The beginning of summer is probably my favorite time of year. There is so much to look forward to. I get to immerse myself in sunshine, beach days, bonfires, BBQ's, and baseball. I don't get to the beach too often with my work schedule(read: too embarrassed to show my fat self anywhere near a beach), but I do like to take in as many bonfires, BBQ's, and baseball games as I can. I can't think of too many things I'd rather do than enjoy a hot dog at ball game whether it is a scorching hot day game in the sun, or a cool evening game that begins as the sun is setting in beautiful Southern California.
Aside from baseball and beach days, there are a few other reasons I have a love for this particular time of year; new music and blockbuster movies. I don't really know why, but summertime is a popular time to release new music if you are band. From October to somewhere around the middle of May it seems that there are a few albums here and there that I will want to check out. Usually about 1 or 2 albums a month. Then, right about the time it starts to get hot, and the April showers have ceased, there is a gigantic influx of new music. I don't know if it has to with bands wanting to get there music out for summer parties or if it has something more to do with bands not touring during the winter and therefore, spending that time recording. Albums recorded in the winter would probably have a release date in the summer. Furthermore, most bands do the bulk of their touring in the summer and probably want an album to tour on, so hence the new music in the summer. I think I'm on to something there. Regardless, it makes for an amazing 3 or 4 month stretch for any music fiend such as myself. In the last 3 weeks I have been hot on the trails of a few different releases that have been more than ok. Manchester Orchestra's "Simple Math" is my favorite record thus far into the year. In fact, I haven't been wowed like this by an album since I don't know when. I would recommend this album to anyone and everyone. Balance and Composure's "Separation" has also been heavy on my ipod. Check it out if you dig mid to late 90's emo acts like Jimmy Eat World and The Get Up Kids. Other albums coming out soon that I am excited about are:
-Nick 13 - Self-titled
-August Burns Red - Leveler
-Touche Amore - Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me
-La Dispute - No title yet but will be released in late summer
-Thrice - Major/Minor
On to the movies. I already started the summer off right with a viewing of Fast Five. Pure, unrelenting ridiculousness in movie form. I don't think there was on realistic scene in the entire movie. From Vin Diesel and Paul Walker falling 2oo feet into water and surfacing unscathed, to a giant truck sized safe being tugged around Rio by two Dodge Chargers. It was unrealistic all the way through and that is what I loved and expected. Thats what one is supposed to love about a summer blockbuster right? Movies that are high on action and budget, and low on acting ability and reality. Transformers 3 will prove to be amazing I am sure (even if I do hate Shia LeDouche). Other movies that I am anticipating:
-X-Men: First Class
-Captain America
-Green Lantern
-Super 8
-Cowboys & Aliens
Whether it be music, movies, baseball, or BBQ's, summertime brings a plethora of gifts. I for one will partake in it all. I encourage you all to do the same.
