It has been a grueling two months since the spring semester stole away the idle rest time of Winter break. Somewhere between the books and the cold weather, all thoughts of a leisurely beach life took a sabbatical of their own. With spring break fast approaching, conversations of how to live like a rock star have yielded the question, what is the best CD to rock out to while laying back in the sand under a glowing sun? Here are the quintessential surfside albums from a few of the University Press staffers.
1. 311 — Transistor (1997), Capricorn Records, suggested by Ari Justin Rothenberg
This 22 track release stands as monumental because most bands tend to release only ten to twelve songs on a full length LP, saving an additional recorded track or two for b-side considerations. It contains every must have vibe for any beach occasion. The track “Prisoner” drops reggae soul tight enough to get any head bopping while hitting deep levels of lyrical consciousness. “Beautiful Disaster” is a bold commentary on drug addiction, showing a flip side to the situation with harmonious guitar leads and the catch phrase “I tried to keep up / you wore me out and left me ate up / now I wish you all the luck / butterfly in the wind without a care.” “What was I Thinking” has more bass funk for the buck than two 12″s in your trunk, standing as a strong counterpart to a melody driven song like “Use of Time.” Warning: This song may cause shivers caused by the lyrics, “But the trying again / makes me think its all going to end / confusing use of time.” “Strangers” is a straight-up shit talking song about getting your groove on with a girl you just met on the dance floor, while “Stealing Happy Hours” is a sentimental song suited for a romantic occasion with that familiar, special girl, Mary Jane.
2. Jimi Hendrix — Axis: Bold as Love (1967), MCA Records, suggested by Clark Palmer
Recorded in analog four-track, this album defies time as a work of a guitar god and poet. This recording session contains one of Hendrix’s most revered and covered songs, “Little Wing.” Animated by a simple xylophone line this two minute and twenty-three second song drips with more smoothness per second than any song in recording history. “Castles Made of Sand” is just as popular, commenting on fictitious tragedies of a young boy’s failed future ambition and a girl’s wheel chair stricken self-liberation. The production of this song features Hendrix’s trademark reversed guitar lines.
3. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones — A Jackknife to a Swan (2002), Side One Dummy Records, suggested by Dan Restrepo
Boston’s favorite sons’ newest release is everything that punk driven ska is about. The song “Mr. Moran” is a mob confession by Sammy the Bull explaining his connection to the Gambino family. The ensuing song is a day-to-day gangster depiction of a character whose occupation is getting results in the drug business while hiding anonymously in the witness protection plan. “You Gotta Go” pulls through to its title explaining why a house-guest has worn out their welcome as the drunken television destroying visitor is ousted in a song containing a powerful saxophone/trombone groove. 4. Jimmy Buffet — Songs You Know by Heart (1985) MCA, suggested by David Ellis
If you live in South Florida and don’t know this guys name, you need to crawl back out from that rock you live under. Buffet is the epitome of the margarita drinkin’ beach bum lifestyle. If you have ever woken up from a hazed out hang over to find a mysterious tattoo on your body, there is a possibility that this album suits you well. This greatest hits CD is a must have for every collection. Though, after going platinum six times over, it may be possible that every collection already has one. From the subtle humor of “Volcano” to the timeless classic “Why Don’t We Get Drunk” there isn’t a single Buffet tune that won’t put a smile on your face or a drink in your hand. I challenge anyone to spend a karaoke night at any beachside bar (or any bar for that matter) and not be subjected to some “Parrothead” singing his guts out. For those whose ears have never savored this man’s brilliance, I highly suggest you settle into a lounge chair with a particular frozen concoction and play “Margaritaville” over and over and over again.
5. Sublime – 40 oz. to Freedom (1992) Gasoline Alley/MCA, suggested by Stefanie Resciniti
Hailing form Long Beach, California, Sublime sets the standard for global beach culture. Pioneering the genre-crossing mix of reggae and punk, Bradley Nowell borrowed more lyrics and guitar riffs in his short career than any one would know without intricate research. The break out hit and defining song from this release is cover of the 1983 song titled “Smoke Two Joints.” This song states clearly that it is only proper to smoke two joints before you smoke two joints, of course following that up by smoking two joints more. Damn! I got the munchies. Also please note that the following songs from this album are personalized covers: “We’re Only Gonna Die For Our Arrogance,” “5446 That’s My Number / Ball And Chain,” “Scarlet Begonias,” “Hope, Rivers Of Babylon.” Rest in peace Bradley, the world is a better place with your music in it.