Here are six pieces of musical nostalgia for your summer playlist, and a list of activities to accompany them – because life should have a soundtrack. As I am a fan of all things vintage they are oldies but goodies, dating from the 50’s to the 70’s. A millennial told me recently that he wished he had been born in 1960 because we had better music, and we did, but I would welcome any newer suggestions.
Old Cape Cod – I love all those old classics from the 50’s and this song paints a picture of a part of the world I would love to visit, being a big fan of Elin Hilderbrand’s Nantucket novels and Susan Branch’s Martha’s Vineyard books. It was first recorded in 1957 by Patti Page, but I like Bette Midler’s 1972 version as well. Best served with a lobster stew in a restaurant with an ocean view.
You have to be crazy to try this…
Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer. Originally recorded in 1963 by Nat King Cole, this happy summer song is best served with soda, pretzels and beer while reading a book on the beach and wishing summer would always be here.
Indian Lake
Indian Lake – another tune from the sixties – 1968 The Cowsills. I remember listening to this (now politically incorrect) song when I was a kid and we would go up to the Grove-on the-Lake to swim on summer Sundays after church. Best served with a snack at the Grove diner after renting a canoe or while camping.
Hot Fun in the Summertime – recorded in 1969 by Sly and the Family Stone shortly after their performance at Woodstock. Best served out in the country sun with a picnic basket or at any outdoor music concert.
In the Summertime – Mungo Jerry – a British rock band debuted this hit in 1970 which became the carefree summer song of the baby boomer generation. Best served with a milkshake or smoothie while driving a jeep along the lake. (Don’t drink and drive!)
photo from poolsuppliescanada.ca
Sunny Afternoon – recorded by The Kinks in 1967 as a protest to the British taxes paid by rich rock stars. Best served while lazing in a swimming pool with an ice cold beer in hand while dreaming of winning the lottery.
Postscript: I suppose I could have called this six summertime hits from the sixties. Notice I said we had better music, not hairstyles or clothing!
What is your favorite summertime song?
thehomeplaceweb 
Ella Fitzgerald and “Summertime” (I’m sure I beat others to the punch on this one). Also, can you recommend one of Elin Hilderbrand’s “Nantucket” novels? The genre may not be my cup of tea, but I think my wife would enjoy it.
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The Perfect Couple – see my homepage for a review on my Goodreads link under Book of the Day. Excellent song if a bit jazzy!
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I accidentally hit the trash button on your comment Dave so I hope I can restore it? Great song choice! I recently finished reading Elin Hilderbrands latest (she has a book out every July), called The Perfect Couple. If you go to my homepage, under Book of the Day there is a link to my Goodreads review – click on the book picture and it should take you there. This one had a murder mystery as well as the usual Nantucket setting and so was particularly mesmerizing – the perfect beach read. Let me know if you get this? Joan
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Definitely love In the Summertime and Sunny Afternoon. I grew up with the Kinks and Mungo Jerry (I even saw the Kinks in concert, though a lot later on in their careers). Great summer songs for outdoors. How about The Lovin’ Spoonful – Summer In The City? Probably not for lazing on the shores of your wonderful lakes, but a great song. The old ones are definitely the best.
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Yes that’s a good one too. I hardly ever listen to anything past the year 2000 and have given up on listening to the radio totally…..I couldn’t tell you a single song that Beyonce or any of those popular rappers sing…
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Same here, I have no interest in modern music and stopped listening to the radio after the kids were born, except when in the car on my own, for company.
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Hi Joni – I wanted to come look at this and think Summer. We are having a storm tonight, they say early evening, so hoping I can get through comments and part of Reader. I am familiar with the songs except for the Bette Midler song. I like her – I liked it. I wanted to find out why Indian Lake by the Cowsills was not PC and the link does not work. I don’t know why that happened and it’s happened to me as well …but I wanted you to know. I like how you suggested the food and beverage to go along. Very cute! P.S. – I wouldn’t know the millennials music either – if I’ve heard a Beyonce song, it was not that I knew about it or knew it was her recording.
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https://thehomeplaceweb.com/2018/08/02/summer-playlist/ Here’s the link Linda. I corrected the Cowsills song, the youtube link must have been removed. I try to use the Vevo or authorized ones but sometimes have to go with one someone else has posted. When they change the European copyright laws, I wonder if WordPress will even allow that kind of link in the future? I’m sure you would recognized the song. I sometimes like older songs like Bing Crosby and Dean Martin, hits from the 40’s and 50’s, and Big Band music. The only song I know of Beyonce is All the Single Ladies, as it’s a wedding song. Same with Drake or Justin Bieber – couldn’t tell you a thing they sing!
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Is that how you get it to display without the ads? I didn’t know that though I have seen Vevo advertised. I will look at it now – I want to listen to find out why it was non-PC so thanks for sending it. Yes, I wonder if that will mess things up. I have sent links to stories I saw on Fox TV or the radio station I listen to and people in the UK often cannot access it. I forgot, I have heard the All the Single Ladies song but Drake and Justin Bieber – nope.
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I totally forgot about the “beats” and “whoops” … you’re right, not PC anymore! (P.S. – I knew all the words to this one too.)
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Loved 75% of list, i am a late 60s and 70s lover, with lots of exceptions when I stumble over a really good tune.
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