positively present's summer soundtrack

 (  ♥)

"Music is enough for a lifetime,
but a lifetime is not enough for music."

 Sergei Rachmaninov 
 
 

As the summer's winding down (how is it September already?!), I've spent some time reflecting on what a great summer it was. Working in an office all day can't compete with the carefree summers of childhood, but I'd have to say this has been my best grown-up summer yet. It's been filled with a lot of love and lot of fun and even though I'm sad it's coming to an end, I'm happy to have experienced a few great months of sunshine and summertime celebration.

One of the things that makes every single summer I've had just a little bit better is music. I love music all the time, but there's something about those upbeat, catchy summer tunes that brings a big smile to my face. And this year there have been some particularly inspiring tunes that have made made a splash in my summer. In no particular order, here is a recap of some of my favorite songs (with a few of my favorite lyrics thrown in). 

 

Positively Present's 2010 Summer Soundtrack 

  

 
"Dog Days are Over" Florence + The Machine

Happiness hit her like a train on a track
Coming towards her, stuck still, no turning back...
The dog days are over, the dog days are done
The horses are coming so you'd better run
 

"The Sound of Sunshine" Michael Franti 

Here I am, just waiting for the storm to pass
And that's the sound of sunshine coming down
Yeah, the sound of sunshine comin' down

"Old White Lincoln" The Gaslight Anthem

And I could feel it coming up as the night's getting warm
Saw your summer dress hanging on the back of the lawn
Like a dream I remember from an easier time
With the top rolled down on a Saturday night
 

"Ambling Alp" Yeasayer

Now the world can be an unfair place at times
But your lows will have their compliment of highs
And if anyone should cheat you, take advantage of, or beat you
Raise your head, and wear your wounds with pride

 
 
"Fader" The Temper Trap

And the sweet, sweet sun's comin' down
Hard, the sun's comin' down
Hard, it burns the bones
So hold a hand for cover, 
Hold a hand for cover

 
 
"Islands" The XX

I don't have to leave anymore
What I have is right here
Spend my nights and days before
Searching the world for what's right here
I am yours now...

 
"I Am Not a Robot" Marina and the Diamonds

It’s okay to say you’ve got a weak spot
You don’t always have to be on top
Better to be hated than love, love, loved
For what you’re not

 
"Mine" Taylor Swift

You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter
You are the best thing that's ever been mine

 
 
"Something Good Can Work" Two Door Cinema Club

Let's make this happen, girl 
You gonna show the world that something good can work 
Let's get this started, girl
We're moving up, we're moving up,
It's been a lot to change, but you will always get what you want. 
 

"I Was Made for Sunny Days" The Weepies

 

 

 

I was made for sunny days
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made do with gray, b 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ut I didn't stay
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was made for sunny days
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I was made for you

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Almost Everything" Wakey!Wakey!

See, it feels bad now but it's gonna get better
See, it feels bad now but it's gonna get better
Someday

 

If you haven't heard of them (or even if you have!), take a minute to click on the links to watch the videos or listen to the songs (most links go directly to YouTube). Summer might be coming to an end, but the great music I've discovered this season doesn't have to. I hope you enjoy the songs... And if you've come across some great tunes this summer, feel free to share them in the comments section below. I'm always looking for great new songs!   

 

 What are your favorite songs from the summer of 2010? 
If you had to make a soundtrack for the summer,
what songs would make your list? 

Comments

[J.D. Meier]

My sister introduced me to The Gaslight Anthem, and I really like their stuff.

[Julia]

Thanks for sharing these~ Found some new favorites!! :)

[Cara]

I stumbled upon your blog one day and absolutely loved it! I so enjoy getting the email updates, they always make me think and I find myself nodding in agreement the whole time I'm reading. I always want to comment, but can never seem to find the right words to express how I feel (I guess you do that for me! lol). Music, though, is easy. Not sure how you feel about country, but two of my favorite songs right now are American Honey by Lady Antebellum and Come and Save Me by Gloriana. Just thought I'd share!
THanks for being and inspiration!

[GoodthingZ]

Love the post; lots of great songs/artists here! I really enjoy your blog. I often tweet your articles and hear lots of "goodthingz" about your work. Thanks for all you do ")

[Jeanie]

Sunshine day by brady bunch! :)

Your description of your love tore a hole in my soul....& it's taking a lot of rationalizations to fill it up. Argh.

[positively present]

J.D. - Gaslight Anthem is definitely one of my favorite finds from this summer. Very Americana, very awesome.

Julia - You're welcome! I'm glad you liked them!

Cara - Thank you so much! I'm so glad you've found Positively Present and you enjoy reading it. Music is definitely one of those great ways to express how you feel. I'm not too familiar with a lot of new country music, but I'm always open to it. I'll check out those songs you mentioned. Thanks for sharing them!

Goodthingz - Thanks! I really appreciate the positive feedback and it makes me happy to know that you're spreading the word about Positively Present. Thank you so much!

Jeanie - Very positive one -- and definitely a summer song! Though I'm not sure tearing a hole in someone's soul is a good thing, it means a lot to me to hear that you were moved by my posts about love. It's a very powerful thing and it's transformed my life in so many ways. (Try filling up that spot with love, not rationalizations... I used to try to stuff rationalizations in everywhere and it never worked out too well for me.)

[jonathanfigaro]

Music brings clarity to the soul and strength to the mind. As long as it is empowering, we can only grow from beautiful music.

[positively present]

Jonathan - You're so right about that! Music is a wonderful tool to help us find clarity and strength.

[Clearly Composed]

Ooooo...thanks for the new tunes to check out! My summer soundtrack featured Katy Perry and Eminem this year. :)

[positively present]

CC - No problem! Glad you liked them... I also was a big fan of Katy Perry and Eminem this summer. I found Eminem's "Not Afraid" to be really inspiring!

[Dana]

Oooh I LOVE Temper Trap! I have also been noticing some positive songs: The Weepies "Happiness", Joshua Radin "Brand New Day" and fun. "Barlights".

Also, I just want to say, I love that you take the time to read and respond to your comments. I commented a week or so ago on an old music post and I was so happy when I saw this post about music!

[positively present]

Dana - Thanks for sharing some new songs! I love to check out new music. I actually created this post because of the comment you left... It seemed like it was about time for a new soundtrack! Thanks so much for commenting. I really do appreciate the comments, which is why I make it a point to reply to each and every one. Thanks for reading!