Summer Songs 2010

As summer is coming to a close, I've decided to once again list the songs that have defined this summer for me, much like I did last year. So here you go. If you don't remember how I let thing roll on this, I have videos or song clips from every song on this list in the song title, just click on it to watch it:

1. Hills and Valleys by The Rocket Summer
Why it's on my summer list: Now, I know that this isn't the most recent song. It was released in early 2010, but this song has literally been on repeat for me all summer. One reason is because it's an awesome song to drive to, and, having just gotten my license this past June, I found it imperative to find the perfect songs to drive to. Another reason is because Bryce never disappoints me. I saw him this summer on the Warped Tour, and not only was he the most incredible act of the day, he was also the nicest, as we got to talk to him later in the day. Oddly enough, this is not my favorite song on Of Men and Angels, however, for some reason it's the one that's stuck with me to listen to on repeat. Watch the video, it's adorable, like everything that Bryce does.

2. Hurricane by Something Corporate
Why it's on my summer list: Is it any surprise at all that I have a Something Corporate song on this list? Not only has this band been my favorite band since I was 10, this band could easily define any summer, winter, fall, or spring of mine with their songs. It was easily the best moment of the summer, and possibly my life, when I finally got to see the band that has helped me through so much live. It was unreal, and it even made my cold, heartless demeanor crack down and I shed a few tears...okay probably more than a few. During the opening song, Straw Dog, I was practically balling my eyes out. The crowd at this concert was unlike any crowd I've ever seen. I didn't feel like someone who goes to a concert with a bunch of strangers. For the first time at a concert, and I know this sounds incredibly cheesy but it's true, I felt like everyone there was almost family. We all came together for the same reason, not because the tickets were cheap and available, or because the band was okay, but because Something Corporate changed all of our lives somehow. I swear, the band was out-singing Andrew for almost every song. Then during Fall, the whole band stopped playing, and the crowd kept going as Andrew held out the microphone. I have never seen a band so in awe at the singing of a crowd. Josh and Clutch had a big smile on their face. Brian stood up from his drum set in complete joy, and Andrew stood at the front of the stage and mouthed "Fuck yeah!". I honestly could go on and on about how it was incredible to see these guys AND meet them...and to find out they weren't complete dickholes. It was refreshing and completely indescribable. I just love saying: I FINALLY MET ANDREW MCMAHON! When they played, Hurricane, which has been my favorite song by them for as long as I can remember, I just about died of happiness. Which is why I took a video of it. It's shaky, and you can't understand much, but you can hear the crowd singing, and I really wanted to share that with you.

3. We'll Be a Dream by We the Kings ft. Demi Lovato
Why it's on my summer list: Well let's see, between watching countless episodes of Sonny with a Chance with my brother and greatly enjoying the fact that the lead singer of We the Kings still looks like a lion and those looks alone draw a huge crowd most comprised of girls under the age of 16 to their set at Warped Tour, this is another song that has been on repeat in my house this summer. Mostly because it's a great song, which is saying a lot because I haven't given their new CD much of a chance. The other part is I have such a guilty pleasure for Demi Lovato. She's got an incredible voice. And this video is one of the best videos I've seen in a long time. It makes me happy. And by the way, I'm not ashamed that I did a circle pit at We the Kings set at Warped Tour. Go ahead, tell me I'm lame. I'll throwdown with you..there, it needed to be said.

4. White Sky by Vampire Weekend
Why it's on my summer list: Today is a great day for America, everybody. Basically because, sometime this summer I saw Vampire Weekend perform on Craig Ferguson, and as you may or may not know, over the summer and ever a little before that, I've formed a crush on Craig Ferguson. This is not something I'm ashamed of. I'm actually a little proud of it. ANYWAY, I love Vampire Weekend, and this song was so happy and catchy that I've been bouncing around listening to it for quite a while now. It makes me smile and fills me with a warm feeling of happiness, and I swear if you make that into any kind of inuendo, we're not friends anymore.

5. Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros
Why it's on my summer list: I honestly think that this is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. I used to listen to Sigur Ros all the time but not as much as I have this summer. I was dogsitting for my aunt and I watched a movie called, "Penelope". At the end, I was entranced by one of the most, in my opinion, beautiful piano melodies I had ever heard in my life. And yet, it sounded so familiar. I go home, look it up, and what do you know? It's Sigur Ros. I seriously wanted to beat myself with a bat for not knowing that. Anyways, this song has been on repeat ever since. Anytime I just needed to slow down and relax this summer, this was my go-to song.

6. Monster by Skillet
Why it's on my list: Let's not for a second even think about debating whether the fact Skillet is kick ass, because I don't care who you are or where you're from, they are. After years of being--what I like to refer to as--cockblocked into not seeing Skillet, and trust me I had an ABUNDANCE of chances but something always came up, I was beginning to think that I would never be able to see this band live. I'm not going to lie, that though really kinda depressed me, but I held onto my faith that I'd get to see them. It really doesn't help when I hear left and right of rumors that Skillet puts on one of the best live shows ever, equipped with explosions, fire, and, let's face it, an extremely sexy band. Then Lifest 2010 came into my life. I was so excited. Family Force 5 was going to be there, and I knew, oh I knew, that Skillet would be there as well. (They come to Lifest every year.) This was going to be my year. I vollunteered, got together a fabulous Lifest crew to come with me, and I was ready. I was finally going to see Skillet. I was prepping so much. Then...the fated stones hit me like a thorn in my side (almost quite literally). I'm not talking about the Stones, a rock and roll legend. I'm talking kidney stones. Those fucking rocks inside of me nearly cut my Lifest 2010 journey in half, but luckily I was stubborn enough to see it through. I stuck through everything, most likely because I have a vast amount of extreme stupidity embedded within me, but also because I WAS NOT GOING TO MISS SKILLET AGAIN. And I didn't. And let me tell you. All the hype, all the talk, all the fire permits, and all the waiting was completely worth it. Honest to God, the show had everything. It had a hot lead singer, a hot guitarist, two hot girls--a guitarist and a kick ass drummer. Asians on strings, explosions, strobes, pyrotechnics up the ass, and an hour and a half of complete and utter rock your face off glory. While I couldn't really jump because it more or less hurt too, I finally saw Skillet live, and I wasn't disappointed. Now why Monster out of all the Skillet songs? I'll tell you why. The part where "FEEL LIKE A MONSTER" is screamed has always been my favorite part because it is so BAD ASS that I can't even describe it because I would probably put it to shame. Let me tell you one last thing too: hearing that scream live--well, I didn't think there was any way for that song to get any better. Boy was I wrong, and I couldn't be more happy with that fact.

7. Hello by Hawk Nelson
Why it's on my list: Even before Lifest this year I was looking forward to Hawk Nelson's kazoo song. I love kazoos. Who doesn't? I played this song over and over while I designed the Lifest tshirts or when I was in the pool or I put it on a CD to listen to while I was in the shower. I really didn't expect this song to get played past Lifest. In fact, if you would've asked me if Hawk Nelson would've been a staple in my summer back in June, I probably would've said no. Why? I like Hawk Nelson, I never really loved them. When we headed to Lifest, I wanted to see them because I thought Katie and Monica would enjoy them. I had seen them live at least 3 times before. I had even met them 3 times before as well. I thought they were nice guys who made pretty good music, not phenomenal music, just pretty good. But that all changed at Lifest. Like I said before, I was plagued with kidney stones and I was in and out of the hospital on Thursday and Friday due to the fact doctors in emergency rooms are complete morons. Thursday was the day that Hawk Nelson was set to play. I wanted to work our vollunteer shift, go to their meet and greet, and Q & A (if possible), and go see other bands, and then see them. I really wanted Monica and Katie to meet these guys because they had left wonderful impressions on me past times I had met them. However, they exceeded any expectation I had of them this year. When Hawk Nelson had their meet and greet, I was in the hospital. Unbeknownst to me, Katie and Monica bought me a shirt, and had them sign it. My wonderful friends told the band I was in the hospital and that I was probably going to miss them, and according to Monica and Katie, they looked so sad and concerned. Luckily, I broke out of the hospital before their Q&A. We got back to the campgrounds and we went their. After their thing was done, me and Monica went over to Jason Dunn, the lead singer. Monica poked him and said "This is my friend from the hospital..." His tour manager was trying to get him to leave, but he shooed him away, looked at me, smiled the most genuine smile I had ever seen and said "Ohmygod! You're Jenni right!?!" (Bear in mind, Monica didn't mention my name at all). Then we talked a little bit, and I thanked him for signing my shirt and gave him a hug and he signed my hospital band. I can honestly say I love Hawk Nelson now. As crappy as I was feeling that night, I didn't care because my friends and that band completely made my day. I can't even describe how happy that made me. It made me completely forget that I was just in the hospital. Then they played Hello and Jason did his kazoo solo, and I don't think my smile could have gotten any bigger. Congratulations, Hawk Nelson, you just made a lifelong fan!

8. I'm Made of Wax Larry, What Are You Made of? by A Day to Remember
Why it's on my list: Would it be valid to answer with 'why the fuck not?!'? No? Okay. This explanation will be short and sweet. I'm aware the song has been out for well over a year, but the video just came out. Okay: ADTR+Mike Hranica from the Devil Wears Prada=AMAZING FUCKING SONG. The breakdown alone makes me want to brawl in the nearest mosh pit. I put this on my first driving CD ever, and when me and Monica were driving away from Jeff's grad party and just turned on the radio, the part right before the screaming came on. You know, the part where he clears his throat and then Mike and Jeremy face off in an all out screaming match? OHMYGOD! Coolest. Thing. Ever.

9. Inside of You by The Maine
Why it's on my list: I'm always incredibly weary when a band I like from their first CD comes out with a follow up. For various reasons, the main one being, there's been a lot of disappointments. When I heard that the first single from Black and White by The Maine was going to be a song called "Inside of You", I thought they were literally out of their mind. After literally cringing through the song the first time because it was all I could do to keep myself from laughing at the obvious sex jokes I could've been making and laughing at, I actually sat down and listened to the song. Once my head was out of the gutter, I realized the song actually had substance and meaning from the obvious inuendos I was giggling at before. Not to mention, I love their evolved sound. That doesn't happen very often for me. Usually when a band changes their sound I feel like they go in the wrong direction, but I think The Maine has grown up and they wanted to show it in their music. It shows, but it doesn't show to a degree where I'm asking myself what the fuck they were thinking. They mixed their old song more with their influences, and for once the influence doesn't include Blink 182. It translates, and I was far from disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I love Blink, but there can only be so many copycat bands. Another thing is it reminds me of the transition Andrew made from Everything in Transit to the Glass Passenger. Their first CD being an essential alt.pop CD and their second going back to their roots. (That is like the highest compliment I could give any band.) This song is fucking addictive, and I've come to love these boys a whole lot.

10. The Yes Dance by Robert James Hoffman III
Why it's on my list: Yes I count this as a legitimate song. Why? Because I bought it off iTunes. How did I come across this? Well I watched Step Up 2 and though Robert Hoffman was really hot, not to mention I was extremely impressed with his dancing. So I went on Youtube, and typed his name in, and found a bunch of dance videos. I also found his youtube channel where I found out he's the original Urban Ninja. I watched pretty much all of his videos. I find him to be hilarious. Dude is literally my hero now. If you watch the Yes Dance, then watch some of his other videos. (His youtube channel is punchrobert.) I love him, and needless to say, I've been doing the fork in the garbage disposal all summer.

11. Painting Flowers by All Time Low
Why it's on my list: I don't like All Time Low anymore. This is a true statement. I can honestly say the first time I heard this song, I didn't know it was All Time Low until I had already said "Wow, I like this song." And I'm not going to be that douche bag who says they like a song but once they find out who the band is, they retract that statement. I have to say I love Gaskarth's voice in this song. It's an added bonus when I can't even immitate it. I've been listening to it all summer and probably longer, and I'm not even ashamed at that fact because I think it's legitimately a good song.

12. Tonight We Feel Alive (On A Saturday) by Four Year Strong
Why it's on my list: Despite the fact that I never really got into Four Year Strong, me and Brenden ventured over to the Four Year Strong set at Warped Tour. He really wanted to see them. There aren't a lot of things that I know about Four Year Strong, but here's what I do know: they mostly all have beards and I can't tell them apart from each other or any other band that has a beard, they have awesome song titles, and they are often compared to Set Your Goals in terms of sound and influences. Despite the fact that I didn't really know any of their songs by heart, only by familiarity, I enjoyed myself at the last band of the night. And also despite the fact that I got punched in the face during their set, I appreciated the fact that a not so hot guy who was shirtless and wrote on his chest "If you think I'm hot, give me a hug" protected me for the rest of the set, even if I didn't give him a hug. Because of that guy, I was able to enjoy their set, which I did. And I think I love them a little now. It happens. So does getting punched in the face. Bands can't help it when they are kick ass, and you can't help it when your ass gets kicked.

13. I Just Wanna Run by The Downtown Fiction
Why it's on my list: I discovered this band through myspace a couple of months ago. I was disappointed in myself because I feel like I've severely fallen back on the loop of new/newish bands. This one stuck with me though. And I really can't say much about it besides that it's catchy and the video is cute. It was just released too. Up until a little while ago, I kept watching the acoustic version, which was more than delightful. I really like this band, and plus, I always find it refreshing to see a band made up of only 3 people. I don't know why it makes me smile.

14. Airplanes by B.o.B. ft. Hayley Williams and Eminem
Why it's on my list: The Marshall Mathers version is so much better than the one played on the radio. I love this song. I think it's pretty, and I blame my brother because every freaking day he would come home from work and blast this in his room while I was trying to do something. Eventually I just stopped being annoyed and just sang along with it.

15. Club Can't Handle Me by Flo Rida ft. David Guetta
Why it's on my list: It all started with a text from my hetero lifemate saying "OH MY GOD! I just heard the new Flo Rida song and it is seriously my new theme song." Then a following text saying, "Go listen to it NOW." Or something like that. So I did. First time I listened to it. Not impressed. I was thinking "This is the song that is supposed to kick so much ass that it blows my mind." So I forgot about it. Then later, I decided to give it another try, but this time instead of just listening to it, I watched the video and instantly wanted to dance. It was at that moment that I thought this song was extremely kick ass. And I still want to dance to it.

16. Chelsea by The Summer Set
Why it's on my list: It seems like a lot of people are going bonkers for the Summer Set lately. I'm not. They are OKAY. Not amazing. I mean, I get why people like them, but it's really nothing I haven't heard before. Plus this song in particularily makes me want to sing "Love me Love me tell me you love me..." Blatant copying, but whatever, the Maine stole Semisonic's "Closing Time" piano in "Into Your Arms", and I love that song. The thing is I sincerely tried so hard to find what was so amazing about this band and this song that this song became embedded into my mind and found it's way onto pretty much every mix CD I made this summer. Damn you, The Summer Set! I'll be damned if you make your way into my heart!

17. Numb by Family Force 5
Why it's on my list: I have seen Family Force 5 so many time live that I feel like I'm almost entitled to call Soul Glow, Solly. This is the band I have seen more times than any other band live, and that includes Andrew McMahon. I feel like it's been ages since they played Numb live and Solly danced like there was no tomorrow. At Lifest they literally played EVERYTHING. I was ecstatic about it, but I have to say I was most happy about Numb and Ghostride the Whip. I have never seen them lively and energetic at a concert, and that's saying a lot because they put on one of the best live shows I've ever seen. Out of all the times I've seen them live, Lifest 2010 was definitely the best. Even though the crowd was a tad bit douchey, it still didn't kill my mood. And the fact that we wormed our way to the railing makes me even more giddy. I've been listening to this song with the hope that listening to it on repeat will allow me to dance like Solomon Olds. Though that'll never happen, one can always dream.

18. Faithfully by Glee Cast
Why it's on my list: It is no secret how much of a Gleek I am. I like to be one to say that I watched it before the actually show started when they previewed the very first episode as a total cock tease, and I fell in love. It's also no secret that I think the Glee soundtracks are amazing. I'm aware that it's all covers. I'm even aware that some very clueless people compare it to the likes of Kidz Bop, which is an ambomination. I finally watched the season finale of Glee, and it was amazing. When I heard this song, I had so many goosebumps that I didn't know where there weren't any. I think they did a beautiful job, and I sincerely think that Journey would be proud. I saved this on my DVR and whenever I got bored over the summer, I would watch this over and over again. Once again, not a fact I'm ashamed to admit.

19. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
Why it's on my list: I listened to this song for the better of the six hours it takes to drive up north, and the whole time I listened to it, I imagined myself as a champion saxophone player. I really don't think any other explanation is in order.

20. This Will Be the Death of Us by Set Your Goals
Why it's on the list: This was an extremely difficult decision for me. As the last song on the list, I could've put another ADTR song on here (Have Faith in Me) because I've been obsessed with them lately. I could've put a Devil Wears Prada song on here because thanks to my brother, I've been addicted to them too this summer. However,I decided to go with Set Your Goals because I've always been a SYG girl. And Set Your Goals had the SICKEST (never use that word, I mean it) set at Warped Tour. Yes, Bryce was the best, but Set Your Goals was equipped with a toga man in rainbow striped shorts, an insane mosh pit, and Brenden getting landed on by a human crowd surfing catapult and then getting up and smiling. Even though it was jarring and pretty intense, it amazed me how much nicer and courteous the people in a Set Your Goals crowd are than a crowd filled with little girls at a Mayday Parade or All Time Low crowd. Set Your Goals fans are the people that should be acting hardcore, punching and kicking, because they will always be the ones to help you up. I'd like to see anyone that would convince me that someone in an All Time Low crowd would do the same for you. So that's why I picked this song. 1. Because it's on rotation in my head. 2. It represents all the bands I didn't put on this list but certainly could've. And 3. Because the crowd at Set Your Goals set at Warped Tour had me regain a little faith at crowd ettiquette at concerts.


Okay. There's my list. I hope you enjoyed it. Last summer, I only did a top 10 list, but I figured because of my sincere lack in posts even when I've promised to post, I owed you a longer list, so I treated it as a CD. These would all go on a CD if I made my summer songs into one. I hope you read this all. I also hope you watch the videos because these songs I truly believe are all very good. Some of the videos I posted are really good too.

As college is starting for me, and I'm assuming my two main readers who I appreciate actually listen to my psychobabble, it's gonna be busy. But I'm still here, and I'm working on a shit ton of posts because I've promised a shit ton of posts that, well, haven't exactly been posted. Whoops.

ANYWHO, thanks for reading, and watching the videos. I'm going to double check, but if any of the videos are wrong or no longer in use, let me know so I can fix it.
Keep your eyes posted for more.

Love you guys,
Jenni