Our continuing quest to find summer jams...continues...
4. "Summer Girls" (LFO)
The late Rich Cronin and his fellow Lyte Funky Ones reminisce about girls, pop culture, and historical figures in this odd, laid-back pop rap song that was a mega-hit for some reason.
Evidence that it might be a summer jam: The word "summer" is in the title; the video takes place in a boardwalk-style setting that just screams summertime.
Summer Jam?: Maybe? I mean, it's undeniably about girls Mr. Cronin has met during the summer months, hence their description as "summer girls," but most of the non-sequiturs, arguably the reason the song is so memorable in the first place, threaten to pull the listener right out of his/her summer mood. For instance:
-"Macauly Culkin was in Home Alone": Home Alone took place during Christmas, which does not happen in summer, but, rather, winter.
-"The great Larry Bird, jersey #33": Larry Bird played basketball, a winter sport.
-"Billy Shakespeare wrote a whole bunch of sonnets": William Shakespeare was from England, a country that has no summer.
-"Michael J. Fox was Alex P. Keaton": Family Ties' Alex P. Keaton was a staunch Republican. Republicans are notorious summer haters.
Conclusion: LFO's "Summer Girls" is NOT a summer jam.
5. "Steal My Sunshine" (Len)
I have no idea what this song is about--it may not be about anything--it's just a damn good song! In my opinion, "Steal My Sunshine" makes Len the undisputed king of the one hit wonders.
Evidence that it might be a summer jam: includes the word "sunshine" in the title; video features the band engaged in all manner of summertime shenanigans.
Summer Jam?: A million times yes!
6. "Rump Shaker" (Wreckx-n-Effect)
Men enjoy women's butts, or "rumps," especially when they are moving, or "shaking." Wreckx-n-Effect wrote a song about it.
Evidence that it might be a summer jam: video features a bikini clad saxophonist, a beach dance party, and girls in life jackets.
Summer Jam?: Yes.
7. "Bela Lugosi's Dead" (Bauhaus)
Bela Lugosi died. Bauhaus wrote a nine minute song about it.
Evidence that it might be a summer jam: None.
Summer Jam?: No.
