Ideal Songs for Porch Drinking Part 14

Karl Karlson9 years ago

You know how it goes. You’ve had a long week, rife with classes and work and other responsibilities, but all you want to do is crack a beer and get some sun. Luckily, your good buddy Karl is here to give you the new edition of Porch Jams, all handpicked from the annals of music to perfectly complement your porch brew experience.

Fan Favorites are picked from the top comment of the previous edition.

My favorite is based on whichever suggested track I dig the most.

Be sure to leave your own suggestions in the comments for a chance to be
featured on next week’s list. Let’s crank some tunes.

Fan Favorite: The Ballad of Curtis Loew, Lynyrd Skynyrd

Suggested by Adapt or Die. I was waiting for the comments section to come around and put this classic in the number one spot. Perfect for that first pour after a long day.

Karl’s Favorite: Folsom Prison Blues, Johnny Cash

Suggested by ChrisL718. This song still gives me chills, and I’ll argue with anyone that “I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die” is the darkest line in music history. While there’s nothing inherently wrong about a studio version of this song, live takes are a better option.

1. Colt 45, Afroman

Never discount the artistic value of a song about hiding the pickle. In addition to every member of your chapter knowing the words to this jam, it will likely spark some stories about your own sexual exploits (or lack thereof).

2. Stayin’ Alive, Bee Gees

This song is so incredibly late ’70s and that’s just awesome. Deep down I think we all long for the days of voluminous hair and sick gold medallions. A number of people think Disco sucks, but I’m always down for the Bee Gees or certain ABBA tracks.

3. Purple Haze, The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Most songs like to build up to rocking your face off, but, from the first strum of the guitar to the last, this tune will rock you to the grave. With a loud enough speaker, this song can easily turn some unassuming porch drinks into a full on day party.

4. Sweet Amarillo, Old Crow Medicine Show

Though OCMS is most noted for covering a Bob Dylan song, people who know music know that they’re more than a one-trick pony. I’d appreciate if a Texan could explain to me why Amarillo is so popular to sing about, but my theory is that it lends itself well to a rhyme scheme.

5. You Don’t Know How It Feels, Tom Petty

A slow jam full of Tom Petty’s signature… pettiness? Angst, I guess. Either way, this is up for the Porch Jams Hall of Fame just from the consistent (but jumping) bassline and Petty’s masterful vocal range and harmonica talents.

6. Bennie and the Jets, Elton John

Sir Elton has yet to make an appearance in this series, so it’s fitting that he makes his debut with a tune that will get your head bobbing and your foot tapping. Anyone who’s anyone is familiar with this tune, and the mellow tones perfectly fit a relaxing day of binge drinking and fratting.

7. The Getaway, Red Hot Chili Peppers

The titular single off RHCP’s new album (available June 17th, for all my fellow Pepper-heads), this song has me excited for the release. It keeps all of the charm associated with the Peppers alt roots while throwing in a defined element of funk to kick things up a notch. BAM!

8. Drinkin’ Them Beers, Tompall & The Glaser Brothers

Another classic from the Glaser Brothers. Tompall has a very distinct voice that can make you think about every choice you’ve ever made. This song lends itself to a late night brew on your porch when it’s just you and the crickets hanging out.

9. Champagne & Reefer, Muddy Waters

Here’s a tune for all you classy folks out there. Nothing will get you back to Earth after a week of interning or classes like Muddy Waters singing the Blues. Feeling yucky for a few minutes is good for the soul, and champagne certainly helps too.

10. Appalachian Mountain Girl, Alan Jackson

From AJ’s stint in bluegrass music, this song speaks to my heart as a coastal kid turned Hillfolk. The fact that he hits the long “a” in Appalachian throws me off a little bit, but I can let it slide because this song is gold. If you’re hesitant about getting in to bluegrass for some reason, face your fears and become a fan. Mountain music will change your life for the better.

11. Cold Hard Bitch, Jet

I’ve been high on Jet since I was a kid thanks to their combination of classic rock tones and their alternative approach to lyrics. Let the guitar take your mood from exhausted to exhilarated while you reminisce on the countless evil women whose dignity you’ve sullied.

12. Oh Pretty Woman, Roy Orbison

Give the gals passing by a confidence boost with this old school hit. Chances are you can get them to stop by for a drink or two and change their plans for the night. Whether that happens or not, you can still lay back and enjoy the song.

13. Act Naturally, Buck Owens & the Buckaroos

This song always reminds me of that scene in Remember the Titans when Ryan Gosling is trying to teach his new teammate about the glory of country music. Like most of Buck Owens’ best, it’s a downright feelgood tune about having a dream. When the sun’s out and you’re drunk enough to sing without shame, you and the boys will have a hoot with it.

14. Hard-core Troubadour, Steve Earle

Most people think “Copperhead Road” when Steve Earle’s name comes up in conversation, but this song overshadows it in every way that’s not line dancing. If you like to live fast and play hard then this jam is for you.

Again, be sure to leave your suggestions in the comments for a chance to be featured on next week’s edition. As always, don’t drink and drive.

Check out the previous editions on Spotify..