Day when the temperature is over 30 degrees C are not common in West Berkshire. I guess they are becoming more common. This summer has all the hall marks of a record book year. My poor lawn is dried grass hanging onto dust. Evenings are a watering ritual time for my little plants.
There’s been a selection of songs that have taken the theme of temperature and its impact on human life. Heat has sway over the physical and emotional. Acting and thinking differently.
The first one that comes to my mind is from Siouxsie And The Banshees[1] back in the early 1980s. It’s a masterpiece that quickly transports me back to days of innocence and wine, more likely beer. The heat the dust the flies, yes people get irritable when the temperature hangs round 30 degrees. It’s too hot to move.
Suzanne Vega[2] pushed the temperature higher with 99.9 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a melodic and gentle song that drifts along effortlessly. Nothing like as in-your-face as Siouxsie.
Then there’s the classic of all time. Elvis Presley[3] and Burning Love. This one traverses the generations. And time and place. Heat and passion melded into song.
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas[4] gave us a Heat Wave. A get up and bop whatever the temperature sort of song. Breaking my rule slightly but there’s one summertime song that is so apt that I can’t help but mention it. And we are talking about another Martha. Martha And The Muffins[5] and Echo Beach is a wormhole to a magic beech on a mythical prefect summer day.
and more………………..
Heatwave[1] yes, we have a heatwave. That means 1976 to me. A year of so many diverse sounds with disco continuing to hit the charts on hot nights. Sweaty pubs and dried-up river beds.
I’d be mad if I didn’t include The Beatles[1] and Good Day Sunshine. Lyrically dated but it’s feels fine on any carefree sunny day.
[1] https://youtu.be/6e01nNA02vw
[1] https://youtu.be/Y8Rg85ZqK0o
[1] https://youtu.be/gvNvcCQs-Fk
[2] https://youtu.be/uEvjFThqmq0
[3] https://youtu.be/zf2VYAtqRe0
[4] https://youtu.be/sW9mCPlp61U
[5] https://youtu.be/mL208l_Ho4s
John Vincent 