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Soundcheck's Summer Song Poll

Friday, July 25, 2008

Every year, popular and critical opinion somehow converge to settle on a "summer song." In 2007, it was Rihanna's "Umbrella." The year before, it was "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley. The practice stretches back to the very dawn of pop radio. Yet defining the essence of a "summer song" is a bit elusive. We enlist the help of Blender editor at large Lizzy Goodman -- and of our Soundcheck listeners, in an online poll.

Cast your vote: Soundcheck's Summer Song Poll 2008

Can't decide? Check out audio and video clips of the contestants here.

Our blog: John Schaefer asks what makes a good summer song,

Guests:

Lizzy Goodman

Comments [18]

rosi from nyc

Dear John,
who was the female singer and the name of the last song you played at the end of your segment about this years summer songs with lizzy goodman.
Thank you for your time.
Rosi

Jul. 25 2008 02:52 PM
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Megan from South Florida

American Boy by Estelle...seriously solid song and definitely good for summer 08

Jul. 25 2008 02:36 PM
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judy from NY

lovin spoonful- "Hot town, summer in the City"

Jul. 25 2008 02:36 PM
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al oof from brooklyn

"Well, I love "I Kissed a Girl." She sounds dizzy, genuinely upside down, and also loving it enough to sell the song. Someone ask her if she wants to kiss an older man! Here I am."

haha, exactly!

Jul. 25 2008 02:34 PM
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Thomas from NYC

I think a summer hit needs a upbeat, breezy tune to it. I like Everclear's "Santa Monica".

Jul. 25 2008 02:34 PM
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Antonio Becerril from Mexico City

If I have to think in a song that to me defines a "classic summer song", then probably "Take It Easy" by the Eagles, really sums it up. Driving through the highway, with a the summer sun behind you, and the Eagles gently rocking the stereo. "Backstreets" by Bruce Springsteen, could be the closing theme of my perfect summer song. Cheers.

Jul. 25 2008 02:33 PM
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Greg Sandow from Warwick,, New York

Well, I love "I Kissed a Girl." She sounds dizzy, genuinely upside down, and also loving it enough to sell the song. Someone ask her if she wants to kiss an older man! Here I am.

Favorite summer song memory -- Four Seasons' "Rag Doll," back in the '60s. I remember everybody on the beach turning up their transistor radios when the song came on. "Such a pretty face should be dressed in lace..." Katie Perry has come a long way from that!

Jul. 25 2008 02:31 PM
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Rabbi Mike from Nyack

1978 in my backyard . . . sitting on the swings, or swimming in the pool . . .

Gerry Rafferty -- Baker Street

All sax solo, all the time . . . .

Jul. 25 2008 02:29 PM
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28 year old from IN

"Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1992. Not that I *like* it....

Jul. 25 2008 02:22 PM
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Elizabeth from NJ

I think people are confusing the question and just submitting songs they like personally, not an all around "summer song".

Jul. 25 2008 02:20 PM
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ap from ct

silver jews! suffering jukebox! suffering from these songs!

Jul. 25 2008 02:17 PM
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al oof from brooklyn

it's like the question of 'which is the summer hit' is really the question 'what was the worst song released this summer'?

Jul. 25 2008 02:16 PM
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Paul from Basking Ridge

Kinda reminds me in tempo and key of "Tainted Love" --- another Summer hit from early 80s!

Jul. 25 2008 02:14 PM
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al oof from brooklyn

the song isn't even that dancy and it's not even that fun musically.

Jul. 25 2008 02:11 PM
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al oof from brooklyn

who experiments!

Jul. 25 2008 02:11 PM
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al oof from brooklyn

this kissed a girl song is so utterly offensive to any queer person anywhere. that she was a christian singer makes it that much more offensive. ew ew ew. i fucking hate this straight girl experimenting shit, and i'm a straight girl!

Jul. 25 2008 02:10 PM
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Lila from Park Slope, Brooklyn

I love this song, as does every lesbian and bi-curious straight girl I know. The line about cherry chapstick cracks me up.

Jul. 25 2008 02:09 PM
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dog from NY

Please please please don't make us listen to that terrible "I Kissed a Girl" song! The few seconds in the intro were already way too much.

Jul. 25 2008 02:01 PM
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