Summer songs to help you embrace the heat
Songs to celebrate the heat, not bemoan it by Somethingyousaid on Mixcloud
Remember how we interviewed New York-based model/actress Jessamine Kelley last week? Well, we were so impressed by her writing style and her music taste that we’ve invited her to join Team Something You Said. Welcome to the gang Jessamine! Here’s her debut article, featuring a bunch of songs perfect for these long sunny days that some of us are currently enjoying (or, if you’re English, moaning about):I just stumbled into my apartment, dripping from every pore, and groping for a drink. I was literally panting like a dog. You might think I was at a spinning class or being chased by zombies/vampires/whatever monster is popular right now, but I’m only returning from a typical day of castings in 95-degree weather.
In stark contrast to the icy wind tunnels of January, July in New York City is a steamy jungle, a veritable tropical land of pavement, radiating heat like a frying pan. You can feel your sweat mingling with the exhaust from the buses and taxis, and everyone ducks from one refrigerated building to next. Many race to escape the sauna effect, but I try to embrace it. This is the only time of year when New Yorkers ditch their black uniforms for pastels and bright patterns, and the pace on the sidewalk slows from a gallup to an indolent stroll. Work in July is as laid-back as it gets here, and afterwards we all hustle to catch the sunset and a coveted breeze on the nearest rooftop.
If you’re lucky enough (or lazy enough), you might make it to Happy Hour for some drinks studded with cucumbers and citrus. I find these go down particularly well with rolling samba beats, deep base and languid, funky guitar. Here I’ve curated an hour of music that helps me celebrate the heat instead of bemoaning it. This is the tracklisting of the above playlist:
1. Hot Hot Summer Day (Theo Parrish Re-edit) – Sugar Hill Gang
2. About Time (Ft. Nengue Herna) – Andres
3. Playa Playa – D’Angelo
4. Samba Magic – Basement Jaxx
5. Oba, La Vem Ela – Jorge Ben
6. Baby – Os Mutantes
7. Mancada – Gilberto Gil
8. Summertime – Billy Stewart
9. Do Leme Ao Pontal – Tim Maia
10. Summertime Blues – Eddie Cochran
11. Funky Kingston – Toots & the Maytals
12. Everybody Loves the Sunshine – Roy Ayers
13. Hot Fun in the Summertime – Sly & the Family Stone
14. That’s the Way of the World – Earth, Wind & Fire
Words and playlist by Jessamine Kelley.
