Brian Wilson and Summer Songs

 A few years back I saw a bumper sticker, or perhaps it was an online post, I really don't remember.  But what I do remember is what it said.  It read, "I may be old, but at least I got to see all the good bands."  There may not be a truer statement.

Growing up, the Beach Boys were synonymous with summer.  They brought the California surfing music to the masses, and the masses responded enthusiastically, making the Beach Boys, along with the Beatles, the most successful bands of the 1960's.  Their songs waxed poetically, even romantically of an endless summer, of eternal youth.  I Get Around, Surfin' USA, Good Vibrations, Sloop John B, California Girls, Little Deuce Coupe, Surfin' Safari, 409, God Only Knows.  Their musical catalog was literally a summer playlist.

As I mentioned in the opening sentence, I was fortunate to see Brian, along with his brothers Carl and Dennis, their cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine and their perfect harmonies three times.   I saw them once at the St. Louis Muny Opera facility in Forest Park.   A beautiful 10,000 seat venue under the stars.  I saw them another time when they were touring with Chicago, which was a terrific double feature.  Then saw them another time performing alone in Little Rock.

With the official first day of summer this past week, the near 100-degree temps, and the passing of Wilson, it seemed like a good time to provide everyone with a summer playlist.  Find them online, download them, watch them on YouTube, take them to the pool or the beach, or just listen to them around the house when you are alone.  Oh, and you have my permission to dance like no one is watching as you listen.

Enjoy the Dalton 2025 Summer Playlist Top 40

1. I Get Around - Beach Boys

2. Saturday in the Park - Chicago

3. Sister Golden Hair - America

4. Good Vibrations - Beach Boys

5.  Southern Cross - Stephen Stills

6.  Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffet

7.  A Summer Song - Chad and Jeremy

8.  Summer in the City - Lovin' Spoonful

9.  In the Summertime - Mungo Jerry

10.  Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles

11.  See You in September - The Happenings

12.  Grease - Frankie Valli

13.  Fins - Jimmy Buffett

14.  Southern Nights - Glen Campbell

15.  Moonlight Feels Right - Starbuck

16.  California Girls - Beach Boys

17.  Ride Captain Ride - Blues Image

18.  Summer Wind - Frank Sinatra

19.  Sittin on the Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding

20.  Kokomo - Beach Boys

21.  Surf City - Jan and Dean

22.  Lovely Day - Bill Withers

23.  Rhiannon - Fleetwood Mac

24.  Route 101 - Herb Alpert

25.  Come Monday - Jimmy Buffet

26.  Vacation - Go-Go's

27.  Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty

28.  Summer Rain - Johnny Rivers

29.  A Beautiful Morning - The Rascals

30.  Summer Breeze - Seals and Crofts

31.  Midnight Rider - Allman Brothers

32.  Windy - The Association

33.  Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond

34.  Boys of Summer - Don Henley

35.  Take it Easy - Eagles

36.  Wipe Out - The Ventures

37.  The Heat is On - Glen Frey

38.  Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

39.  The Rain, The Park and Other Things - Cowsills

40.  Hawaii Five-O Theme - The Ventures

There you have it, my top 40 summer songs.   I can almost hear Casey Kasem counting them down.   

Thanks for dropping by and thanks for reading or listening.  Be kind to each other, until next time, stay cool