Middle America by Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks
This song works for a sunny picnic day that is slightly more unsatisfactory than originally planned, or riding a bike that’s close to breaking down: both enjoyable experiences, but somehow sweeter because it’s authentic.
One Last Time by Summer Salt
If you lie in bed all day in a messy room in a non-depressing way, that is this song.
Easy Mirror by Spissy
One may wait for a chorus to come in this song, but it won’t, because that would be too normative.
Walk, Don’t Run by The Ventures
Such a sweet surfing jam, even if you don’t surf. It’s like Beach Boys but better, and minus the weird harmonies.
Cooking Up Something Good by Mac DeMarco
If you had a garden and made breakfast with things from it, this would be your soundtrack.
Revvin’ My Cj7 by Summer Salt
This song is unbeatable. It inspires one to own a CJ-7, an old Jeep model, and invite friends over to paint it in the sun.
I Just Dropped in to See What Condition My Condition Is In by Sharon Jones & The Dap-King
This magical, funky bop is a rainy spring morning. It somehow makes going to the doctor sound like a boogie blast.
I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash
A spring CLASSIC. This song is so fresh and clean that it’s kind of like a shower.
Old Love by Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers
This is a very brink-of-summer song. Sunset-y, full of love, and danceable.
Loving Is Easy by Rex Orange County
Maybe this song has gotten too popular to still experience it as the wonderful gem of musical magic that it is, but it’s still worth another listen.
Hero Town (feat. Michael Bland) by Vulfpeck
A Sunday bike ride with friends to get soft serve ice cream. Driving in a sweet whip. This song feels like a glorious cinematic soundtrack that could work for nearly any movie ever created.
Nothing From Nothing by Billy Preston
This should be every person with money’s theme song. Romantics that drive fur-covered Porsches and drink caviar wine.
Lousy Connection by Ezra Furman
High school is full of people terrible at communication and this song is pretty much about that so give it a listen.
