We here at GEP are so in love with the notion of the "summer jam," that we've decided to devote a new feature to seeking out possible entries in what we're calling the Summer Jam Canon and deciding whether or not they are Summer Jam Canon worthy. Sort of like when you die and float up to the pearly gates and God decides whether to hand you a harp or flick your sorry corpse into the bowels of hell. Only with summer jams! Yay!
1. "Summertime (DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince)
Will Smith's exploration of "summer madness," a disease that infects 100% of Americans from mid-June to early-September, recounts the lazy days of summer's past spent jumping rope, attending neighborhood barbecues, and watching Grandma and Grandpa cut-a-rug at the family reunion.
Evidence that it might be a summer jam: listeners are encouraged to "sit back and unwind," a common activity performed during the summer months; everyone in the song's video is wearing shorts; the song is called "Summertime."
Summer Jam?: Without a doubt! In fact, this summertime classic might be the most summer jammy summer jam of all time.
Evidence that it might be a summer jam: listeners are encouraged to "sit back and unwind," a common activity performed during the summer months; everyone in the song's video is wearing shorts; the song is called "Summertime."
Summer Jam?: Without a doubt! In fact, this summertime classic might be the most summer jammy summer jam of all time.
2. "My Summer Girl" (The Rentals)
"My Summer Girl" is a melancholy story about the break-up of a mismatched relationship--I'm guessing it's between two teenage camp counselors, a boy that would commonly be referred to as a "nerd" or "spazz" in his civilian life and a sweet-natured popular girl seeking a summer romance with a "nice guy" for once--at the end of a magical summer.
Evidence that it might be a summer jam: the word "summer" is in the title.
Summer Jam?: As much as I love this song--and I love it so--and The Rentals, "My Summer Girl" is just too darn sad to be a summer jam. Plus, walking down the street with this one blasting out of your boombox speakers is just asking for a beat down from some bored high school jocks on summer vacation.
3. "Wiggle It" (2 in a Room)
A frightening party rap dance jam about a pod person-type groove that stalks teenagers and young adults, "penetrates" both their skin and soul, and forces them to dance, or "wiggle it," but only a "little bit." I don't know whether to get down or contact the authorities.
Evidence that it might be a summer jam: the video features scores of bikini-clad women dancing on a beach, the most common of summertime environments; lookit that boombox!--it's gargantuan!--and its got summer party necessities sprouting out of it!
Summer Jam?: Totally!
"My Summer Girl" is a melancholy story about the break-up of a mismatched relationship--I'm guessing it's between two teenage camp counselors, a boy that would commonly be referred to as a "nerd" or "spazz" in his civilian life and a sweet-natured popular girl seeking a summer romance with a "nice guy" for once--at the end of a magical summer.
Evidence that it might be a summer jam: the word "summer" is in the title.
Summer Jam?: As much as I love this song--and I love it so--and The Rentals, "My Summer Girl" is just too darn sad to be a summer jam. Plus, walking down the street with this one blasting out of your boombox speakers is just asking for a beat down from some bored high school jocks on summer vacation.
3. "Wiggle It" (2 in a Room)
A frightening party rap dance jam about a pod person-type groove that stalks teenagers and young adults, "penetrates" both their skin and soul, and forces them to dance, or "wiggle it," but only a "little bit." I don't know whether to get down or contact the authorities.
Evidence that it might be a summer jam: the video features scores of bikini-clad women dancing on a beach, the most common of summertime environments; lookit that boombox!--it's gargantuan!--and its got summer party necessities sprouting out of it!
Summer Jam?: Totally!
