With Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego this weekend and it being called an “Epic Summer Run,” it seemed almost fitting that this week’s theme be Beach Songs. You know, songs that are perfect for those days on the beach. Whether you are swimming, relaxing, surfing or running next to one. If you aren’t near a beach… ummm, it’s time for you to come visit California.
Usual format:
Something Old: Songs that are at least 5 years old. (I know that isn’t too long to be considered old, but music turnover happens quickly.)
Something Current: Songs that have been released within the past year.
Something to Consider: This is the wild card category. Feel free to list any song: old, current, guilty pleasure, underground, whatever.
Something Old:
Artist: David Lee Roth
Title: California Girls
Side Note: I know the Beach Boys version is a better one to listen to, but David’s voice is a little more “edgy” which works for running and his screaming is fun to do. Give it a try. (Not even going to mention the Katy Perry version thank you very much).
Quotable: “I dig them, girls.”
Something Current:
Artist: Taylor Swift
Title: 22
Side Note: Okay, I’m gonna get crap for this, but damnit if it isn’t catchy as hell. Silly pop songs are perfect for running (Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Carly Rae Jepsin) and I’m guilty as charged. I’m okay with it. So what. Being 22 and at the beach dancing sounds all right to me….
Second Side Note: Yes, Beyonce did have one of the greatest videos of all time. He was right.
Quotable: “Yeah we’re happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time”
Something to Consider:
Artist: All American Rejects
Title: The Last Song
Side Note: The self-titled 2003 album was better than some of their more recent stuff. With songs like Swing, Swing and My Paper Heart, it was a good album that I listened to constantly that year. The whole album is a good one to take to the beach, but this song (conveniently the last on the album) is an upbeat one that goes well on the iPod.
Quotable: “My foot is out the door, and you can’t stop me now.”
There you have it. Everything you need for a day at the beach. I’ll let you know how it works out on Sunday when I’m running Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego. Are you surprised that I didn’t include Dashboard Confessional? NYCRunningMama will agree with me that Stolen is a great song to run to, but I’ve used that one before in this same category.
Are you ready to come to California and get in some miles on the Beach?
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Oh the beach! It’s supposed to turn to summer over night here in NH. Temps in the 90s starting today through the weekend. Maybe by Saturday or Sunday I can get my legs to agree to a short run at the beach. I would totally listen to Katy Perry’s California Girls too. It reminds me of summer 2010!
you had me sold at David Lee Roth.. love!
Second Lindsay’s comment. Made me chuckle when I saw that listed. Great running song *flips Metal hair round and round*
YES! I love that Taylor Swift is on here :) :)
We listen to a lot of Silversun Pickups on the way to the beach!
Yes, it’s heating up here in Dallas now that we’re almost to June. I have an entire summer playlist I listen to a lot. It’s got Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band to name two artists.
I’m sold!!! Send me on the next plane! Until then I run some East Coast beach miles and pretend I’m in Cali!
Yay for the beach! I am itching to get to the Jersey shore…two weeks until our first trip there this summer. Awesome tunes to get in the mood.
I agree Taylor is good to run too, otherwise it’s a no go for me lately. I love Dashboard and AAR! Great list, I’m glad you left Katy out haha!
Dig up some old Jan and Dean… pre Beach Boys even. Love!
I’m a Beach Boys fan…always have been always will be :)
I.am.so.ready.for.the.beach. Great picks.