This ain’t your mama’s playlist. For this awesome summer line up I called in one of the hottest DJs around. I first heard Chris Sealey DJ at a dear friend’s wedding years ago and since then he’s built quite the reputation. Chris has played in 20 countries and worked at events for everyone from Mick Jagger to the UN. I’d recommend booking him for your next big event. I promise he won’t disappoint. Here are his favorite summer songs along with his thoughts on each one. I bought them. I made a playlist. And I plan to rock out to these songs all summer long…
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DJ Chris Sealey’s Summer Picks
1. All I See – Bondax
- British band Bondax was recently described by a magazine writer as “the aural equivalent of sipping an ice-cold Pimms on the balcony of your council estate flat.” I don’t drink Pimms, but I’ve had this song on repeat here in Italy, and can tell you that it works equally well with beach umbrella overhead and Aperol in hand.
2. Ghost (Oliver Nelson Remix) – Ella Henderson
- Deft remixer Oliver Nelson lends his sunny touch to 18-year-old future star Ella Henderson’s soulful, empowering summer jam. A recent chart topper in the UK that is sure to hit stateside soon.
3. All Night Long (Lionel Richie Cover) – Penguin Prison
- BRAND new cover of the classic Lionel Richie track from New York producer, DJ and singer Penguin Prison. I played this track in a DJ set for the first time last night, and the energy was amazing.
4. Sunday Shining – Finley Quaye
- Brilliant fusion of rock, reggae, jazz and electronic influences from the largely forgotten British/African singer Finley Quaye. From Quaye’s amazing 1997 debut album, “Maverick a Strike” – the rare record I listen to from front to back each and every time. Outdoor barbecue music redefined.
5. California Soul – Marlena Shaw
- The quintessential, haunting ode to California. Remixed many times since then, but like so many things in life, the original version is still the best.
6. Down On My Luck – Vic Mensa
- Ironic, witty ode to the California club scene of today. If you want to know what hip-hop music is going to sound like in the future, take a listen to up-and-coming Chicago electronic music and rap phenom Vic Mensa.
7. Latch – Disclosure (featuring Sam Smith)
- The song of the year for 2014. Operatic, addictive, and an absolute must when closing out any summer DJ set. I simply can’t get enough of Disclosure.
8. Ain’t Nobody (Andrey Exx & Hot Hotels Remix) – Lissat & Voltaxx
- If you’re going to cover a legend like Chaka Khan, you’d better do it right. Lissat & Voltaxx hit with the perfect house music remix, modernizing a timeless classic for the summer club scene.
9. Front and Back – Sean Paul
- For the late night summer bashment. Lighters up and sweaty bodies all around.
10. Youths Are So Cold – Richie Spice
- For so many fortunate individuals, summer means travel, sun, and fun. But for millions of people the world over, when the weather gets hot, the streets do too. Released nearly a decade ago, this is still one of my favorite dancehall reggae songs – the song has powerful vocals and the message provides important perspective.
11. Pillowtalk – We All Have Rhythm
- I first heard this in Paris last year. A funky, indie, bluesy tune with just enough groove for the perfect lazy summer afternoon.
12. I Love You (Remix) – Mary J. Blige (featuring Smif N Wesson)
- This reminds me of living in Brooklyn in the late 90s and running around to summer block parties and barbecues. Despite her huge fame, Mary J. Blige never forgot the streets, and this is one of her best tracks of all time.
13. Be Thankful For What You’ve Got – William DeVaughn
- Always be grateful.
What? No Lake Street Dive?
you need to reset the clock my post was at 8:13 am.