Thanks to all who contributed their summer music and their special memories.
Sigh No More - Mumford and Sons
Back when CDs were still the norm, I worked for a TV/FILM set catering company and I would blast this album driving to/from work every day. We only had a handful of CDs and therefore didn’t have many options, but it didn’t matter because this album was the prefect driving album! Also, longer family trips would have it on repeat.
Nowadays Taylor Swift or Wheels on the Bus on repeat, depending on whether Goldie is in the car or not!
Alex Fiddes
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After The Earthquake – Alvvays
I first discovered the song last summer and its jangly guitar melodies and hazy production reminds me of the general feelings of summer. Although lyrically somber, the narrator is ultimately chasing the carefree days, which is like remembering the summers when you were younger. I've also listened to this song at least a billion times and it never gets old, just like summer. YouTube Link
Aleksa Misic (Etobicoke)
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Remember (Christmas) - Harry Nilsson
Though not about Christmas!
The Heart of Saturday Night - Tom Waits
Jill Nelson (Burlington)
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Bye Bye Miss American Pie – Don McLean
1972 … I graduated from high school in Killarney, Manitoba. We sang this at our grad dance. It brings back so many memories … driving down Main Street in our friend’s Chevy!!
Paradise by the Dashboard Light - Meatloaf
1977… wedding socials were popular and so we knew all the words and sang/screamed loud “will you love me forever …”
Devoted to You - Carly Simon & James Taylor
1979… married my high school sweetheart and we signed the registry and had a trio singing this beautiful song.
Gail Shewfelt (Burlington)
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Stardust - Willie Nelson
This particular version of Stardust reminds me of my childhood, falling asleep on a warm summer night while my parents listened to this record (yes, vinyl) downstairs and the melody and Willie's soothing voice wafted upstairs to my sleepy ears.
Summertime - NKOTB
This song evokes memories of teenage years, meeting new people, and the excitement of a new crush.
Wonderwall - Oasis
I don't know why I connect this song with summer, but it reminds me of a bright summer day, relaxing in the yard.
Amy Brewitt (Virtual)
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Under the Boardwalk - The Drifters
A classic. My other two offerings are from the 1960s - vintage, like me! https://youtu.be/EPEqRMVnZNU?si=T4n0fjaipK9jV-mo
Concrete and Clay - Unit 4 plus 2
It's absolutely nothing to do with summer, but is so light and relaxed.
Summer Song - Chad and Jeremy..
The clue is in the name!
Sue Somers (Burlington)
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Here are a couple of my favourite summer songs! Most of these are ‘70s retro rock that my parents raised me on, though there's some reggae in there too. Lots of memories of backyard parties, hanging out at the beach at our favourite campsite, and the very specific smell of bug spray mixed with sunscreen that isn't exactly pleasant, but always makes me think of summer.
Dancin' in the Moonlight by King Harvest (my mom's all-time favourite song)
Three Little Birds by Bob Marley (my dad's all-time favourite song)
Madison Farkas (Hamilton)
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Here are a few of my summer favourites. They all happen to be oldies but they are my favourite thing to play on road trips.
My Girl - The Temptations
Blue Velvet - Bobby Vinton
Crazy - Patsy Cline
Stand by me - Ben E King
Take a Chance on me - ABBA
Karen Flores (Burlington)
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Summertime - Dame Kiri Te Kanawa from the Gershwin musical “Porgy and Bess.”
What a voice! What a song! and gorgeously sung by this beloved opera soprano.
Pixie Irving (Etobicoke)
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Jack and Diane – John Mellencamp
I was 17 years old the summer this song came out, working in Northern Ontario planting trees. Our radio reception was iffy in spots due to our Great Canadian Shield, so when Jack and Diane happened to come on (which seemed like every fourth song) we would drive in the work truck, wherever we could, to get clearer reception. Then we would just park and belt it out as loud as we could. We likely sent the bears into early hibernation! Great song and great summer memory.
Cheryl Adam (Hamilton)
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Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys.
Brings back memories of my childhood summers and my teen years seeing The Beach Boys in concert at the CNE.
Julia Candlish (Burlington)
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One fine morning - Lighthouse
Summer - War
Grazin’ in the Grass - Friends of Distinction
Saturday in the Park – Chicago
My quintessential summer faves.Julie Sinclair (Oakville)
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Whiter Shade of Pale – Procul Harem
Growing up I spent the summers at the cottage. Our cottage was behind the "store and dance hall.” I fell asleep listening to this song played over and over again on the jukebox. So, it definitely reminds me of summer, even now when I hear it.
Clare Kooistra (Hamilton)
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See you in September
Faye Zsadany (Burlington)
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Summer Breeze - Seals and Croft
A summer song literally - I have always loved this song.
One Call Away - Charlie Puth.
I like the melody and the friendly, positive message.
Fabiola Rodríguez St Cyr (Oakville)
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Lean on me - Bill Withers
The Club Nouveau cover. Ahhhh - my favourite memory of summer
Sheila Barker (Hamilton)
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Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head - BJ Thomas
My family went on a lot of long car trips in the summer as we went camping all over Canada (we lived in Manitoba). The four kids had to amuse themselves and one way we did so was to sing along with the radio. In 1970 this was a huge song as it was part of the soundtrack for the movie “Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid.” The song has an uplifting message and a catchy track.
Bev Church (Etobicoke)
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Anything by Gordon Lightfoot
Maureen Ash (Hamilton)
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A Summer Song - Chad & Jeremy
Under the Boardwalk - The Drifters
They both remind me of my youth!!!
Cathy Ralph (Hamilton)
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In the Summertime - Mungo Jerry
Helen Pisarzowski (Etobicoke)
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Summer Heat Wave - Bronski Beat
Our family loved to play this song at our cottage on real hot days. It’s an oldie but fun. Sue Johnson (Etobicoke)
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Centrefield - John Fogerty
I never think summer is here until I get to sing along with and belt out the chorus: “Put me in coach, I’m ready to play today….!” It’s got some cool clapping spots, too.As one of the two grade six members of my elementary school softball team in Mount Forest, I had high hopes for getting off the bench when I was in grade 7.Unfortunately, we moved to Guelph at Thanksgiving, and I never got picked to be on a softball team again.
Sue Hall (Burlington)
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Surfin’ Safari and Surfin’ USA - The Beach Boys
They remind me of having fun outside in the summer!
All Summer Long - Kid Rock
I can remember many a summer with that song playing in the background whilst having a great time!
Lily Pigott (Burlington)
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Night Moves - Bob Segar and the Silver Bullet Band
There's a part in this song that says “sweet summertime, summertime”
and I also loved the guitar and the slow part that says “ain’t it funny how the night moves…”
I Can See Clearly Now - Jimmy Cliff
Love the beat - it's not just about a sunny day, it's about how things were not clear but now they are:
“Look all around there’s nothing but blue skies... the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Here is that rainbow I've been praying for …”
It always made my mood change from bad to happy very quickly!
Paula Lunardo (Etobicoke)
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Bobcaygeon – The Tragically Hip
Cruel Summer- Bananarama
Night Swimming- REM
Reminds me of summer visits at our neighbour’s cottage and also night swimming in our pool… the best feeling, mental, physical, visual!
Toes - Zac Brown
Reminds me of any beach in Canada or the tropics
Turn the Page - Bob Segar
Reminds me of boating on Lake Erie and docking in Port Dalhousie. Many other boats were there and someone was playing this song. Also takes me back to high school.
Wave Babies - Honeymoon Suite
Classic beach/summer vibes. Awesome Canadian band. And reminds me of college.
Cruisin’ - Huey Lewis and Gwyneth Paltrow
Great song for doing just that especially in the summer
Lost Together - Blue Rodeo
Anything Blue Rodeo but this is one of my favourites. Spent many summers at this great Canadian band’s outdoor concerts!
Nancy Whyte (Burlington)
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Summer Breeze - Seals and Croft
Summer in the City - The Lovin' Spoonful
See You in September - Franki Valli and the Four Seasons
Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams
They remind me of summers during my elementary and high school years, which is when I met my husband.
Julie Yoshida (Lawrence Park)
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