Heatwave Survival Soundtrack

Weather-wise, we all know what’s coming this week. We’ve woken up to the weather forecast being delivered in a typically shocked and cautionary sort of way, as if us Canadians should be prepared to see the masses tearing their clothes off and streaking through the streets when the hot noon hour hits. But you know what? Bring it on. We’ve suffered through wearing severely unattractive and clunky winter boots, having touque-head and watching our favourite heels grow dusty in the corner throughout the winter months. We’ve dreaded that sprint from the restaurant doors when we’re whipped by the icy winter air before finally crawling into a cab. We’ve been continually asked if we’re “OK” because of having upwards of ten shin bruises from either slipping on black ice or stubbing our body as we rummage for a work outfit in the early, dark hours of the morning (that could be just me, the bruised little peach).

Either way, it’s time to be out and about. It’s time to walk everywhere, put on a few pounds because of evening strolls to gelato, and re-discover the city you might have almost forgotten existed beneath the slushy heaps of snow. So, as you adventure to take back your neighbourhood, enjoy the view from atop a breezy balcony and take a peak at life from behind rose-coloured Ray Bans, here are some suggestions as to what could be playing in the background:

Rolling in the Deep – Adele (Jamie xx remix): In my mind, any member of The XX can do no wrong…and neither can Adele. So, we’re off to the races with this one! A double-dutch hurried clap starts this tune, underneath Adele’s commanding opening first verse – before a bigger beat swings in with bellowing male vocals to join her on the chorus. Mixed with clanging percussion and pulsing keyboard, Adele’s sassy back-up singers chime in with “you’re going to wish you never had met me” part-way through. A seamless take on today’s most empowering break-up song – this one is an extra and unlikely bit of flair to an almost-played-out-but-still-amazing track.

Tell Me – Au Revoir Simone (Clock Opera Remix): This remix, of an original song by one of my favourite all-girl Brooklyn trios, is hands-down one of the most beautiful dream-pop tracks I’ve heard to date. Sounding next to nothing like the more subdued but equally melodic original, the beautiful cascading piano that opens up this retro-sounding version immediately draws resemblances to the synth-sounds of their fellow indie friends LCD Soundsystem or Friendly Fires. This tune is a redefined piece of magic and an appropriate little anthem for summer nights spent biking the city and swerving through quiet streets.

Banana Ripple – Junior Boys: Off their soon-to-be released new album entitled It’s All True, Junior Boys provide the perfect electro beat for that summer dinner party or pitchers of sangria on the rooftop. It’s groovy, upbeat and trendy – the ideal backdrop to a hazy heat wave. Although this relaxing track has hit the mark, Jeremy Greenspon sounds as if he must have something else coming from up his sleeve with this album. I say this because, although he’s known for these minimalistic sort of house beats – he usually has something a bit more intriguing in store.

40 Day Dream – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros: A wee throwback. This harmonic, jubilant anthem is exactly what a raucous summer is all about. Sharpe’s raspy vocals swirl around the thump of the percussion and clapping beat as he shrieks, “It’s the magical mystery kind/ Must be a lie / Bye bye to the too good to be true kind of love/ I could die.”

Cannibal – Hickey and Sohn: This soothing, dreamy song is about as pretty as it gets. A sweet and tinkering lullaby from a boy/girl New York City duo, this kind of laid-back tune is actually perfect for any season. With the chime of a pretty xylophone and a rocking acoustic loop as all that sits beneath her quiet croons, it makes you want to blow some dandelions and take an afternoon nap.

Gold Skull – Miniature Tigers: The ultimate song to zone out to after a long day inside your stuffy office. Throw on a pair of sunglasses and glide down the city streets with this in your headphones as you make your way home. It’s catchy, fun and low-maintenance – just what we need in the middle of a heat spike.

Rill Rill – Sleigh Bells: Your musical guide to summer exists in this song. The lazy twang of country instrumental is layered over a stomping beat, making Alexis Krauss’s little pixie vocals stand out as even more adorably addictive. The contrasting sounds on “Rill Rill” are the ingredients for the cutest yet baddest track of the summer.

In a nutshell, what pairs better with sunshine than some sunny tunes? Happy heatwave listening! More to come…