When the weather heats up, so does rock and roll music, says a Ball State University rock music expert.
The month of June is the traditional start of the season when young, and the young at heart, cruise around in their cars, blaring their favorite pop songs, said Richard Aquila, a history professor and former host of the weekly National Public Radio show "Rock and Roll America."
"Everyone has a favorite song they listen to in the summer," he said. "It has become an American pastime to listen to those classics while driving in your car, lying by the pool or hanging out at a party."
Aquila has compiled his own personal list of top summer songs that can make any event fun.
However, he warns that the songs should be played loud enough so your grill is shaking, but not loud enough for your neighbors to call the realtor.
Aquila's favorites include:
"Summertime Blues" -- "Begin your barbeque with Eddie Cochran's version. When things get louder, switch to Blue Cheer's version. The Who's version should be playing by the time the police arrive."
"All Summer Long" -- "The quintessential Beach Boys song about the quintessential summer. The quints mentioned in the lyrics are likewise essential, including romance, freedom, cars, songs, and, of course, miniature golf."
"It's Summertime, Summertime" -- (The Jamies) "Lousy song, but the older baby boomers in the crowd will love it."
"Summer in the City" -- (Lovin' Spoonful) "The jackhammer alone makes this one a must-play."
"Palisades Park" -- (Freddy Cannon) "Great summer song. It also allows you to tell your guests a bit of trivia because it was written by Chuck Barris of "The Gong Show" notoriety."
"Surf City" -- (Jan and Dean) "Actually, any surf song will do. But, this one sounds more like the Beach Boys than the Beach Boys themselves in part because Brian Wilson not only co-wrote this hit, but also sang the high part."
"Surfer Joe" -- (The Surfaris) "Cult classic from 1963 that's probably still echoing on the beaches of southern California. It's a bizarre cross between Buddy Holly and Gidget Goes Hawaii. It was the flip side of "Wipe Out," the surf instrumental that opened with a long, maniacal laugh, punctuated by a crazed voice giggling 'wipe out.'"
"Timothy" -- (The Buoys) "This isn't really about summer, but it's essential for the vegetarians in the crowd. If you don't get this one, just ask a baby boomer with a good memory and a sick sense of humor!"
"The Boys of Summer" -- (Don Henley) "A summer song with a message. Who would've thought? Dead heads, baseball fans, surfers and old hippies will all love it."
"Miserlou" -- (Dick Dale and His Del-Tones) The greatest surf instrumental of all times done by Dick Dale, the king of the surf guitar. Movie fans will recognize this song from 'Pulp Fiction.' Folk enthusiasts will point to older roots. In any case, crank this one up if you burn the hamburgers and nobody will care."
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