Summer was fun while it lasted, wasn’t it? Now, at the beginning of August, the bulk of our warm, sunny days are behind us, and there are just a few weeks left before we have to start facing shorter days, colder mornings, and (for some of you at least) homework. Ugh.
But don’t fret, there’s still time to embrace what’s left! Here’s a collection of songs by local artists that will keep your spirits high at least as long as the temperatures are high too.
“Dog Eared Summer” by Brite Futures
Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head recently changed their name to Brite Futures and have released some new material, including this song, a synth-laced, unabashed love letter to all of summer’s offerings (beaches, sneaking out of the house, lying under the stars, etc.).
“Cloudy Shoes” by Damien Jurado
Damien Jurado’s latest, Saint Bartlett, is his best record yet. This is my favorite track, a lush, sepia-tinged hymn with an organ that rings through the air like golden rays of sunshine.
“Sadie” by Fences
One thing to look forward to this fall? The long-awaited debut full-length from Fences! This song sounds happy, though the lyrics are anything but, a contrast that perfectly scores the bittersweet end of the season. (The Fences record will be out September 28—mark your calendars.)
“Eat the Witch” by Black Breath
Because every mix should include at least one badass metal song about eating out a witch.
“Kiss Off” by Say Hi
Yup, a cover of the embittered breakup anthem by the Violent Femmes, which local musician Eric Elbogen covered for a collection of “indie lullabies.” His take on the song is slow, heartbroken, and empty—and a little psychotic. Exactly how I feel when summer starts to fade away. 
Fri Aug 6: You.May.Die.In.the.Desert, Gifts from Enola, Silhouettes at Ground Zero, 7 pm, $6.
Sat Aug 7: Shenandoah Davis, Jordan O’Jordan, St. Rainbow, Elizabeth Devlin, Fever Break at the Bread Factory, 7:30 pm, donation.
