For many folks in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly those in the northern part of said hemisphere, the next few weeks are undoubtedly some of the most difficult of the entire year. While there are some so-called “freaks” like myself who relish these colder temperatures, a vast majority of people will struggle to keep their spirits up as mother nature inevitably toys with their emotions, teasing some warmer weather amongst the predictable last few snow squalls of the season. With frustration and stress running high, here are a few albums to evoke the sunny days ahead, and help you get through the final few weeks of winter with your sanity intact:
Lionize, “Jetpack Soundtrack”
This was one of a handful of albums I was looking forward to in the opening of 2014, and DAMN does it deliver! This is unapologetic rock and roll glory with a killer injection of reggae and funk to make the band sound like nobody else on the planet. It’s got the aggression to lift your spirits and get you going, while at the same time the grooves are present in massive amounts, as are vocal hooks you just have to shout!
“Jetpack Soundtrack” is one of those albums that has a looming power to it that makes you want to play it over and over again, and thanks to the exceptional style and sound the band creates, you can feel the sunlight bursting through your speakers on every track.
Van Halen, “Van Halen”
Sure, the record is more than thirty years old, but every note of it remains just as powerful and perfect as ever. If there is any single recording that embodies the true freedom of rock and roll, this may very well be it. The way the guitars just ring across the tracks and smash into one of the finest rhythm sections ever? Honestly, if that doesn’t warm you up inside, your soul might be broken.
From the opening stomp of “Runnin’ With The Devil” to the bluesy-sleaze of “Jamie’s Cryin’” to the truly flawless “Ice Cream Man”, it’s hit after hit from one of the best rock quartets ever. Plus, is there anything that embodies “partying hard for days on end in beautiful weather surrounded by similarly minded people” more than “Diamond” David Lee Roth? I think not. Case closed.
New Electric Ride, “Balloon Age”
Hot off the presses from Beyond Beyond Is Beyond Records, this album will instantly transport you to a sunny California afternoon…in the late 1960’s. Grab your favorite pair of flip-flops and let this one take you away in many senses of the word. Packed with a sound that offers a clear nod to the best of the psychedelic rock era, with an often-present heavier edge that makes it fiercely modern, this is an early contender for Record Of The Year.
The guitars dance beautifully across every track, and the band manages to balance the music between wispy, tripped out pop hooks and some of the most enjoyably dirty guitar you’ll find anywhere. The vocals will have you singing along in no time, and whether you’re recalling a favorite road trip or an afternoon in the backyard with friends, Balloon Age overflows with positive vibes and uplifting energy.
Valerie June, “Pushin Against A Stone”
For those perhaps looking for something a bit softer, but just as joyful and warm, this record remains one of the finest of last year. Bringing a sound that’s about as down-home/back porch as you can possibly get, chances are you’ll fall in love with this before the first song is over. As the album plays out, you can feel the glass of lemonade in your hand, as the sun sets slowly behind the tree-line.
Rarely needing anything more than her hypnotic voice and distinctive guitar style, the punctuating horns and strings only help these songs pull you in deeper. Working across a wide range of tempos and themes, this is just one of those albums that will leave a smile on your face for hours, and a dependable way to push off those winter blues.
Beach Boys, “Pet Sounds”
If all else fails, you can always count on this piece of musical perfection to pierce through the bitter cold and grey skies, as more than four decades later, there’s not a note anywhere on the album that has faded. Just let the opening notes of “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” carry you away to your happy place, as this records’ legendary status is well earned and just as worthy today as it was back in 1966.
From the gorgeous backing music that pulls from every conceivable genre to the vocal harmonies that in many ways define the term “vocal harmony,” the album has been cited as the touchstone for some of the most important records ever made. The fact of the matter is, when it comes to pumping out the musical embodiment of endless summer afternoons, you simply cannot top “Pet Sounds.”
Let me know your favorite albums to battle the “end of winter blues” in the comments below.
Joel Freimark hosts a daily music-related webseries HERE and you can follow his daily music musings and suggestions HERE as well.
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