Joy

Maybe it's because I grew up in a place that has the kind of weather that keeps you inside 7 months (or more) out of the year. Maybe it's because there was always music around all of the time, ever since I can remember. Maybe it's still a holdover from being in school. Whatever the reason, summer, to me, has always meant freedom and fun and music and pure, unadulterated joy.

In honor of what will always be Festival Season in my head and heart I offer you my "JOY" playlist. (In no particular order.)

Get in your car, roll your windows down, go for a drive and play these songs. If you don't feel amazing afterward, there might be something wrong with you.


What Is It - Jace Everett
It's not the most advanced song on the planet, lyrically or musically, but something about it just makes me smile incessantly.

You Gotta Move - Aerosmith
I know, it's a cover, but I can't help but dance. In my car.

I'm Alright - Kenny Loggins
Dissecting it is just plain silly. It makes me happy.

The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson
It makes the little kid in me, the one who remembers seeing this video premier on regular TV, dance around like a goofball. And the grown up in me is just... lighter.

Now That We Found Love - Heavy D & The Boyz
I dare you to listen to this song and NOT laugh hysterically.

Ecstasy - Rusted Root
I'm going to hate myself for saying this. The music in this song is the sound my soul makes when it's completely free of all concern.

Break My Stride - Matthew Wilder
Bouncy and happy and sort of silly, but so good.

Baby I'm A Star - Prince
Because it makes Purple Rain end so perfectly? Because no playlist of mine is complete without a Prince song? Because it's bratty and snotty and fun? Who knows. Who cares?

Country Livin' - Eric Lindell
The only song on the planet that could make me want to be sitting on a porch in a rocking chair with a big ol' jug of wine.

Walk of Life - Dire Straits
One of the few songs where I actually have very little idea what they're saying, and I don't care. I just get lost in enjoying it.

Lollipop - MIKA
The little kid giggle gets me every time.

Still The Night (Live) - The BoDeans
Definitely a product of being a Milwaukee kid. I want to dance around, and sing, and skip in circles, and have summer rain fall on me.

Part-Time Lover - Stevie Wonder
The urge to do a Carlton Dance is nearly uncontrollable. And the mental image of that just makes me laugh and laugh and laugh.


Suddenly I feel hopeful, and I love life, and I just know that this is going to be a great summer. The same way I feel at the beginning of every summer.

Who wants to come out and play?