Beach Music

  West Coast Sister and I just got back from a family vacation in Florida, where that was my view every day!  The gulf water was pristine and a little cool, and so beautiful.  While we were there, these were a few of the tunes that got me in the beach-y mood.

  Tristan Prettyman is an all-time favorite of mine.  She is a surfer from California, so she really knows the beach!  Her songs are light and acoustic.  I especially love her first album, "Twenty Three".  Her first track from that album gets me in the vacation mood instantly!  Here it is: "Love, Love, Love".

  What's better than Tristan Prettyman?  Tristan Prettyman and friends!  So far, I've discovered two of her duets, one with G. Love (top) and Jason Mraz (bottom).  Fun fact: G. Love and Tristan's label (Brushfire Records) is owned by Jack Johnson, another musical surfer!

   

  Dave Barnes is another one of my favorites.  His music is typically lighthearted, with a positive message, and not too much "processing" - you hear the instruments, not technology.  Again, his early music is better for a vacation than the later music (although his EP, "You, the Night, and the Candlelight" is excellent).  I like these two tracks.  The top is "Until You", and the bottom is "God Gave Me You".  "God Gave Me You" isn't really that beach-y (although the video is shot on a beach!) but it is easy to listen to, a great reminder of the blessing of family, and one of my favorite Dave Barnes songs.  Also check out "Someday, Sarah" in the middle.  It's not great quality, but it's fun!

   

  Corinne Bailey Rae is another great summer artist.  This track very well may be familiar: "Girl Put Your Records On".  It's so light and happy, you just can't be in a bad mood and listen to it!

Another one of my favorites is this "I'd Like To".  A little more upbeat, and a lot of fun!

  Matt Wertz is my final recommendation.  He hails from Nashville, TN, and is a friend of Dave Barnes - they even went on tour together!  He put out his latest album this year, but my favorite is "Twentythree Places".  Here are a few of the happiest tunes, "Marianne" and "Everything's Right":

  

  Even if your summer plans don't include a beach vacation, you can still be in a beach mood.  Enjoy the beach music!