of the Caribbean but this only adds to his ability to make a great summer song.

Happy Up Here by Royksopp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJvVHAh_INM

A very upbeat and positive song from Norweigan Electro group Royksopp, another very under-rated duo. This is quite a surprise as Norway isn't known for it's blistering temperatures, however their happy demeanour creates a great summer tune.

Sun Hits The Sky by Supergrass

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ8TYNpJdLg

Another band that I could have chosen any number of songs from, Supergrass have always been known for their energy and for their cheerfulness. This song in particular would be great for listening to in the sun whilst having a few drinks.

Run by Vampire Weekend

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptQ8nb-PhuI

Vampire Weekend are a great summer band and are always good to listen to in the sun. I went travelling round the south of France a couple of years ago and they were on non-stop. Both albums are wonderful to listen to whilst lounging in the sunshine.



Many songs have been written specifically for holidays. There are in fact many songs simply called "Holiday", I'm thinking of Dizzee Rascal and Madonna to name but two. Hopefully, however, this will provide you with some kind of alternative to the usual holiday songs whilst your jetting off to find some sun. It's only just stopped raining where I am, hopefully the weather will be better wherever you're off to this summer.

Another Blog About A Festival I Couldn't Afford To Go To Because I Am A Poor Student

Describing the line-up for T In The Park as "diverse" does the festival an injustice. When you use words like that all you're trying to do is make excuses for the terrible acts that don't belong at a festival. Sorry all you fans of Nicki Minaj, David Guetta, Jessie J and especially Dappy, you will not be getting a mention in this blog. However, there were some brilliant bands taking to the various stages across the three days, culminating in an epic main stage performance by Kasabian on the final night.

You may have seen some of these bands on BBC Three over the weekend however some of them may have slipped under their radar. Whilst these bands all played at T In The Park, I can't obtain footage of them performing for copyright reasons etc but, what I will say to you is, if you listen to any of these bands and you like them, go out and see them if you get the chance. So, if you did go to see Nicki Minaj, David Guetta, Jessie J or Dappy here is what you could have seen instead.

Let's begin with Friday...

High Five, Swan Dive, Nose Dive by Pulled Apart By Horses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlGYwXdgpY8

To this day I have no idea what this song is about, but if you want energy this band has lots of it. Just off the back of their incredible second record, Pulled Apart By Horses are finally getting the recognition they deserve, sharing the Transmissions Stage with The Blackout and The Jezabels. A definite highlight on the Friday.

Our Bovine Public by The Cribs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLKL6iUFSQQ

It was an odd line up in King Tut's on the Friday. Dot Rotten, Cher Lloyd and Labrinth began a day that ended in a headline set by New Order. Somewhere in the middle of them however, were The Cribs. This particular song is rumoured to be written about The Pigeon Detectives. I know, I remember them too. The boys from Wakefield have now incredibly released their fifth album proving that not only are they one of the hardest working bands around, but also one of the best live acts too.

We shall now move swiftly on to Saturday and one band in particular that stood out for me...

Chasing Rainbows by Shed Seven


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaK6Ytri26s

That's right it's not The Stone Roses, it's Shed Seven. Reunited and as good as ever. People are quick to forget how successful Shed Seven were in the 90s. They were huge! 15 consecutive top 40 singles. All that and they don't even get pissy about broadcasting their set.

I Am The Resurrection by The Stone Roses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyrrTK_xzj4

Ok, ok, I had to include them. Although they did annoy me by preventing the BBC from broadcasting their set. It's far too diva for four lads from Manchester. Yes, The Stone Roses headlined the main stage on Saturday and, although I didn't see it. I bet it was fantastic. There were so many songs I could choose to put in here but this is my personal favourite.

Hold On by Alabama Shakes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le-3MIBxQTw

I think after all that 90s stuff it's time for something brand new. So here it is. Lead singer Brittany Howard has one of the most powerful voices in modern music and their debut album is a real gem. They've had a superb year up to this point and you should expect to see a lot more of them in years to come.

WOR by Django Django

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBzET3tBkmU

I don't know how to describe this band but even my dad likes them. It's just something you have to listen to. They've brought out one of the most critically acclaimed albums so far this year and they played the Transmissions Stage on Saturday. Well worth checking out if you get the time.

Quiet Little Voices by We Were Promised Jetpacks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73Onygnmltg

I know what you're thinking. "Hahaha. They have a funny name!" Yes, yes they do. It's brilliant. But so are they. They're second album is almost twelve months old now so you can expect another album soon and if it's anywhere near the standard of their first two, it's well worth looking out for.

Something Good Can Work by Two Door Cinema Club

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PorW3y5n1w

I had to put these in. I love this band and I love this album. I caught some of their set on the BBC over the weekend and it looked phenomenal, the crowd really seemed to be getting in to it and why wouldn't they? Their album, Tourist History, has been around for some time now and with the second album on the way it couldn't be a more exciting time to go and see them.

Let's make our merry way over to see what happened on Sunday...

Still Life by The Horrors

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJQk0jDZx8o

There have been so many great things said about The Horrors in the last few years. All of them are true. There is no other band around like them, the imagery and the serenity of this song make it an instant classic.

New York Girls by Bellowhead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn0Ff83spQw

And now for something completely different. Some Irish folk to be precise. I love the joy in a Bellowhead performance, there's something about it that just makes you smile. I appreciate that Irish folk isn't everyone's cup of tea but I would still encourage anyone to give this a listen.

Chime by Orbital

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXYvIBuwxDQ

Time for some pioneering 90s dance music now. I'll be honest, I didn't know Orbital were making music again after their split in 2004 but they headlined the Slam Tent on Sunday. This track is from 1990 and was their first single to reach the top 20. Its very easy to see the influence they had on many charting acts today.

Reasons Not To Be An Idiot by Frank Turner

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T5NUB1vyu4

I was implored by many people for ages to get in to Frank Turner and it took me a long time. This song was the turning point for me and I get it now. He's brilliant. Now I'm on the bandwagon I can safely say that the albums Love Ire & Song and England Keep My Bones are both wonderful and everyone should go out and buy them.

I.D. by Kasabian

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfGP2hCB754

I couldn't end without including the headliners from Sunday, Kasabian. I watched their set in it's entirety on BBC Three on Sunday and I thought it was brilliant. Their consistency over the years has been astounding. Its hard to think that next year it will be the 10th anniversary of their first single. They've not done too badly for five guys from Countesthorpe. Three number one albums, three platinum selling albums, twelve top 40 singles. In my opinion the best live band in the country at the minute. It was a great way to end the festival.



So what else happened this week? Oh yeah. Andy Murray lost Wimbledon. Ah well, at least the Scots had fun at T In The Park.