Hear these sweet summer sounds

Summer is the definitive season of adventure. And, as meandering college students in search of scholastic enlightenment, we too are living in the adventurous season of our lives. We have the means to memorialize the chances taken and the crazy risks that actually end up paying off anytime we desire to do so. In the age of iPods and CD burners, we’ve all experienced creating our own playlist or mix of feel-good tunes; this time, build the soundtrack of your summer.

Start out with a general celebration honoring the relinquished responsibilities and unabashed academic freedom that the end of the semester offers. Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out”, has the appropriate energy to charge your vacation with a jump start and put you on the road to Funland.

Speaking of the road, no summer vacation can be complete without the spontaneous and insanely planned road trip. A hands down favorite would have to be “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. No other song truly embodies the independence and euphoria that the road can bring. “Lost Highway” from Bon Jovi’s album of the same name is also a noteworthy selection. Be sure to open the sunroof, roll the windows down and crank up the sound for these babies.

Tunes for small daytrips to the pool, lake or picnic include the stereotypical band of the season, The Beach Boys. With the sun, water and some cold drinks, you can always count on those California boys to provide a good time. Other favorites are Sheryl Crow’s “Soak up the Sun” and Faith Hill’s “Sunshine and Summertime.”

And of course, let us not forget one common component in the summertime formula – the starry-eyed fling. Some of our most special mix songs, these love ballads will include a range of different selections depending on the relationship, but here are a few from years past.

“The Boys of Summer” – whether you prefer the original by Don Henley or the modern cover by The Ataris, it is an authentic, passionate song capable of reminding us all of what love is about. Justin Timberlake made quite a splash with his romantically themed song, “Summer Love,” last year. A favorite for the audacious gentlemen out there looking for a lady this season, consider using this one with caution. And for the Country music lovers, Caribbean cowboy Kenny Chesney melts our hearts with his tale of a memorable relationship cut off by the changing seasons in “Anything but Mine.”

This week we will stifle our innate prerogatives and fulfill our final academic obligations, but come Thursday, life as we’ve known it for the past nine months will change. As we depart for various destinations, take note of the experiences this semester has brought, the learning and the laughs.

Good luck and “Good Riddance,” I hope you have the time of your life.

KAYLA CHRISTOPHERSON
Culture Writer

Related Posts:

1. Hear that? It’s the Pulse of BSU
2. Summer Music and Movies Guide
3. Summer classes open for registration
4. Do you hear what I hear?
5. ‘Arm’sWay’ is the album of the summer