REVIEW: Various, Songs for Summer (Oglio)
- Jianda Johnson
Songs for Summer is an exuberant and melancholic release if ever there was one. Dedicated to the memory of Summer Brannnin -- whose life was claimed by kidney cancer at the age of 21--this list of stalwart indie/Alternative artists warms the heart, and not only because of their selfless donation of new, rare and renowned music to Adam Gimbel (Adam was Summer's boyfriend). Allowing us a small window into their lives in his liner notes, Gimbel's choice of songs provides a tender, joyful glimpse at a couple whose lives were enriched with a soundtrack of soulful, eclectic tunes.
From Soul Coughing's mischievous live version of "True Dreams of Wichita" to Jonathan Richman's wistful "That Summer Feeling," each eccentric, gem has all the elements of a mix tape from one lover to another -- or, one artist to another for that matter.
While over half of the songs contain the word "summer" in the title, indie collectors and Alterna-heads need not be aware of the backstory to enjoy and adore it. Delectable cuts: "Where's Summer B?" by Ben Folds Five, the B52's "Summer of Love," Babacar's jangly and indelible "Midsummer," Pansy Division's "The Summer You Let Your Hair Grow Out (live)" and G. Love's funky, early demo of "Rhyme for the Summertime." Two tracks were written specifically for the release, and a portion of the proceeds go towards LA-based charity Free Arts for Abused Children.
For more information about the release or the project, visit http://www.oglio.com/summer
