What happened this summer? I waited and waited, but we had no big-time jams this year that really defined summer 2008. Think back to the last couple of years. Summer 2007 had Rihanna's "Umbrella." The year before, Gnarls Barkley came out with "Crazy." This year, three songs come to mind when I think about the big singles, but not one of them stands taller than the rest. It's useful, too, to lump these three songs together because each one pays homage, whether deliberately or not, to other big hits.
Top 3 Songs of the Summer of 20083. "All Summer Long" - Kid Rock
Kid Rock took uncreativity to new heights with this song. And that's saying a lot for a guy who within this decade has been responsible for both "American Badass" and Uncle Kracker. This is the song that most obviously pays homage to another, much bigger song, "Sweet Home Alabama." Frankly, it's a wonder this song ever got big. If the hook of your song references one of the five most overplayed songs in the history of Western civilization, it shouldn't even be recorded, let alone be getting play in clubs and grocery stores in Sweden.
2. "I Kissed A Girl" - Katy Perry
Jill Sobule did it way better 13 years ago, AND her video featured Fabio.
1. "Paper Planes" - M.I.A.
My favorite of the three, far and away, and not just because it samples The Clash's "Straight To Hell." The song is catchy, makes for good dancing and features gun shots in the hook. That's the exact formula for success I've been preaching for years, now. Bonus points: M.I.A. toured this year with
Holy Fuck and
The Cool Kids.
My Personal Summer Jams
The Bake Sale - The Cool Kids
I've had this record on repeat all summer. When I listen to it in five years, it will immediately take me back to being in Chicago, Store 'til 4 on a Sunday night. Newer stuff available for download on their
Myspace site.
Looking Forward To FallKings of Leon are releasing their new record,
Only By The Night, in late September. Chances are good that this will be my go-to listening all the way through New Year's. Two new songs are posted on their
Myspace site. You can also check out their video for "Sex On Fire" there. Great song, awful video.