Memorial Day weekend has always marked the start of summer. The calendar says the season begins June 20 but that's silly. The end of May is when the temps heat up and classes let out, making me fondly recall coming home from the last day and having my dad blast Alice Cooper's "School's Out."
Unlike my teacher dad, my teacher sister Alli and a bunch of friends who are in the education business, summer doesn't mean much change for me. My neighbors and I will gripe more about the humidity when we go on the back staircase to smoke. And my electric bill will skyrocket. That's about it.
But I am stoked about this three-day weekend. I'm pretty sure it'll mark the longest time I have gone without working on an assignment in more than a year. Plus, I have what should be a most excellent pool party to attend, where I'll likely hear a few of these songs.
Top 10: Summer songs
1. “School’s Out,” Alice Cooper
2. “Summer Wind,” Frank Sinatra
3. “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy),” Bruce Springsteen; (I also really dig “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” off the Boss’ latest album, Magic).
4. “Summertime,” Billie Holiday
5. “Summertime Blues,” Eddie Cochran; (The Who’s version from Live at Leeds is also killer.)
6. “In the Summertime,” Bob Dylan; (I also recommend Zimmy’s more recent, and rather swinging, “Summer Days”).
7. “Summer in the City,” The Lovin’ Spoonful
8. “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” Sly & The Family Stone
9. “The Boys of Summer,” Don Henley
10. “Summer of ’69,” Bryan Adams
What did I miss?
