Ideal Songs for Porch Drinking Part 19

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: Africa, Toto

Suggested by NeverGonnaFratuate. This one of the best tunes to break out when you just want to put your feet up and relax for a spell. The percussion ensemble is utterly soothing and the lyrics are smooth with a hint of sorrow. Plus it’s just downright enjoyable to cry out “Hurry boy she’s waiting there for you” seemingly at random. 10/10 would listen over and over again.

Karl’s Favorite: Copenhagen, Chris Ledoux

Suggested by LB7Duramax. Oh sweet, sweet dip. I don’t know what I’d do without the warm embrace of a morning hammer. Sure, it’s kind of gross and the ladies aren’t exactly huge fans but I could really give a shit. I’m a big fan of this track, largely in part to Ledoux’s tongue in cheek style meeting Toby Keith’s new age roots.

1. Wild World, Cat Stevens

Definitely my favorite song by the great Cat Stevens. It’s definitely not upbeat, but not every song needs to be happy. A good tune about the resignation to loves lost will always be complemented with a cold beer and good company. Give me a second now, I’ve got something in my eyes.

2. Brick House, Commodores

Commodores era Lionel Richie never disappoints, especially when he’s bringing something this funky. This appreciation of the female form has lasted through the ages since I know even freshmen that will drop “Mighty mighty” into a description at times. Some things never get old, and ogling tall cool women is one of them.

3. Dream On, Oak Ridge Boys

I won’t apologize for dropping the Oak Ridge Boys on you again, especially a song that rises so well from the rumbling bass of Richard Sterban to a perfect lesson in harmony. The strings are a wonderful touch, and the overall feel of the song is second to none.

4. Mississippi Queen, Mountain

You can never go wrong with a cowbell intro. Especially one that was only used because the band was dead tired and needed a way to keep time during the hundredth or so take. The real hero of this song is, as usual, the bass but don’t let that detract from what is a wonderfully put together piece of rock and roll music. Well suited for a three o’clock shotgun.

5. The Ride, David Allan Coe

Country singers and ghost tales go together like whiskey and poor decisions. This tune, which is absolutely perfect for David Allan Coe’s signature voice, is sure to make the hair on your neck stand up. It’s an ode to humility, music, and the work of Hank Williams. A certifiable standout for any occasion.

6. Here Comes The Sun, The Beatles

Another perfect reminder that it’s all alright from The Beatles. There aren’t many groups that can give a message of hope in such an easy-going way. Whether you’re more a fan of the Beatles in the Shea Stadium days or around the time George discovered LSD, this track is phenomenal. Its whistle-ability is infamous so don’t try to fight it.

7. Compton, Kendrick Lamar ft. Dr. Dre

Easily the best track on “good kid, m.A.A.d. city”. Kendrick is arguably the current king of rap, and his collaboration with living legend Dr. Dre raises both of their games. We all love our home regardless of its negatives, and I love this song despite the autotune period at the finale.

8. Georgia on a Fast Train, Billy Joe Shaver

When you need your pulse to pick up a little, let this ditty take you on a ride. Even if you’re only familiar with raising hell over bailing hay, chances are you’ll get a real kick out of the magic Shaver performs with a microphone. He’s always a step away from yodeling and it gives this track a whole lot of flair.

9. Hi’Way Songs, Gordon Lightfoot

Though you probably know him from the gut-wrenching “Tale of the Edmund Fitzgerald”, there’s more to Gordon Lightfoot than tragic ends and ships. This masterpiece is another tale of a musician on the road. Still, all he seeks is the shade of a maple tree and some rest beneath the open sky. How’s that for imagery?

10. Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers, ZZ Top

Rock and roll is notorious for attracting outlaws but no group took to that role as well as ZZ Top. Big beards, dark sunglasses, and kickass guitar riffs are just the norm for the Texas trio. They’re number three on the list of folks I’d drink a lake of bourbon with. As for the song, if you’re into relentless aural assaults then look no further. You’ll be stomping your foot and drinking your brew with gusto.

11. Lean Wit It Rock Wit It, Dem Franchize Boyz ft. Peanut and Charlay

This was one of the first rap songs some folks got acquainted with. It wasn’t that hip hop pop bullshit that other artists were putting out at the time. These dudes were flat out hard. From the white t’s and the “break(ing) of a bitch back” it just went off from start to finish. It introduced me to bumping bass, and nothing was the same.

12. Build Me Up, The Foundations

On the subject of songs that go hard, we have this timeless tune. There’s nothing mellow about it, it’s honestly one of the most go-getting songs of its era. Seriously. The horns, the lyrics, all of it. If you want to see people start belting out a song, regardless of age, bump this at a family weekend. Your pops is likely to have a few beers too many and sing it with your buddies. That’s how you crush family weekend.

13. I Believe In A Thing Called Love, The Darkness

Glam rock groups like White Snake have put out their fair share of killer videos, but this one from modern hair metal pioneers The Darkness is their overlord. The song itself is hot fire as well. What other rock group has the stones to call out “guitar!” right before a bitching solo? None that I know of. I thought these guys were a Spinal Tap type group when I was younger, but they’re actually damn outstanding. Give Permission to Land a gander.

14. She Has A Girlfriend Now, Reel Big Fish

I was pleasantly surprised when someone dropped “Reel Big Fish” in the comments. It was even better when they weren’t immediately lapped into oblivion. One of the best damn jam bands to come out of the ’90s combines their ska feel with doo-wop in this barn burner. Plus, chicks doing stuff with chicks. Nice.

15. More Than A Feeling, Boston

This isn’t a drill, Meg and countless others. The number one air guitar song (from the number one air guitar moment in television history) is finally on the playlist. This song only gets better with age, like fine whiskey or good beef, and is the tune that will help you fulfill your destiny of locking down that dime across the street with your unreal power slides. Go get her, champ.

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

We’re kind of a big deal on Spotify too…