10 of My Favorite "Summer" Albums

Almost every album I can think of has a certain feel. Be it the timing when it was written or the personal thoughts/feelings I had while initially bonding with each album, there seem to be "soundtracks" for each period and season in [my] life. 

Summer is no exception. I love hearing albums and songs that will remind me year-round of what it feels like to have the sun shining down on me while I float carelessly through my days. That being said, I present you with a few albums that seem to always give me that summertime vibe. If you have them, dust them off and give them some play time. If you don't, get your hands on a copy and give it a try - you just might like it.

1. Minus The Bear // Menos el Oso

There is something magical in the way each layer of this album is presented. Strong, hypnotizing guitars and ever-present drumming ensure that each song pulls you in as the album progresses.With fluid vocals that deliver the idea of teasing moments, it seems as though this album was written for the freedom of summer. This album is a must-listen during almost any summer moment.

You like? You'll like: Maps & Atlases, Portugal. The Man, The Appleseed Cast

Recommended Tracks: Drilling, The Fix & Pachuca Sunrise

2. Shout Out Louds // Howl Howl Gaff Gaff

Shout Out Louds might not be a name you're familiar with, but their sound should be. Based out of Sweden, all of the Shout Out Louds bring an uplifting sound to lyrics that are full of self-discovery. This album is full with infectious vocals that echo over a perfect blend of instruments, especially if you're a fan of the accordion, banjo or violin. This album proves to be a recipe for success from start to finish.

You like? You'll like: Voxtrot, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Ra Ra Riot

Recommended Tracks: The Comeback, Very Loud, Shut Your Eyes

3. Mates of State // Team Boo

No matter your age or level of skill, Mates of State will almost positively get you dancing to each song off of their third full-length. With waves of sound and push/pull lyrics that will keep you on your toes as you sing along, Team Boo provides a song for every mood. This album is such a work of brilliance, its hard to believe the adorable married duo use only an electric organ and drum set to create their poppy sound. 

You like? You'll like: Tilly & The Wall, The Submarines, The New Pornographers 

Recommended Tracks: Fluke, The Kissaway, An Experiment

4. Matt & Kim // Matt & Kim

When you discover a gem of a band like Matt & Kim, there isn't much more you want to do other than dance. Thankfully, the duo use their punk influences and infuse them with heavy synth to create an album that will have you dancing more than you expected it to. This album captures the experience of a fun, sweaty, Matt & Kim concert without the crowd and beer shower.

You like? You'll like: Death Set, Team Robespierre, Passion Pit

Recommended Tracks: It's A Fact (Printed Stained), Yea Yeah, 5K

5. Cold War Kids // Robbers & Cowards

Beautifully orchestrated bass, piano and vocals make this creative album hard to resist. Each song follows a story line that is so well written it becomes difficult to tell fact from fiction; in the end, each song is clever enough that it doesn't seem to matter much. The four men collectively known as Cold War Kids use intelligence and a good sense of what works to give this album a chaotic, almost doomed feel that will draw you in with each sound that is thrown at you.

You like? You'll like: Delta Spirit, Interpol, Arcade Fire

Recommended Tracks: Hang Me Up To Dry, Saint John, Robbers

6. No Age // Nouns

If you ever wondered what album could musically capture the feel of Los Angeles, then here you have it. With ambient guitar parts flowing through punk undertones and slack drumming, the duo known as No Age manages a sound that cannot be denied. If your ADD can handle slower, drowning lyrics and fast instrumentals, you're ready to tackle all that Nouns has to offer.

You like? You'll like: Liars, Times New Viking, Ponytail

Recommended Tracks: Eraser, Teen Creeps, Sleeper Hold

7. Saves The Day // Stay What You Are

Saves The Day struck gold when they wrote this album that not only filled my own high school years with songs to fall in love to, but remains a classic pop-punk album in the eyes of many. Stay What You Are is filled with songs that will become the anthems of feelings towards your significant other, or remind you what it feels like to have one. Whether you're in the mood to sing along at the top of your lungs or turn it down for background music, this album will never let you down.

You like? You'll like: The Starting Line, The Early November, I Am The Avalanche

Recommended Tracks: At Your Funeral, Jukebox Breakdown, Freakish

8. Elefant // Sunlight Makes Me Feel Paranoid

While I tend to listen to this album heavily in both spring and summer, I can't not add it to the list of albums I love during the summer. Dark vocals evoke feeling with ease as each song captures your attention and draws you in to feel the electrifying instrumentals. Guitars and drums intertwine playfully to lighten the mood one moment while bass engulfs the album in darkness the next. Although hard to define, it isn't hard to understand why Elefant's first full length is just so damn catchy.

You like? You'll like: The Strokes, She Wants Revenge, Interpol

Recommended Tracks: Make Up, Tonight Let's Dance, Now That I Miss Her

9. Aqueduct // I Sold Gold

Starting off as a true one-man band, Aqueduct takes on synth-pop and indie-rock to create a fun album with a lot of heartbreak seeping through the cracks. With angst oozing out of every turn of this album, its hard to believe a middle-aged man could write something that can be so catching and agonizing at the same time. The bands first full-length presents a gritty, robotic sound that sometimes skips that is nothing short of pure genius.

You like? You'll like: Her Space Holiday, Say Hi To Your Mom, The Postal Service

Recommended Tracks: Hardcore Days & Softcore Nights, Heart Design, Five Star Day

10. The Unicorns // Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?

This album is as playful as you can get. Although seemingly simple, The Unicorns present an album that utterly flirts its way into your heart. Lyrics hum sweetly between synth and drumming that make every song seem more candy-coated than the last; still, the band seems to have enough punk influence to ensure that each song is not outright flamboyant. Although the album itself can't decide whether its overloading on pop or electronica, the blend meshes perfectly to dish out irresistible tunes.

You like? You'll like: Of Montreal, Islands, Wolf Parade

Recommended Tracks: Jelly Bones, I Was Born (A Unicorn), Tuff Luff