Songs That Have Defined My Summer 2006, Part 1 of a 10 part series

This summer is just about over, its basically winding down. So far its been one of my favorite ever as I got my license and able to roam about a little more, but not that much. Musically, it has been easily the best as I have discovered so many new bands and old ones that have seemingly been on repeat all summer long. To honor all 20 of these songs I have put together a mix tape of sorts. Each song is a 5 star, highly recommended nugget, and for those of you who use itunes is tagged and has the album art(to the right) attached. I will be writing about two at a time and uploading them via yousend it for your downloading pleasure.(Available for 7 days)


The first song chosen randomly by Itunes is noneother than Elliot Smiths cover of Chilton, Thirteen. This song is one of the many on the list that I can say I know all the words to by heart. Elliott plays beautifully on his acoustic as he lets the lyrics take center stage. The first line of the song sets the tone for the rest as he notes, "Wont you let me walk you home from school". This line is reminiscent of the Beach Boys equally as questioning and as romantic opening line for the song "wouldn't it be nice". Elliot can do just about no harm, musically, in my book.

MP3: Elliott Smith-Thirteen(Chilton Cover)


The next in line is my favorite Mountain Goats song of all time, Love Love Love. So far the summer seems to have been pretty romantic, as the song outlines what people would do for love. The line in the the song that sends chills down my back is when it describes "young Kurt Cobain" who "snuck out to the green house, [and]put a bullet in his brain." If he did it for love we will not know, but surely the moment will last forever as the song later notes. This is truly as wonderful song and its the Mountain Goats at their best.

MP3: The Mountain Goats-Love Love Love


O and the artwork choice contains the two things that have been the highlights of my summer, the beach and soccerfootball.