Ah, the space between the end of Spring and the first major event of Summer, Independence Day. At this point in the year the post-school routine has been established and the summer job (or just the job, post-college) is in full swing.

1977: Rod Stewart, “The Killing of Georgie (parts 1 and 2”)

Wow. I am certain I had not heard this song before putting this post together. And certainly not in the summer between second and third grade. It’s beautiful, and sad, and Stewart sings it perfectly.

1982: J. Geils Band, “Angel in Blue”

I have no specific memory of hearing “Angel in Blue”, but I feel a general nostalgia associated with the song, which brings back memories of possibly summer camp, such as it was back in the early 1980s. “Angel in Blue” was overshadowed by the J. Geils Band’s bigger hits like “Freeze Frame” and “Centerfold,” but it is just as good as the other songs, and Peter Wolf sells it beautifully.

1987: Fleetwood Mac, “Seven Wonders”

Yeah, this was the song of the sustained enervation of being done with the familiar and on the cusp of the great unfamiliar of college. Hanging out with the one or two remaining high school friends and wondering how I would maintain the unrequited crushes on the girls who remained in my hometown when I left for college. What an odd (in hindsight) thing to worry about! How can I ineffectually lust after someone who is a hundred miles away! Also, I could listen to Stevie Nicks sing all day.

1992: Guns N’ Roses, “November Rain”

I remember the huge splash this song (and the associated album) made when it hit. I have never liked Guns N’ Roses, and I have never appreciated Axl Rose (Slash is the true heart and soul of GN’R), so listening to “November Rain” made me want to eject the CD from the CD player and pop in the most recent release from They Might Be Giants, or whatever.

1997: Bruce Springsteen, “Secret Garden”

I might have heard this one, at the bookstore when the soundtrack to Jerry Maguire was receiving some play. I have no specific memory (and also no associated memories) of this specific song, but I loves me some Bruce Springsteen so I more than likely have heard it at some point. According to the internets, “Secret Garden” was not one of Springsteen’s most popular songs, which is unfortunate, as it is quite lovely.