Compiled by: Debbie Maliotaki, John Pallas & Konstantinos Pamfiliss
Fitness Forever – ‘Vacanze A Settembre’
Now this is the wise Mediterranean’s attitude towards hot summers: a September vacation. Those of us who have grown up on an island probably know why. The song is accompanied by a great video inspired by the 1960s-1970s European cinema guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
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C.W. Stoneking – ‘The Love Me or Die’
This is Calypso music by C.W. Stoneking, a Hokum Blues musician from Australia. If that doesn’t call out sweat, heat and summer nights on a Havana beach, I don’t know what will. Bad hoodoo, primal desires and lovers’ frustrations. Ah, those summer nights…
[iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/JlmsK59ncHs” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe]
Lucky Elephant – ‘Lucky Elephant’
Such sweetness, such blithesomeness, nary a cloud in the sky; this must be what sunshine sounds like. I simply cannot listen to this song in winter (and if I do, it means things aren’t looking good!).
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Maura O’Connell– ‘Summerfly’
A stunningly emotional performance, a song dense with nostalgia that urges you to make this summer a truly unforgettable one.
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The Magnetic Fields – ‘California Girls’
No, no, I don’t really hold any grudges against them girls. I’m cool. But this song is cooler than me. So, celebrate yourself and sing yourself this summer. Whitman said so.
[iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/vuENHA1l_K0″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe]
Debbie Maliotaki
Kim Carnes – ‘Bette Davis Eyes’
Kim Carnes is an Idol to me. Like Debbie Harry and yes, Patsy Kensit.
This is her only mega hit in 1981, I think: 9 weeks or so in No 1 of US Billboard Hot 100. In my opinion is one of the best ever cover versions.
[iframe width=”420″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/EPOIS5taqA8″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe]
Latin Quarter – ‘Radio Africa’
Back in ‘80s; a nice song that is still relevant to this day. A classic, by Latin Quarter. ‘Radio Africa’ hit a few times UK Top 20.
I must confess: English women are very sweet…
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Alice Cooper (band) – ‘Desperado’
My favourite from Alice Cooper’s pre-solo career. From the legendary ‘Killer’ album. A nice introduction to obscure, ‘dark’ music.
[iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cnu7LZZjYeA” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe]
Talk Talk – ‘My Foolish Friend’
This one is my best from Talk Talk. Watch guys: Talk Talk are even acclaimed among the neo prog circles.
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Roxy Music – ‘Avalon’
And this nice track from Roxy Music is dedicated to all the girls I loved in the past… until now. From ‘Avalon’ LP released in 1982.
Happy summer!
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John Pallas
Leonard Cohen – ‘A Thousand Kisses Deep’
I usually fall in love in winter, but this one is the song for the one I truly love at the end of the summer.
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Heroin in Tahiti – ‘Spaghetti Wasteland’
Summer always began after he won sadness…
[iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/eDKsuA4jfzY” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe]
Sea Scouts – ‘Song for Ché’
A song like this one makes me immortal.
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The Smiths – ‘Shoplifters Of The World Unite’
Morrissey‘s humor is equal to his genius.
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Fuck Buttons – ‘Surf Solar’
For the times that dawn finds me dancing to this song.
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Konstantinos Pamfiliss