The Enemy of Average! Wild Surfwear- USA Made / Summer Songs

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Summer Songs- SO-Cal Summer By Avid Dancer

Jacob Summers or as he goes by Avid Dancer beautifully crafts songs with a yearning and angst that grab your ear!! Avid Dancer has a way of pulling you and keeping you captivated with every note! With ranging voice that's good to move your feet or just lay back you always want more! Check out Avid Dancers debut album "1st Bath" out now!!! Also take a listen to his amazing summer playlist below!!



What could be more SO-Cal than releasing a Summer playlist in April?   Well, I certainly can't think of anything.  Well, wait- perhaps 
a walk down the Venice Beach board-walk, openly smoking a huge J while watching the skin-parade through darkly tinted sunglasses...  In April...  WHILE listening to this playlist.  (Obvio)  I don't want to write a novel here, and let's face it- I'm not a writer so I won't bore you with a rant about why I picked these songs, where you should listen to them or what you should be doing while listening.  Do your thing, be you.  DO you.  Shit.  I just dig on these songs.  I know some of these folks, one I produced, some are label mates and the others I'm probably playing a show with in the near future.  I like to keep things family.  

01 Modern Phenomenon - Northern American
02 Flesh Dance - Gothic Tropic
03 Year Past 23 - Kera and the Lesbians
04 Surf Beach - Modern Nomad
05 Someday - Banta
06 James Supercave - Burn
07 All Alone (On My Own) - Michael Rault
08 Something to Believe In - Tall Tales & the Silver Lining
09 Walk To The One You Love - Twin Peaks 



Photos Cara Robbins
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Summer Songs- Journey to the End of the Summer Nights By Maxim Ludwig

The ever soulful Maxim Ludwig's songs yearn to be heard! This Los Angeles native has a showmanship of old and a song writing style reminstant of some of the greats. Hit City USA has done it again and found a true gem!! Make sure to check out his new song "Assembly Line"!!



Journey to the End of the Summer Nights By Maxim Ludwig

These are the songs that remind me of summer nights. But really, the end of the night. These are the songs of the beginning, middle and end of the end of the night. After the bars are closed. These are songs for when you've decided whose apartment your going to hang out at now. These are songs for when you discover there is a six pack in their fridge and a bottle of warm white wine in the cupboard. These are songs for when everyone is slumped on the couch and the floor comfortably and the dog is licking everyone's face and cuddling indiscriminately. These are songs for when your making road trip plans with people you only just met and can't remember their names. These are songs for when you start to sober up and everyones sharing that one last beer and passing around that last cigarette and you hope when you go outside, the sun isn't up yet. These are songs for when you realize you might regret what you did earlier, but you're going to do it again. 

1. Trouble- Lindsay Buckingham
2. Hold On, Where Going Home- Drake Feat. Majid Jordan
3. I'm Just Like You- 6ix
4. Missing You- John Waite
5. Bell Bottom Blues- Derek & the Dominoes 
6. Witchi Tai to- Harper's Bizarre 
7. Lay It Down- Al Green
8. Johnny and Mary- Todd Terje
9. One Mo'Gin- D'Angelo
10. Wish I Had Not Said That- J.J. Cale
11. My Rifle, My Pony, and Me- Dean Martin
12. Endless Sleep- Nick Lowe


Journey to the End of the Summer Nights Playlist Maxim Ludwig by Mowglisurf on Mixcloud

 Photos Gari Askew

 




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Summer Songs- ~friendly songs~ free cake for every creature

Saratoga Springs, New York's free cake for every creature is the handy work of the talented Katie Bennett! Katie and her band create a striking and intimate sound that grabs you! When your hear free cake for every creature it conjures the image of a songbird singing from it's secret journal. It's a must listen!! Make sure to check out their new album digital album "Moving Songs" and their album "Pretty Good" through Double Double Whammy records!!



~friendly songs~ by free cake for every creature

1. The Gerbils- “Fluid”
This weird and spirited love song is probably my favorite song of all time.  The lines,  “Your voice gives me goosebumps when you call my name/ and I want to goose bump again” are probably the greatest lyrics ever written.  Listen to The Gerbils, know The Gerbils, and you will be just fine.  

2. Amy Bezunartea- “New Villain”
I played with Amy last week with my other band, “Hello Shark”, in a basement in Philadelphia, and was captivated by her incredible voice and personable lyrics.  This song especially is so lovely.  

3. ylayali- “blueberry pineapple”
ylayali is francis, who also drums for free cake.  He quietly releases a collection of songs almost every season, and they’re all the best.  I feel a lot of <3 <3 <3 for this song.

4. allyson foster- “marshall”
I met Allyson in the health food store where she works in Anacortes, WA, while I was touring through there this past summer.  She also plays in Mount Eerie and Hungry Cloud Darkening, but I’ve been loving these this solo “demo”.    

5. Eva Cassidy- “Fields of Gold”
I found Eva Cassidy’s “Songbird” CD in my mom’s collection when I was 13 and haven’t stopped listening to it since.  This song is so beautiful it’s sometimes hard to listen to.  

6. Advance Base- “Kitty Winn”
Someone on the Advance Base bandcamp referred to the songs as “short story pop” and I love that.  “Kitty Winn” is the story of a man’s life, the good and the bad.  My favorite moment: "I sat & pet the cat
/ with my wife’s head on my lap
/ on the sofa in the den” 

7. Davey- “Short Song”
Davey is the solo project of David Jaberi, who also plays in the band “Shaggy Sample”.  I’m not really sure how to talk about “Short Song” without sounding like a sentimental sap, buuuttt….. its the kind of song that makes you put your hands over your heart and say, “oof”.  

8. the lentils- “the bed is the killer” 
“the lentils”, best band name!!  This song rocks, and there’s evan a “Vegenaise” (a brand of vegan mayo) reference, which earns ‘em major points in my eyes because I’m vegan.  I’ll leave you with this message: go vegan, y’all.

~friendly songs~ Playlist by free cake for every creature by Mowglisurf on Mixcloud




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Summer Songs- Summer Never Ends By Dog Party

Sacramento's punk rock sister act Dog Party is the utmost!! This dynamic duo crafts punk rock gems that pulse with 1980s spirit and attitude! Dog Party is perfect for rocking in your bedroom or blasting down the highway! Make sure to pick up their awesome fourth album, Vol. 4 out on Asian Man Records!



Summer Never Ends By Dog Party


These songs easily represent our favorite tunes from summer 2015. Because we both don't have school during the summer, we try to tour as much as possible in that period of time. We spend a lot of time playing shows, but we spend even more time driving place to place. When we get closer to the venue, listening to the bands selected is the perfect "get pumped for the show" sesh there is!

Listening back to these songs now, I can't help but get a nostalgic adrenaline rush reminding me of the exhilarating life on the road. They're all crazy catchy and mostly high-energy. We bring it down a notch with the La Luz track, but the slower tempo doesn't make it any lesser of a song. The back up vocals and groovin' solos get us dancing in our seats. 

1. Good Advice - Growlers
2. Glazin' - Jacuzzi Boys
3. Poor Queen- Thee Oh Sees
4. Ozma - Shannon and the Clams
5. High Waisted Shorts - Swimmers (FKA Emily's Army)
6. I Can't Speak  - La Luz
7. Layback!!! - The Traditional Fools
8. Landslide - Scraper
Photos by Cecilia Rogue
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Summer Songs- End of Summer by Tara Fox

Los Angeles' Tara Fox delivers the perfect tunes for any mood. Tara's sound effortlessly mixes folk, country, and indie rock to create a real California sound. Make sure to catch Tara preforming live with Gold Star at Space 15 Twenty in honor of our Pop-Up Space!! We will see you at 1520 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028! Show goes from 6-9! Free pizza and beer!!


End of Summer by Tara Fox

Since we’re approaching fall, I wanted to make a playlist that would carry a listener through the highs and lows of the season past... night drives down Sunset through the canyon to PCH (Daylight Til Dawn), soft shell crab and tilt-a-whirl on a seedy pier (Redondo), that melancholic punch in the gut when you realize summer’s over and—if you live anywhere other than L.A.—it’s getting cold again (Parade). Hope you dig!

1. Allnight Radio – Daylight til Dawn
2. Steve Gunn – Water Wheel
3. Mikal Cronin – Weight
4. Paul Simon – Graceland
5. The Growlers – Chinese Fountain
6. Mac Demarco – The Way You’d Love Her
7. Patti Smith – Redondo Beach
8. Lael Neale – Born in the Summer
9. Allah-Las – Come On
10. Kevin Morby – Parade 


Photos Julia Brokaw
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Summer Songs- Dog Days by O

Another great new find by find by Hit City USA San Francisco band O is a blast of rock power! O creates a compelling blend of 1970s high rolling rock n' roll with modern alternative sounds. With the striking and versatile voice of front-man Gregory Di'Martino  they make mature and powerful tunes that stick with you! It is no wonder this band is taking the Bay Area by storm! 



Dog Days by O- 
These here are some tunes for summer cruising hard with shades and fruit drink in the car just barreling down the highway thinking about being all wet with salt hair and maybe attractive and the possessor of The Perfect Line and cool sex. And some are for the other end of a summer afternoon lying on your back on the floor thinking deeply and warm of her or him or it and how time can be so slow and everything is beautiful and if only you could see always it always is good.

 

1. Philip Glass - Osamu's Theme: Kyoko's House
2. The Shocking Blue - Send Me A Postcard
3. Orange Juice - Poor Old Soul (Part 1)
4. Kenny Lynch - Puff (Up in Smoke)
5. The Peddlers - On A Clear Day
6. Darondo - Didn't I
7. Fleetwood Mac - Albatross
8. Antônio Carlos Jobim - Águas de Março
9. Milton Nascimento - Cluba de Esquina N•1
10. JJ Cale - Magnolia
11. The Velvet Underground - I Found A Reason

Dog Days- Playlist by O by Mowglisurf on Mixcloud



 

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SUMMER SONGS: Breezin'- Evan Voytas

Hit City has done it again with Los Angeles transplant Evan Voytas! Voytas uses his eclectic tastes to create a new-age type of groove for the 2010s. His music blends classic sounds with a funky electric feel that wraps around you like a warm coat. Make sure to check him out!


Breezin' by Evan Voytas -
Most of the time I just want to chill out. These songs are conducive to that.

1. Abri a Porta - A Cor do Som
2. San Lorenzo - Pat Metheny Group
3. Babylon Sisters - Steely Dan
4. Breezin' - George Benson
5. Degung Karedok Leunca - Suara Parahiangan Group
6. This Guy's In Love With You - Burt Bacharach
7. Suingue Menina - A Cor do Som

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SUMMER SONGS: "Peach Kelli Pop Ulitmate Summer Playlist" by Peach Kelli Pop

Canadian turned California girl Peach Kelli Pop (Allie Hanlon) has a power punk sound that will blast your socks clear off. She creates bold and honest songs with a fun and catchy flare. From her heartfelt lullaby's to her signature mile a minute guitar riffs Peach Kelli Pop's seamless sound is sure to become a favorite! We demand you go out and buy her fantastic new album, Peach Kelli Pop III, released through Burger Records! You won't be sorry!

 

"Peach Kelli Pop Ulitmate Summer Playlist" by Peach Kelli Pop

1. I.D.W by P.H.F

This is a band I don’t know much about - I think the songs are written and recorded by a guy in New Zealand. He has a really cool aesthetic going on and I love his songs.
This song is so badass and fun. I love the guitars and fuzzy vocals. The production sounds like it could be home recorded but every aspect seems intentional and well done.
2. Glued To You by Tomorrows Tulips
This would be a perfect song to listen to while lying at the beach. Or doing any kind of vegetating. I love how hazy it is. It’s also beautiful and kind of sweet. I definitely associate this song and band with summer and Southern California.
3. 90210 by The Courtneys
The Courtneys are a rad 3 piece from Vancouver, BC. The band makes me think about spring in Canada - what it’s like for the snow to finally melt and the feeling of opportunity, hope and newness in the air, knowing that summer is on the way.
4. Bikeage by The Descendents
I included this song simply because it’s one of the best punk songs ever written.
5. Drinking in LA by Bran Van 3000
This band is from Montreal, Canada, close to where I grew up. They are what you’d call a one-hit wonder from the late 90’s. This song was on the radio and on a compilation CD all my friends and I had in elementary school. When I moved to the States it surprised me that no one here had heard it before. I still love the song many years later.
6. Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus
This is such a sweet pop song! The music video is great too. The lead singer wears a bucket had and they have a tambourine player who wears really gives it his all, and the video also features Mena Suvari who is such a babe. This is the perfect song to listen to while driving in your car.
7. Postcard Radio by Froth
This is off Froth’s new album. They’re based in LA and are awesome. This is such a catchy and melodic song that still has a little bit of darkness to it. Froth’s sound and aesthetic remind me of Southern California - what it means to live here… Constant sunshine and haziness.
8. Funspot by Audacity
This is a great party song by Fullerton natives, Audacity. It was hard to pick which song by them I wanted to use because they’re all great. Funspot is perfect to listen to when you’re getting hyphy and excited with your friends!
9. For the Feel by Bleached
A perfect pop song by Bleached. This is a perfect sound track to summer no matter what you’re getting up to. I love the harmonies as well as the simplicity of the different components. It’s a super classic sounding song. Really well done and fun.

 

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SUMMER SONGS: Intimate Beaches- Playlist by Peaking Lights

Cosmic Husband (Aaron Coyes) and wife (Indra Dunis) duo Peaking Lights have the power to hypnotize. These Angeleno's possess a progressive melodic sound from another world. It's not hard to see why their electric beats make such a statement. Intimate Beaches is the perfect funk disco mix! Make sure to get their fabulous new record Cosmic Logic from Domino's Weird World! Also there are very few of the Mowgli x Peaking Lights collaboration shirts left so move fast!




Intimate Beaches by Peaking Lights-
so yeah,
intimate beaches is a sloppy
party where its warm enuff to
wear short shorts but cool enuff with
a bit of breeze to put on a sweater
and wear no pants... its a bit funky and dirty in the
mix but fuck it lets have fun....
xo PL

 

1. Pheeroan akLaff- Fits Like a Glove
2. George Duke - I Want You For Myself
3. Donald Byrd & 125th st NYC - Midnight
4. David Axelrod - Leading Citizen Part 2
5. Keith Barrow - Turn Me Up Pt 1
6. Letta - I Can Depend On You
7. Willie Bobo - Always There
8. Randy Weston - In Memory Of
9. Eddie Henderson - Say You Will
10. Mike "Hitman" Wilson - Another Sleepless Night Jazzy Dub
11. Robinson/Wall project - Family Pray Remix
12. Seven Shades / Tyrone Summers- I Don't Want To Be Insecure
13. Leot Littlepage - The Drain
14. Pet Shop Boys - Domino Dancing Alternate Mix
15. Laid Back - Walking In The Sunshine
16. Kashif - The Mood
17. Bardeux - When We Kiss

 

 

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SUMMER SONGS: Van Jam's- Playlist by Guantanamo Baywatch

For Summer Songs this month Guantanamo Baywatch shows us some of their favorite road trip tunes. Guantanamo Baywatch harnesses the polished surf sounds of yesteryear with the raw energy of garage rock to create a sound all their own. From their jaunty beach tunes to their broken heart ballads these Portland crooners are a force to be reckoned with! Make sure to check out their radical new album for Suicide Squeeze out May 12th "Darling…It's Too Late,"! Listen to their lead single "Too Late" here!


Van Jam's by Guantanamo Baywatch- These are some songs we love to play in the van on tour. Blue Angel is great, it's Cyndi Lauper's old band before she went solo, it's one of our favorites. Also note the Hilary Duff track, we love the Duff so much we started a Hilary Duff cover band called Da Duffs. Chevelle's favorite band right now is Volbeat. It's her go to track in the van.

1. Elvis Presley - Beach Boy Blues
2. Blue Angel - Everybody's Got An Angel
3. Johnny Burnette - That's All I Care
4. Alan Jackson - Chasin That Neon Rainbow
5. Shannon & The Clams - The Rabbits Nose
6. Leslie Gore - Struck A Match
7. The Krew Kats - Diggedle Boeing
8. Smile.dk - Tomoe
9. The Coathangers - Adderal
10. Bloodshot Bill - She's My Baby
11. Penguins Project - Don't Be In A Sulk
12. Johnny Tillotson - Without You
13. Volbeat - Lola Montez
14. Hilary Duff - The Math
15. Tammy Wynette - Womanhood



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SUMMER SONGS: Mixtape- Playlist by Brent Rademaker (Beachwood Sparks / The Tyde / GospelbeacH)

We are lucky enough to have Brent Rademaker of the Beachwood Sparks, The Tyde, and GospelbeacH do this months edition of Summer Songs. Brent is always crafting beautiful tunes with any of his fine bands. With his mellow sounds and retro style Brent weaves a rich tapestry. Look for his new band GospelbeacH in 2015 and new music from The Tyde!

MP3 Recorded From Brents Record Collection!! Amazing!!

Bikini Kill- anti pleasure dissertation.
I love this single mainly because they stepped out of that kinda Riot Grrrl formula and just really rocked on this 90’s indie-rock lost gem…Riot Byyyz

Northern Picture Library-last septembers farewell kiss.
a real heartbreaker from the underrated Sarah Records label wether your in love with you girlfriend, boyfriend , best friend or yourself you have to love the line “you really care about me don’t you?” Killer bass line

Flying Saucer Attack- outdoor miner
one the best cover versions ever…sounds like it was recorded underwater

Theatre of Hate- legion

produced by Mick Jones of the Clash decades before the Libertines used him…there wasn’t even a name for this kind of music when i got this 7″…now they call it post-punk and this is a prime example…the bass player was Stan Stammers..pretty cool name!

Comet Gain- kids at the club

i bought this 7″ (Holloway Sweethearts e.p.) on a trip to London and ended up spending my own money to release their first lp on our little label (xmAs records) they went on to bigger things because they are the real thing…love music and all that comes with it…you can be a “kid at the club” at ANY AGE!
Soul Static Sound 7″

Nick Lowe- so it goes

the best rock & roll song ABOUT rock & roll ever…Stiff records 7″ from the late 70’s!

fluf-barf
so-cal punk friend-core Mascis Mould eat your heart out! Sympathy for the Record Industry 7″ 1992

Palace-west palm beach-gulf shores

Drag City Records finest moment…if I was them I woulda closed up shop after this release because it’ll never be topped. Will Oldhams ode to our home state of Florida it’s a great comedown after all the loud guitars. There’s waves in Florida u’know?!?

 

Selectable Playlist

Bikini Kill- Anti Pleasure Dissertation
I love this single mainly because they stepped out of that kinda Riot Grrrl formula and just really rocked on this 90’s indie-rock lost gem…Riot Byyyz

Fargo- Talks We Used To Have
25 cent thrift store find that blew me away…super melodic and shoulda been massive… Ariel Pink mines this territory lately…these dudes were a Mormon two piece from SLC that loved the Byrds as much as God

Flying Saucer Attack- Outdoor Miner

one the best cover versions ever and off a one-sided 7″ too boot! sounds like it’s underwater.

Theatre of Hate- Legion
produced by Mick Jones of the Clash decades before the Libertines used him…there wasn’t even a name for this kind of music when i got this 7″…now they call it post-punk and this is a prime example…the bass player was Stan Stammers..pretty cool name!

Comet Gain- Kids at the Club

i bought this 7″ (Holloway Sweethearts e.p.) on a trip to London and ended up spending my own money to release their first lp on our little label (xmAs records) they went on to bigger things because they are the real thing…love music and all that comes with it…you can be a “kid at the club” at ANY AGE!

Swervedriver- Juggernaut Rides
Swervedriver IS 90’s surf-rock even though they were from Oxford, England and sang songs about cars and lame scenesters…their songs always go through my head when i paddle out. Creation Records always found the best bands!

Nick Lowe- So it goes

the best rock & roll song ABOUT rock & roll ever…Stiff records 7″

Sebadoh- Kath
Lou Barlow went from being the best bass player in the best band ever (Dino jr. duh?) to a love-struck/heartbroken songwriting GENIUS who was also a lo-fi pioneer…sounds stupid to write but IT’S TRUE so i said it…i married the most wonderful girl in the whole world and guess what her name is?………………..kath.

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