Why Can't Summertime Stick Around Forever?
New books I'm reading, new music, and a brand new playlist.
I genuinely love this time of year. The air smells good, the days last longer, and my attitude seems laid-back and positive despite the ongoing headlines. Kayaking, swimming, bike rides, neighborhood walks, blasting vibrant music created near the equator, and windows wide open all day and night. What’s not to love?
I repeat myself every time it’s a beautiful, warm day with a slight ocean breeze, “I could use 365 days of this.”
”You wouldn’t appreciate it as much,” my wife always tells me.
I simply nod back with a wink each time as if to say, “wanna bet?”
Up The Hearts
I spent this past Saturday in Portland, Maine, with a great pal. We popped into Costco on our way north, followed by a brief visit to Bullmoose Music to pick up the new Trojan Records compilation called Living For The City: Soul Reggae Classics, focusing on Jamaican interpretations of American soul and R&B hits. If you’re a fan of reggae, 60’s soul, and R&B, this one is for you!
It was a clear, beautiful summer day in Portland, with not a cloud in the sky and low humidity, yet lightning struck twice — both from the parking gods. The first time was right in front of Longfellow Books. Like hitting the bullseye on a dartboard with your first dart, you couldn’t park any closer.
The second time? Right outside Après, where we watched the Norway vs. England match on the big screen with 250 other passionate fans of both teams. It was a community table where we all shared drinks, laughs, and new hats purchased from the nearby merch booth. All of this was leading up to the main event: The Portland Hearts of Pine vs. The New York Cosmos in USL League 1 Soccer.
The Hearts won on penalties, and the night was a complete success!
Summer Reading
I just finished reading The Land, and Its People, David Sedaris' latest essay collection. I laughed, cried, and it made me reflect on parts of my own life, too. It was a great read, and I’d love to see him the next time he comes around on a book tour.
I have now moved on to two new books — Universality by Natasha Brown and McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern 82. After, I have new books by Dave Eggers and Yann Martel to read, but I think I’m going to cheat and start a third book — the new Danny McBride short story collection!
What books are you reading this summer?
Now Playing
Released in 1972, Première Capsule was the only full-length album by Les Champignons. Because the band had no way to distribute the record, they gave most copies away to fans at their live shows. Over the years, it has become a cult classic and has been reissued by Return to Analog Records.
The album features a heavy, psychedelic sound that shifts between blues and progressive rock, highlighted by the epic 11-minute track Le Château Hanté. I picked up this LP in Montreal recently after my wife discovered it on a display wall at Aux 33 Tours on the plateau.
I’m glad she spotted it — it’s a fun record, full of sounds reminiscent of Zappa, Hawkwind, and Gong.
July Playlist
I wanted to create a 10-track summer playlist that has many warm, inviting sounds for you. I think this is it! Let me know in the comments, and I hope you enjoy this one — especially Dat Soca!
8 Pearls by Camille El Bacha & Naghib Shanbehzadeh
Big Bamboo by Lord Creator
Mi Último Fracaso by María Victoria & Héctor “El Árabe” Y Su Orquesta
Todo puede ser error by Bill Orcutt & Mabe Fratti
Everyday Dub (Adrian Sherwood Reset Dub Version) by Panda Bear, Sonic Boom & Adrian Sherwood
The Shadowy Light (feat. Asha Bhosle, Gruff Rhys, Ajay Prasanna, Amaan Ali Bangash & Ayaan Ali Bangash) by Gorillaz
Dat Soca Boat by Shadow
Lazy Days by 20th Century Steel Band
Once in a Blue Moon by Pictured Resort
Thunderstorm by Appleblim
Thanks again for reading. I hope you’re enjoying the summertime as best you can. 🙏
It’s almost time for a kayak. - Jason