I love summer. Warm weather, beaches, vacations, shorts, sunglasses, and patio pints are all things I love in life and they are all a great part of summer. Summer is a wonderful time because it allows me to live in a very special music cocoon. I believe it is very important to soundtrack your life by listening to the most appropriate music in any situation. Lying on the beach, reading, or taking the bus to a bar or friend's house all requires a very special soundtrack, and this summer I have been able to create a wonderful summer atmosphere through a variety of music that has been carefully selected to fit any summer situation.

The number one album that has filled my sonic summer has been Sigh No More by Mumford and Sons. The first full-length album from this British folk rock band is solid from beginning to end. It is both upbeat and low-key and it strikes a great balance throughout the entire album. "Little Lion Man" and "The Cave" are the two most upbeat and exciting songs on the album, and songs like "After the Storm" bring down the tone down of the album, playing with sensitivity and depth.

I am aware I am coming a little bit late to this party, but I am so glad I showed up. If I put this album on once it is pretty much all I can listen to for the next week. It fits in with all sorts of summer activities-equally appropriate for going on a walk or enjoying an outdoor barbecue.

When I need to get ready to go out for a night of dancing, or if I am doing physical work (cleaning, painting a deck, etc) I automatically turn to Robyn. You may remember Robyn from the 90's girl pop explosion with her song "Show Me Love" and yes, it is the same Robyn, just with her own record label and a much more badass attitude. Her Body Talk releases from the past year are sonic genius with a range within the style that is virtually unmatched in dance music today.

"Call Your Girlfriend" is likely my most favourite song on all of the albums-it is catchy, adorable and so danceable (thevideo is also amazing). Robyn makes really excellent music for single girls, which I appreciate and "Dancing on my Own" is another song that reaffirms my love for Robyn and makes me want to dance. She is such a talented woman who delivers hit after hit, giving me hope for the future of pop music. She suits summer because as long as you are in a good mood, Robyn is appropriate. And really, who is not in a good mood for the majority of summer?

This summer I have been reading a lot (I have to read 35 books for my summer classes), so I have been listening to music that suits studying. Explosions in the Sky's newest release Take Care, has taken the lead as the soundtrack to my academic duties. It is a peaceful album that completes a day reading in the sun. I have always enjoyed listening to post-rock (instrumental rock music that is more rhythmic than hard rock) while studying, but I have found that this new album suits this summer more than others. Generally, I find Explosions in the Sky to suit the winter, but for this album, the band has lightened their sound, and I find myself listening to the album long after I stop reading. It is perfect ambient music not only for background noise, but also for more engaged listening, as the music can easily grab your attention.

The final layer of my summer music cocoon is made of Broadway showtunes. Seeing Broadway Across Canada's production of Wicked (while Vancouver rioted outside) has encouraged me to have that soundtrack to be on repeat for a few months. Also, this year's Tony Awards gave me a new selection of musical soundtracks to dip into, such as The Book of Mormon and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The Book of Mormon has become a staple in my Broadway rotation, especially after the stellar performance by Andrew Rannells of "I Believe" on this year's Tony's. Broadway suits the summer because it is light-hearted and simply enjoyable. While the songs can range in style and tone it carries a message of musical fabulousness that always seems appropriate to me in summer. Glee also always gives me another option for Broadway-styled music that I enjoy. They aren't only showtunes, but the Glee music varies in style in a similar way that Broadway does and I can always find something I like to listen to from the millions of songs that show has released.

I encourage everyone to develop their own summer music cocoon, and share it with friends and family. Great comfort can be found in wrapping yourself in the layers of music that have defined your summer. Cocoon away!

Comments (2)

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Melanie_H

August 24, 2011

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This is certainly an uplifting article and I am so glad that I stopped by to check it out. The music we choose certainly does set the tone for whatever it is that we are doing. I hope that you will share more of your music choices with us. I am definitely going to check out this album that you recommend and cannot wait to hear from you again.

 

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mike cullen

August 24, 2011

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great selections taryn! i'm not the biggest fan of mumford & sons, but i can say that robyn has also been getting a lot of play from my this summer. as melanie says in another ocmment, we really do let music set the tone of our lives, and it's great to see what's been influencing you this year!

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