Summer Jams Video Series: Dove Shack, "Summertime in the LBC"

Does this video even need an introduction? Dudes, it's "Summertime in the LBC!"

Summer Jams Video Series: The Rocking Horse Winner, "Miss You"

Before Hayley Williams paramore'd her way into the hearts of teenage America, Florida's Rocking Horse Winner were continuing the tradition of power-pop female fronted bands like That Dog and (latter era) Save Ferris with their sacchrine-induced romantic jams. Though the band has since disbanded, you can find their sophomore album, "Horizon," at most stores, and sadly, in the used section.

Summer Jams Video Series: Skee-Lo, "I Wish"

I mentioned this the other day in my favorite anti-Katy Perry post and so I felt the need to give Skee-Lo his own post because, let's face it, that song was the jam back in 1995; I would even put this one over Boyz II Men's "Vibin' (Remix)."

Summer Jams Video Series: Less Than Jake, "All My Best Friends Are Metalheads"

I figure I'm going to catch a ton of shit for posting this, but fuck it, this song is awesome.

Summer Jams Video Series: Boogiemonsters, "Honeydips in Gotham (Remix)" and Masta Ace INC, "The INC Ride"

One of the best part about summer jams is that they're built to be anthems. Whether they're topically about ladies (or mens) and partying, they serve to bring together all types of different people to celebrate the human spirit.

Boogiemonsters' "Honeydips in Gotham" was their second single and was lost amidst a sea of other notable hip-hop groups who (though were regarded as flashes in the collective pan) released something of substance in 1995, which was perhaps the last great year for hip-hop.

Masta Ace's "The INC Ride" was also released in 1995 and freaks the same Isley Brothers sample as the Boogiemonsters song. Unlike the Boogiemonsters' jam, Masta Ace's entry into summer jam status is built on chillin' and driving around in your sick ride. In any event, it's still a great song to listen to while you have the AC blasting on your face.

Boogiemonsters, "Honeydips in Gotham"


Masta Ace Incorporated, "The INC Ride"


Bonus: The Isley Brothers, "For the Love of You"

Summer Jam Video Series: Fenix TX, "All My Fault"

The first time I heard this song was actually in the fall of 1999 (or was it '98?). In any event, it gets summer jam status because the following summer, James and I went to see Blink, Bad Religion and Fenix TX. No more had they barely strummed their guitars before we found ourselves engulfed in a sea of white girls and their boyfriends. I'm surprised we made it out alive.

Summer Jams Video Series: DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, "Summertime"

Today (or is it tomorrow?) is the Summer Soltice, so as the season progresses, I will be posting some of my favorite summer jams (all the while, compiling my next mixtape). The first is a pretty obvious entry, yet it is the definitive song for those of us who are in their mid-to-late-20's and remember a simpler time, like when Malcolm Jamal Warner was a big influence in my quest for personal style.