Our Summertime music video playlist!
It is now officially summer! Summertime and music go together. There’s nothing like a vintage summer song to bring back memories of youthful days on the beach or summer vacations. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a playlist of 10 summertime music videos that are hopelessly retro and immensely cool. These videos are time capsules of vintage fashions of the past 60 years. Check out the links to bring back some summer memories!
Summertime Blues Eddie Cochran 1959: I love Eddie Cochran, a great talent who died in his prime. Fashion watch: the cool 50’s shawl collared tuxedos on the Town hall Party band, and Eddie’s DA hairdo.
Summer’s here and the time is right for Dancing in the Street 1964: Classic 50’s girl group! Martha and the Vandellas, in their sequin dresses and bouffant hairdos. And the pop art flowers behind them are reminiscent of “Laugh in” or the “Dating Game” which would come along in several years.
No comment on the 80’s pastel fashions worn by David Bowie and Mick Jagger in this version of the song.
Summer in the city The Lovin’ Spoonful 1966 : This video is a mid 60’s fashion show! From John Sebastian’s mod striped jacket and round wire glasses, drummer Joe Butler’s flowered print shirt and suspenders, Steve Boone’s turtleneck, to Zal Yanofsky’s striped t-shirt and leather hat.
Hot Fun in the Summertime Sly & the Family Stone 1969: Well, you know there are going to be some funky fashions here: Sly’s midriff tie satin shirt with puffy sleeves; super collars and big hats on Freddie Stone and Larry Graham; and the matching space age turban and necklace on keyboardist Rosie Stone.
In the Summertime Mungo Jerry: Huge sideburns! Fishnet mesh shirts with scarves! Mungo, what were you thinking? Lots of facial hair in this clip, but it was 1970 after all.
Summer Nights 1978 : I’ve always faulted the “Grease”movie for giving us their 1970’s version of the 50’s but the fashions in this one are pretty right on. The short jackets and button-up shirts on the nerdier guys. The peter pan collars, scarves, and cinch belts on the girls. Sandy’s hair-do and sweater hung over her shoulders are perfect. And I gotta admit, it’s a lot of fun.
Cruel Summer 1984: Bananarama dancing around in baggy jeans, showing off their tousled spiky hair. How 80’s is this video?
Summertime DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince 1991: 1990’s fashions to the max: neon prints and athletic wear! Can someone turn down the volume on Jeff’s jacket? Let’s give some props for Will’s Smith’s retro Speed Racer t-shirt.
Forbidden Nights Darlene Love: Filmed on a summer day here in Asbury Park in 2016. Darlene and her back up singers are headed to the beach in a snazzy red convertible, and taking pictures with vintage cameras. Plus guest appearances from Joan Jett, Paul Shaeffer, Elvis Costello, Bill Murray, Little Steven & Bruce Springsteen. How retro is that?
Hope you enjoyed our summertime music flashback. Have a wonderful summer of 2018!
Happy Summertime! Fresh Prince lighter $3