Challenge #4 - This Midwestern Ocean (Marc's Mix)

I have to say, this challenger was a head-scratcher at first, combining summer jams with local flavor. But as I mulled it over, I realized it made sense. Part of summer is getting out there and enjoy the sounds of it at street fairs, festivals and local dives, discovering new talent, making new friends, and logging in great memories based around music.

I originally thought of going the logical direction of Chicago House Music, but realized as much as I love it, there's no real connection since I moved to Chicago after the house music peak. So, I contact my friend Geoff Kessell who I've been friends with since the early 90's for suggestions and maybe a song. He sent me a demo of his from years back that has since made it onto one of his albums, Songs for a Caustic Guitar. After listening, the ideas rolled in naturally. Geoff has been one of my biggest influences in music tastes. He, along with my best pal Kelly, really showed me how pleasurable simple guitar pop can be. And over many summers, the 3 of us built memories around many of these fun, jangly tracks.

So, this summer mix, with local flair, is really an homage to Geoff and the summers of my twenties. As I age into my 40's, these songs still see ageless.

1. Music To Watch Girls By - Andy Williams (best summer song ever)
2. Rise And Shine - The Cardigans
3. It's A Miracle - Trashcan Sinatras
4. The Life Of Riley - The Lightning Seeds
5. Girl's Bike - The Aluminum Group (local Chicago)
6. I Never Though I Could Feel This Way For A Boy - The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir (local Chicago)
7. He's On The Beach - Kirsty MacColl
8. Against The Sun - Eggstone
9. La La Love You - Pixies
10. Perfect - Jinx Titanic (local Chicago)
11. Life In These Little Boats - Deas Vail
12. The Girl Who Waves At Trains - The Lilac Time
13. Like Lovers Do (Stephen Street Mix) - Lloyd Cole
14. I've Been Waiting - Matthew Sweet
15. Pretty the World - Matt Nathanson (not local, but good friend so seems local)
16. She's so High - Tal Bachman
17. If It's Love - Squeeze
18. Town Called Malice - McFly
19. Baby's Coming Back - Jellyfish
20. Sweet Sunshine - David Mead (localish)
21. Screen Door - Uncle Tupelo (local St Louis)
22. Unwind - Erik Voeks (local St. Louis)
23. Land-Locked (Demo) - Geoff Kessell (local St. Louis)

Download This Midwestern Ocean