The A Very Oldies Summer Mix Tape can be found on Spotify. Listen in-blog below for a more rich experience, or on Spotify for uninterrupted music. Please note below each song is a link to song lyrics for accessibility. Check out more details on how to best enjoy mix tapes.
I’m DJ Ponyboy. So happy you’re joining me for a very oldies summer mix tape. We opened with The Drifters and 1964’s Under the Boardwalk. Up next, The Lovin’ Spoonful on KMTJ-DB – Your Mix Tape Journey – Denver, Colorado.
We started our set with Summer in the City (1966), followed by Manfred Mann with Do Wah Diddy Diddy and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas with Dancing In the Street (both 1964). That song, written by William Stevenson, Ivy Jo Hunter, and the legendary Marvin Gaye, was inspired by people cooling off in Detroit fire hydrants – a nostalgic summer scene for sure. Staying in the vein of cool water on a hot day, let’s head to Surf City, where you’ll find . . .
Jan & Dean, followed by The Beach Boys with California Girls. That song famously sampled in 2010’s Katy Perry / Snoop Dogg joint California Gurls (with a ‘u’), along with Snoop’s Gin & Juice, among others.
If you’re interested in the history and connections of music, join me on the third Sunday of every month for Mix Tape Connections, a series that explores the bonds between music, its composers, producers, performers, and history – only here on KMTJ-DB – your Mix Tape Journey – Denver. I’m DJ Ponyboy continuing your summer oldies with The Drifters.
Hang On Sloopy! The McCoys with their version of a song that would end up becoming the official rock and roll song of the state of Ohio. Before that, 1962’s Up On the Roof. Great place to catch a breeze on a hot, hot summer’s day. Up next, from 1958, it’s Eddie Cochran bemoaning those Summertime Blues.
I Got You Babe – Sonny and Cher from 1965. Before that, 1964’s Fun, Fun, Fun, by the Beach Boys – that song referencing the Indy 500 race, run every May in Speedway, Indiana – just outside the great city of Indianapolis – since 1911. My husband and I will be in the infield this year – I’d love to see you – stop by and say “Hi”!
Up next, a song about the importance of body positivity and having the confidence to wear what you want. If you’re lacking confidence today, allow me to say you are fierce and fantastic. I believe in you and you should too. Thank you for joining me here on your Mix Tape Journey, KMTJ-DB Denver.
Brian Hyland starting us off, followed by The Beach Boys – Surfer Girl. Ending it up with Heat Wave – Martha Reeves & the Vandellas – that song was brand spanking new in July of 1963.
If you like discovering new music, join me on the first Sunday of the month to enjoy the best new music released during the previous month, curated by DJ Ponyboy, right here on Mix Tape Journey.
Brand new in June 1961, it’s Chubby Checker with Let’s Twist Again!
Dizzy! Tommy Roe, 1969. Before that, the Beach Boys with Good Vibrations (1966).
I hope you’re feeling all the good vibrations I’m putting out into the universe just for you.
This next song is very special to me. For my very best friend and later roommate at the first college I attended – this was “our song.” We would sing together, harmonizing around campus on our way to class. To this day, when I hear it, I think of him.
This song is dedicated to Don. Thank you for being a friend and a fellow believer of daydreams. It’s The Monkees on KMTJ-DB – your Mix Tape Journey – Denver, CO.
The Surfaris with Wipe Out, followed by The Rolling Stones with (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.
I hope you’re getting your satisfaction today! Up next, it’s back-to-back Beach Boys!
I Get Around. Before that, Surfin’ U.S.A. Both by the Beach Boys.
One of the things I love about living in Colorado is how much sunshine we get all year long. I sure hope the sun is shining on you wherever you are today.
Up next, The Kinks, and The Beatles – both celebrating the sunny, sunny sunshine in song. I’m DJ Ponyboy on Mix Tape Journey.
That was The Beatles – Here Comes The Sun. Before that, Sunny Afternoon. Now, let’s pick it up a bit with Little Eva (1962) here on KMTJ-DB, Denver, CO.
Come on baby, light my fire! That’s The Doors (1967). A Summer Song (Chad & Jeremy) before that, and of course starting things off with The Locomotion.
Summer days aren’t always sunny. Johnny Rivers tells us a bit about the rain.
Thank you so much for joining me today to enjoy some of my favourite summer oldies tunes.
What songs were missing that you were hoping to hear?
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Closing out this mix tape with their steamy cover of Wild Thing – it’s The Troggs. You’re listening to KMTJ-DB – your Mix Tape Journey – coming to you from Denver, CO.
I’m DJ Ponyboy. Stay gold.