it's going to be a gin blossoms summer
a new *marvelous* experience
in general, i try to live like it’s still the ‘90s all year ‘round, but for some reason, this urge intensifies upon the very first hint of summer weather. i just realized after i typed this that it may very well be due to the fact that i associate summers in the ‘90s with core childhood memories and carefree nostalgia: running through sprinklers, inhaling grill smell at backyard barbecues, swimming at duerr park, stopping for ice cream sundaes at friendly’s, and gallivanting around ‘til dusk with my all-boy neighborhood posse in the syracuse suburbs.
i was watching an interview with the gin blossoms on youtube the other night (as one does) and was reminded of not only what a tragic story they had as a band, but also just how deeply they’re woven into the fabric of ‘90s alternative music, and how much they conjure up so many treasured summertime memories (at least for me). i’m not sure exactly how to articulate it, but their sound also somehow reflects their arizonian origins — it’s got that west coast casual vibe infused with a little longing and earnestness that works really well.
their big hits, “hey jealousy,” “found out about you,” “allison road,” “until i fall away,” “‘til i hear it from you,” and “follow you down” are all total gems. i recently saw the “allison road” video for the very first time and the aesthetic is soooo good:
but in recent years, i’ve been digging into their deep cuts and discovering even more great songs like “mrs. rita,” which talks about tarot cards and has great gen-x witch-bitch energy, and “day job,” an upbeat rocker that kicks off their sophomore album, congratulations i’m sorry (and that i’ve added to my annual summer spotify playlist).
so, i’ve decided that it’s going to be a gin blossoms summer. in addition to actually listening to the gin blossoms, to me that means:
lots of windows-down, friday night drives to pizza parlors and non-existent video rental stores (it’s the vibe that counts)
escaping from the heat into the air-conditioned embrace of movie theaters for matinees and nearly-dead malls to wander
making perfectly-sequenced playlists (unless you still happen to have the means to make actual mix tapes or CDs)
wearing babydoll dresses and cutoff shorts
getting big groups of friends together to drink beer on patios
once again embracing the idea of going wherever the day or night leads you and stumbling into fun, impromptu experiences that delight and surprise
hopefully NOT letting the cops chase you around — but instead engaging in some less detrimental form of youthful mischief with the same energy
now, let’s crack open this bottle of zima and get this GB summer started, shall we?