Summer 2021 Gleaning Playlist

by Meredith Days

As summer starts winding down and the seasons changing, there is no better reflection of a season well spent than a playlist to record the mood of the moment. Ever since I was in high school, I’ve been obsessed with creating playlists to fit the energy of whatever I’m doing.
 
From melancholy fall playlists to flowers blooming in spring playlists every March, to emotional themes ranging from “rage” to “crying in the shower” to “dance party”— I love curating a great playlist. There is a complete satisfaction that comes from creating a cohesive musical selection that I can share with other people to express a certain experience.
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For this year’s end of summer playlist, I wanted to try something new— creating a group playlist of the Gleaners’ favorite songs. Since I had never done this before, I was a little nervous that it would clash, but I had to take a chance and hope it would coalesce into something beautiful. After mixing the playlist and including everyone’s recommendations,  I think we hit the jackpot— a mashup of songs that capture the collective spirit of the summer for the Gleaners.
 
Apprentice Ana recommended “Walkin’ on the Sun” by Smash Mouth and “(Love is Like A) Heat Wave” by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, as “hot weather classics,”  while multiple Gleaners sent in “Don't Forget Your Neighborhood” by Cola Boyy & The Avalanches, which  Ana described as “a warm sentimental jam about being where your feet are with a great disco hook.”
 
About 10 songs in, “Something Good” by The Derevolutions keeps the energy up – Apprentice Gabby described this tune as “goood vibes,” while Office Manager Laura added “Making Do” by Lake Street Dive, explaining that “with the reality of climate change in the news daily and its effects evident around us, for me Making Do by Lake Street Dive has been a cathartic protest anthem against our ability to act collectively.”
 
Data Systems Manager Matt recommended “Pressure Drop” by Toots & the Maytals, because “reggae is always one of my favorites to listen to on a hot day, and this is a classic reggae song!” As for me, my favorite song of this summer is “nothing else i could do” by ella jane because it has a great beat and makes me feel like dancing around with my friends in my backyard at dusk.
 
With lots of hot weather still ahead, we hope you enjoy this summer vibes playlist. Listen in the car, while you glean, or wherever you find yourself seeking solace from the heat – and let us know what your favorite songs of the summer are!
 
Access the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ZFUCyVnTupNAM7Zym6YbB?si=9a59f2ef3b2840d7
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