Happy Fourth of July everyone! We put together an Obsession Mixtape of sorts just right for today's festivities. It's a mix of songs old and new, classic and obscure from Josh's catalog of favorites.
Now you can be patriotic & still have your dose of alternative culture! Put these songs on replay while you have #FunIndieSun on this Fun 4th Weekend.
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Read on for an epic Bonus Track from Sufjan Stevens!
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- Chicago--Saturday In The Park: this classic feel good track is an accurate pick for the holiday weekend. When the 4th falls near the weekend, it's law that you have to hear this song at least once. But if you're like me and grew up with Chicago, you'll just want this playing on loop since it's so infectious
- Rooney--Stars & Stripes: This is my ultimate pick for an Independence Day playlist. It's the perfect combination of festiveness, social activism, all from stellar unexpected melodies and instrumentals from one of my all-time favorite groups.
- Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros--Man On Fire: "I want the whole damn world to come dance with me!"
- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers--American Girl
- Imagine Dragons--America
- The Tragically Hip--Fireworks
- Portugal. The Man--So American: This song may seem out of place in it's lyrics about America, but truly it's fitting. Just like the social activism in the Rooney track, it's about what it should mean to be American even though our ideals are often overlooked or forgotten. We have our flaws as a country, but today we all band together and look hopefully onto our future in hopes to live up to our dreams.
- Hall & Oates--United State: These guys know how write metaphors for relationships, and this song is no different. A deep cut but a goodie, enjoy the use of these American words in this break up track.
- Magic Man--Apollo
- Tanlines--Invisible Ways: Most of these songs I picked because they just had that Americana nostalgia soul that just make you appreciate this country, no matter the genre or content of the track. That's exactly the vibe this Tanlines track off their latest album reminds me of. It's also a song like Apollo above that serves as the perfect backdrop for a fireworks spectacular. Plus "Montauk not London I'm at home."
- David Byrne--Independence Day: Now I know what you're thinking, a cumbia on the 4th? Yes, and here's why. First, it's Byrne...never question a song from this master, it's IndieBeat law. Second, it's about a specific type of independence that I'm proud to say this country gets to celebrate this year. Listen closely and you'll learn this song is not about America's Independence Day, but rather an day when LGBT couples can walk down the street without fear and proudly celebrate their complete freedom, especially the freedom to marry. With last week's Supreme Court decision, this song's dream has finally been realized. Today's a brighter Independence Day and this song reminds us of that--"Waitin' such a long time, such a long time...and now it's here, Independence Day."
- John Fogerty & Foo Fighters--Fortunate Son
- David Byrne & St. Vincent--The Forest Awakes: A song inspired by Walt Whitman about "natural forces and the movement of people," what better way to end a national celebration? Plus the development from euphoric brass to that epic rock ending with Annie Clark's guitar shredding is just the perfect cinematic sonics for this patriotic night!
- BONUS-Sufjan Stevens' incredible take on The Star Spangled Banner