by C.E. Evans

Created on: June 03, 2008   Last Updated: June 06, 2008

Whether you're having a festive Midsummer Night's Dream barbecue, or trekking to Stonehenge at sunrise, you'll need a good play list to ring in, or close out, the longest day of the year. The following tunes are aptly titled, by no means traditional, and sure to spice up any summer solstice gathering:

1.) "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" - The 5th Dimension
Though the moon may not be in the seventh house, you can get your party started right with this 60's favorite everyone can sing along to.

2.) "Here Comes the Sun" - The Beatles
Face your lawn chair due east, sport your favorite shades, and relax to this classic at daybreak.

3.) "Twilight" - Squirrel Nut Zippers
Let the Squirrel Nut Zippers add some retro style to your mid-summer's night.

4.) "What Light" - Wilco
Shine on with this kicky single from the band's 2007 album Sky Blue Sky.

5.) "Time is On My Side" - The Rolling Stones
Time is on your side today, and you can enjoy every sunny minute of it with this hit from a group of rock and roll gods.

6.) "Night Time is the Right Time" - Ray Charles
You won't want to go to bed with Ray on the piano in this saucy track, or at least you won't want to sleep.

7.) "Here Comes the Sun Again" - M. Ward
You may not recognize the name of this relative newcomer to the music scene, but one listen will surely make you a fan of this break of day ballad.

8.) "Sunrise" - Norah Jones
Norah's smooth vocals, paired with some strong coffee, vocals make it easy to be up for the dawn.

9.) "Long Hot Summer Night" - Jimi Hendrix
It may indeed be just that in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere tonight. Spend it with Jimi and his guitar.

10.) "Midnight Vultures" - Beck
Own the night with this track from Beck's 1999 album of the same name.

11.) "Summer Nights" - John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, and Cast
Cheesy and campy rolled into one? Yes. Still, this song from the 1978 movie musical Grease is party favorite sure to please anyone on a muggy, June evening, even if they pretend to hate it.

12.) "Light and Day/Reach for the Sun" - The Polyphonic Spree
This track is the perfect way to welcome the sun, or bid it goodnight, from the 23 member band that describes their sound as "choral symphonic rock".

Those are my top picks for an excellent summer solstice celebration. No matter what you do this June 21st, relax, have fun, and don't go to bed while the sun's still out.

Learn more about this author, C.E. Evans.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.