Fireflies

So last night I saw the first fireflies of the season in Milton, MA. They were bright and serene, reminding me of those perfect spring/summer nights where nature and music are all you need. Here are some tracks which will provide a great soundtrack for your firefly filled evenings, whether by sea or by lake.

This song has a wonderful mix of drive and after glow. Not made for the boogie, but can still be rocked out to. A great jam to kick start your evening with some grilling and cocktails.

Elite Gymnastics - Real Friends

This seemed to lend its name nicely to the theme, however, it is the spacey, reverb-y sound that makes this track a real winner. Similar idea as the last one.

Air France - June Evenings

As the night moves on and those cocktails* continue to be poured, sit back and let the starlit sky envelope you and your compadres. Play this track when you do that.

Boats and Birds - Gregory and the Hawk (Protohype Remix)

Let this song do what it wants to do. It wants to surprise you and build to levels you wouldn't expect. Great for barefoot dancing.

Ra Ra Riot - Ghost Under Rocks (Andrew Maury Remix)

The synthesized hook here is about as addictive as pistachios, which are a great snack for any outdoor adventure!

Clock Opera - A Piece of String (Radio Edit)

When the allure of the fireflies fades, you need to remember your body needs as much stimulation as your mind. Please stimulate your body and dance to PUNCHES.

PUNCHES - Let Go

BONUS ROUND:

This song is amazing and has an awesome video. Richard Swift has the voice of an angel, but unfortunately looks like a horrible mix of Hitler, Adam Duritz and Zach de la Rocha. He solves this conundrum, by casting females to dress up like him in this video.

This video was suggested to us by Extraneous Noise, a Boston based music management and video production company. This is a live Neon Indian performance from Great Scott in Allston, one of my favorite bar venues in Boston.

Neon Indian - "Should Have Taken Acid With You" - Live at Great Scott from Extraneous Noise on Vimeo.

This final Bonus is a untzy DJ track from the Plump DJs out of London. It was suggested by Melissa MacTavish.

Plump DJs - The Volcano Coalition (Kelis vs. Beatles vs. Plump DJS)

*COCKTAIL BONUS: The Southside Recipe

The Southside is a great drink not dissimilar to the Mojito. Here's how you make one.

2-3 Shots (depending how strong you like) Mt. Gay Rum, Vodka, OR Gin.

Juice of Half a Lemon

8 Fresh Mint Leaves

1/2 oz. Simple Syrup

2 dashes of Angostura Bitters

1 egg WHITE (not yolk, I made a typo) (optional)

Club soda

Give the mint leaves a rough chop and put them in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the simple syrup, bitters and lemon juice. Muddle all four ingredients in the bottom of the shaker until you can smell a rich bouquet of mint. Fill shaker with ice and add the hard alcohol. If you like, you can add a raw egg white (this will create a nice, thick foamy "head" on the drink after shaking). Shake all ingredients vigorously and pour into a highball glass with the ice from the shaker and also some new ice. Fill with club soda and garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of mint.

Vita de Lush.