Cool Hunting’s Summer 2009 Playlist
This collection of tracks (click here to launch a player) represents a selection of our favorite new jams and a few classics, all inspired by the warm days of summer and activities like beach trips and rooftop parties. When we all started listening compulsively (the crowd-pleasing soundtrack played at my own Memorial Day BBQ), we knew we had a winner on our hands. —Ami Kealoha
Grizzly Bear: Two Weeks
Between Veckatimest and Daniel Rossen's new release from side project Department of Eagles, we predict Spring 2009 will be chock-full of toe-tapping, lo-fi tunes â la Brooklyn-based Grizzly Bear. Buy the album on Amazon.
The Whitest Boy Alive: Intentions
Simple and classy, the smooth tone of Erlend Øye's voice over the band's intelligible beats makes "Intentions" the perfect compliment to your end-of-the-work-day Scotch. Buy the album on Amazon.
Richard Swift: Lady Luck
Richard Swift's latest album Atlantic Ocean features vintage synths and catchy hooks making for some great piano-led pop that sounds of an older era. Intricate melodies and skillful instrumentation make each listen more enjoyable. The whole album is worth a listen. Buy it on Amazon.
Wave Machines: Keep The Lights On
Like their name implies, Wave Machines' "Keep The Lights On" is a steady flow of electro beats while the vocals keep it mostly easy and low before bursting into a high-pitched chorus. It's kind of like the Scissor Sisters on Ecstacy. Buy album on the band's website or free download on Myspace.
Junior Boys: Parallel Lines
Summon the power of '80s disco upgraded to the technological wonder of 2009 with "Parallel Lines" by the Junior Boys. Buy album on Amazon.
Peter, Bjorn & John: Living Thing
The hot Swedish trio behind the catchy whistling tune “Young Folks†venture away from indie rock with their new dance album Living Thing. This song, along with their anthem "Amazon.
Phoenix: 1901
From the witty album title (Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix) and cover art (missiles) to dependably catchy pop tunes from Sofia Coppola-approved Phoenix, what more could you ask for from a band? Buy album on Amazon.
Kid Sister: I'll House You
This Reebok promo by Chicago's Kid Sister takes on the late '90s Jungle Brothers track "I'll House You" to makes-us-want-to-be-the-club-kid-we-never-were effect. Download or stream on RCRD LBL.
Glasser: Apply
Glasser is the stage name of Los Angeles native Cameron Mesirow, who often performs with the help of an interpretive dance troupe. "Apply," from her forthcoming self-titled LP, pairs tribal rhythms with vocals that display a Kate Bush-level of quirkiness. Buy album on Amazon.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Zero
Karen O is back after three years and still winning 'em over from Bushwick to the Mission with her singular voice on the Yeah Yeah Yeah's new album Blitz. "Zero" is a clear indication that the time off was well spent, resulting in a fresh and welcome twist on their distinguished tone. Buy album on Amazon.
The Lemonheads: Yesterlove
The gentle sound of Evan Dando's version of the 1969 Sam Gopol song "Yesterlove" is easing our transition from spring. It's conjuring a cure for lounging in a hammock with a glass of mint iced tea. Pre-order album on their Amazon.
The Marvelettes: Forever
Comprised of three women, the Marvelettes remind us all that everyone always needs a little more doo wop in their life. Their big break came with their #1 hit "Please Mr. Postman," but we're digging the wistful vibe of this song lately.
Buy album on Buy album on Amazon.
AA: Suicide Fever
Not to be confused with the Brooklyn-based Aa, AA is early-'80s Belgian band clearly influenced by brooding contemporaries like the Fall and Joy Division. After playing no more than five shows and releasing the four-song EP "Essential Entertainment," they broke up and faded into post-punk obscurity. Good news for vinyl nerds: Brooklyn's Softspot Music is re-released the long out-of-print record on seven-inch. Limited to 500 pressings, don't wait to place your order.
Download on RCRD LBL.
Paul Simon: Mother & Child Reunion
Paul Simon's self-titled first solo album was recently remastered and his young, effortless voice sounds better than ever. The whole album serves as another reminder why he is one of the best songwriters of our time, but the reggae feel of this song always puts us in a good mood. Buy the album on Amazon.
Hot Chip: Transmission
The ultimate backdrop to any impromptu rooftop dance party, the steel drums on this interpretation of an old fave will have you swaying in the warm breeze well into the night.
Buy the album on Amazon.
Dirty Projectors: Stillness Is The Move
The first single off Dirty Projectors' upcoming record Bitte Orca is a prime example of Dave Longstreth's painstakingly orchestration. Frenetic guitar lines and layers vocals combine for exacting statement from one of indie's most innovative groups. Buy the album on Amazon.
Bill Callahan: Jim Cain
This roantic tune reminds us to slow down and smell the spring flowers. With lyrics like "In the darkest of nights, the truth still dazzles," Callahan eloquently states the obvious as he ponders his journey to find ordinary things. Buy the album on Amazon.
Micachu & the Shapes: Golden Phone
Making music since the age of four, this 21-year-old is taking the music industry by storm, writing pieces for the London Philharmonic Orchestra, DJing around the UK garage scene, touring with her band The Shapes and creating homemade instruments from things like CD racks. This song just cements her talent. Buy the album on Amazon.
Yeasayer: Tightrope
The elongated chords and proclamatory voice are befitting for the song's title, as Chris Keating's voice waivers in emotion and invites you in lyrically and spiritually. Buy the album on Amazon.
Here We Go Magic: Only PIeces
The sleepy sound of HWGM is a welcome addition as we slowly wake up to summer. The video for their whirl-windy song "Amazon.
The Cordelier Club: When We Were Young
This brother and sister duo out of London is gaining quite the following with their sweet but insightful lyrics and smooth indie sound. They're as great live as they are pumping through your headphones on a sunny day, be sure to check them out at this year's Bestival on the Isle of Wight. Visit their Myspace page .
With contributions from Doug Black, Bryn Chernoff, Karen Day, Kelsey Keith, Joel Niedfeldt, Josh Rubin and Tim Yu
