³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

A good reaction last night to Bobby from Howwood's 'Summer Mix Tape'. If you missed it then it's available on listen again on the new site. Here are Bobby's selections along with his memories of the tracks. Hope you enjoy reading them...

"Some songs which I love because they are great, some songs I love because they remind me of a certain time, place or person in my life and some songs which were just THE summer pop song of that particular year.I hope they all have summer memories for other listeners.

ÌýStep on by the Happy Mondays - Those first few chords, the whistles and the almost reverse chord progression that follows makes for a truly great summer party song. An anthem of that Madchester time and a great version of a classic.

96 degrees in the shade or Now that we've found Love by Third World (1977) - Remind me of my first venture into the package holidays to Spain and the thrill of flying, arriving at hot airports, girls in bikinis, San Miguel and warm sea water for a change!

Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jacks (1974) - Caravanning with my Mum and Dad and my mates Martin and Steve in Sunny Southend on the Mull of Kintyre. It always seemed to be hot and there never seemed to be any midges then, but it just shows you how your mind can play tricks when you get to 46.

Grass or Life begins at the Hop by XTC - Grass is just THE most summery song XTC did. Boys and girls lying and rolling in the long grass just sums up the summer teenage experience. "Let's take a tumble, excuse for a fumble" just fantastic. And Life Begins at the Hop is no bad either!

There is a light and it never goes out by The Smiths - Well what can I say? Those that don't know or understand old Mozzer will have us believe he is depressing and morbid. I think the music by Johnny Marr in this song is so celebratory and filled with emotion that you cannot help feel uplifted by it. I bought The Queen is Dead when it came out just before we went on holiday to Tenerife and lay by the pool every day listening to the album getting all burnt. There is a light is the anthem of the THE greatest album ever.

Dreadlock Holiday by 10cc - How many of you remember that dreadful video that accompanied the song? Great song however!

Me and Matthew (Smells of Summer) by Martin Stephenson and the Daintees - If you haven't heard this, do yourself a favour. STILL a great songwriter, and a funny guy too!

Ring my Bell by Anita Ward - some disco rubbish which reminds me of my first summer of "goin to the dancing" and all that it entailed. Bad clothes (do you remember tucking your jumper into your trousers?), fake ID, Late Night Bus home from George Square, Night Moves, Maestros, Gigi's and trying to like disco music to get a burd!

Lady (hear me tonight) by Modjo - cause someone else will ask for Spiller. Reminds me of summer afternoons in Manchester having a beer before heading to Old Trafford. A great summer song.

And for good measure here are some "crackers!" from my formative years which all remind me of great hot summers and great fun with my mates

Sad sweet dreamer by Sweet Sensation - great sentimental tosh, summer nights on Southend beach, camp fires and Breaker Malt Liquor (anyone?)
C'mon Baby Lay Your Love on Me by Racey - a girl in my school had a house party in the Moss Heights in Glasgow. Reminds me of bad snogging and numb lips!
Sugar Baby Love by the Rubettes - ditto, different time different place!
Summer Love sensation by the Bay City Rollers - made my own "Tartan Skinners" using pair of bleached Brutus Jeans, an old tartan scarf and my mums sewing machine, resulted in a crash when, getting a "backy" on my mate Martins Chopper, said flared troosers got caught in the chain and chucked us over the handlebars. A scorcher of a summer if I remember correctly.
Barbados by Typically Tropical - Don't remember the last time I heard this, but it would be fun to hear it again??

If you decide to play it Bryan, please don't play ALL of last five, I have my dignity to protect, however I will bow to your editing knowledge.

And just as I thought my list was complete, my 15 year old son Calum walks past singing "Glass of Champagne" by Sailor. Now how does he know THAT song??

This years summer song will be "I will possess your heart" by Death Cab for Cutie. Heard it on Vic's show last week and it is just fabulous!!!! Last about 9 minutes tho'!"