Yea right. We know how THAT really feels.
Living in the tropics(Philippines), normally summer is hell.Trust me, you will curse thy innocent blanky. Gotta be honest here; summer only means school break, zero allowance, and a peculiar urge in people to marinade themselves and flake away with a tan on overcharging beach spots. (Okay, okay, I'm a little bitter cause I'm not able to do 'the-wishy-washy-in-beaches-thingy' this year again :p hahaha).
For the people who share my pain (those who chose to stay at home for the whole summer, or those who just don't have a choice), lock your doors, get on your birthday suit, make yourselves your favorite summer cooler, and chill with these undying, laid-back tunes fit for summer-dreaming!
Kick up the volume with John Mayer's Your Body is a Wonderland.
I have one word for you: SE-E-E-E-E-E-XY. And yes, that counts as one word :D Forget about getting high while laying back. Once this song plays, you are bound to sway your hips and just sing-along with your eyes closed. Don't even try to hide that irritating smirk you make when heart-inflating memories of you and your special someone start to flood your head in every note. And who wouldn't want to hear John Mayer's smoky, sleek, and cool voice one 'afternoon in a room for two'? NO ONE. You know what else you can't say no to that goes well with this song?
A Dark Chocolate-Strawberry-Banana Smoothie.
Here's how: throw in dark choco(chips or the common sub powder),chopped up strawberries and bananas in a blender. Pour in fresh milk and scoops of crushed ice. Blend away. You can add vanilla ice cream for a thicker smoothie or yogurt for a healthier mix. Try it out ;)
I really like the album version, but I suggest the acoustic one. Just feels natural and fresh. Summer perfect!
Click on the hyperlinks to check his videos :)
The Temptation's classic My Girl - just the right dose of Motown.
Crazy moves and smooth rhythm. That is The Temptations. This song was released not on a summer but on the Christmas of 1964. It is their first single that hit #1 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. It even ranked 88 in the Rolling Stone's list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Talk about undying, huh? Lead vocals Ruffin (that guy on the right with the mic and a Scotty Pippen hairdo) made name for his sweet and melodic take on this hit. I mean, who would forget the 'I've got sunshine on a cloudy day' line? Screams summer all the way. I love it. Every line is another way of saying that a girl can be a man's living summer, walking source of life, a breathing climate, or whatever. It's really sweet to think that maybe, just maybe, the effect of summer is strongly comparable to a girl's effect on a boy. Imagine that plus a pitcher of Honey Lemon Iced Tea. Heaven. Here's how: Brew the tea bags(this makes 2 to 3 cups per tea bag: try Lipton's Black Tea or Yellow Label). Squeeze lemon juice when tea cools and sweeten with honey. Shake with ice cubes and enjoy. :)
Watch 'em here or you could try Westlife's version(I hated that they lip-synced AND they tried too much with the moves,it kinda hurts :p)
You Make My Dreams Come True by Hall & Oates for a carefree afternoon.
You really need to see this.
Okay, okay. I'm a little biased. But this scene is key in remembering such a worthwhile movie(500 Days of Summer)! I figured this clip works better than a cover art :) From its release in 1981, Hall & Oates' single has become a media favorite. Used in over 10 programs(and movies), this song brings the suave in summer even when you're lounging in a recliner and just tapping along to the beat. Completely feel-good and without a doubt a must-hear. While you're wasting away the hot afternoon, why not sip on a Meg Ryan for a double-suave effect(click on the link for the recipe courtesy of thekitchn.com). If you're not feeling the berries, try a Shirley Temple instead. Fill 1/3 of tall glass with lemon soda(Sprite will do!), another 1/3 with ginger ale, and a shot of grenadine syrup. Put ice until nearly full and stir. Done!
Here's Hall & Oates' official music video.
Reminisce that embarrassing JS Prom with Wheatus' Teenage Dirtbag.
Of course, this tune made it to my list. I practically breathe it in during high school. Released in 2000, this song served as the OST of the movie Loser starring Jason Briggs(that kid from American Pie). So, if you haven't heard of this song before, listen to it now. It won't die out on you, I swear. In fact, the song kept on sustaining itself. It was on the top of charts from the year of its release and is still on the UK Singles chart up to this year! If that ain't convincing enough, even One Direction made a cover of this song and performed it on one of their concert tours. This tune is 'almost legend'. Here's a drink to go with the edgy vibe of the track: Peanut Butter Smoothie (click it for recipes courtesy of mynaturalfamily.com). Yep, peanut butter - an all-time favorite, a legend. Unless of course, you're allergic to it. Then you'd die of anaphylactic shock. Peanut butter is much like high school life, don't you agree? :)
Here's Wheatus' official music video.
Payback is sweet with All American Rejects' Gives You Hell.
Remember those times when you kept quiet instead of speaking up, or the times you let some mean-ass universal waste trample all over you just because you believe it's the right thing to do? Well, you're probably right. :) But doesn't it feel good to atleast make-up a scenario in your head of that same scene where you fought back instead? Where you get to laugh, not them? Ooh I know how that feels. Summer isn't just about the sun, sand, and beach. It's about rebirth, recreation, and recharge. And we have to admit, the world(poetically speaking) sucks. THAT and the fact that the lyrics are satisfyingly devilish enough for a slapback. Go ahead and let the world problem itself. Heck, grab an ice cold Beer! BUT! If you're under 18, forget about what I said and try Summer Twang instead (thanks to epicurious.com for the recipe).
Keep it simple and straight with Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer.
'Kiss me beneath the milky twilight, lead me out on the moonlit floor'. I think this goes without saying. Sixpence None the Richer's hit track for the movie She's All That(1998) is as unforgettable as a striking memory,say...first kiss? :) Better yet, first kiss with someone you truly love. Ah! Summer lovin' indeed! Need I say more? Relax to this tune which I guarantee you will play on repeat for a couple of times. I scream Cantaloupe Milk Cooler! Easy how to: Scrape off cantaloupe meat and put in a pitcher. Add desired amount of fresh milk, sugar and ice. Stir and freshen up with this Filipino-fave! If you ask me, I'd throw in sago(pearls) and gulaman(jell-o) for texture variety. OH! Pinipig, too!
Colbie Caillat's Bubbly to clear the atmosphere on a hot day.
I wouldn't even try to hide it. I love this song. It takes me to that place where no tiring thoughts can find me. Whenever I hear this song, I feel like I'm driving a convertible on a highway with all the winning aspects present: the wind playing with my hair, the sunlight gently pricking my face, and that someone on the passenger seat who keeps on cracking lousy jokes nonstop - which I love, who I love. For a calm, tranquil moment you want to share with your better half, partner, or simply, the love of your life. This is a great pick if you choose to keep silent and let the music express your feelings. Hold his/her hand and just take it all in. Also, listening to Colbie's warm vocals gets me to crave for Halo-Halo - another Filipino-fave! Watch out for my special HALO-HALO feature one of these days ;)
There are dozens of ways to spend summertime that doesn't involve expensive trips and risks of skin cancer. There's absolutely no harm in staying indoors, unless you're the 'I'd-die-if-my-friends-found-out-I-cheapskated-my-way-through-summer-and-I-have-no-cool-photos-for-my-Facebook-so-now-my-social-life-is-ruined' type of person. Really? :) Believe me, you don't want to be that person.
Have a good summer everybody!
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