Sunday, May 31, 2009

Road Trips Down Memory Lane – Defunct Amusement Attractions & Places Of Interest On The West Coast

MarinelandWith summer now officially upon us, the wonderful memories of past summer road trips and stops along the way come to mind. My goal here was to briefly reflect on those that are no longer in existence – or in other words – now defunct. I simply wanted to acknowledge these closed, lost, and abandoned places of enjoyment from our youth. These include but are not limited to theme parks, amusement parks, roadside attractions, super parks, off-the-wall eye-catchers, cheesy tourist traps, museums, water parks, etc. They all offer one thing in common – Pleasant childhood memories of growing up in times that are so very different than they are today. Now that the parks are closed, all we have left are our memories to share with others who

Lion Country Safari
Lion Country Safari

can relate. So here begins just a small amount of recollected fun places and locations from family vacations and short excursions of years past – mostly in California but also several in Oregon, Washington, Nevada and Arizona – By no means is this complete – but just a good beginning on that stroll down that path called ‘memory lane’ none-the-less…The years listed following the location are the opening and closing years of the attraction (if known). To make listings easier to find, they are listed alphabetically. Please feel free to comment, update, or to add your own input. Enjoy :)

  1. 24 Hour Church Of Elvis – Portland, OR (1985-2002)
  2. Africa USA – Soledad Canyon/Los Angeles, CA (1962-1969)Doggie_Diner
  3. Alameda Naval Air Station – Alameda, CA (1936-1997)
  4. Alpine Slide @ Boreal Ridge Ski Area (Donner Summit) – Truckee, CA
  5. Alpine Slide @ Grouse Mountain – North Vancouver, BC, Canada
  6. Altamont Speedway (Rolling Stones Concert 1969) – Altamont Pass, CA (1966-????)
  7. Amusement City (?) – Lincoln City, OR
  8. Antelope Valley Raceway (Palmdale International Raceway) (Drag Strip) – Palmdale, CA (1964-1980)
  9. Ascot Park (famous dirt racetrack) – Gardena, CA (1932-1990)
  10. The Astrodome – Houston, TX (1965-2000)
  11. AstroWorld (theme park) – Houston, TX (1968-2005)
  12. Aztec Bowl (stadium) – San Diego, CA (1936-1966)
  13. Balboa Fun Zone (Balboa Peninsula) – Newport Beach, CA (1936-1972) & (1986-2006)
  14. astroworldlogo
  15. Bandon Cheese Factory – Bandon, OR (early 1900’s-2002)
  16. Bay Meadows (Horseracing Track) – San Mateo, CA (1934-2008)
  17. Bedrock City/Flinstone’s Park – Chilliwack, BC, Canada (????-1994)
  18. Bedrock City/Flinstone’s Park – Kelowna, BC, Canada (????-1998)
  19. Blue Lagoon Water Park – Vacaville, CA
    Busch Gardens

    Busch Gardens

  20. Busch Gardens – Van Nuys/Los Angeles, CA (1966-1979)
  21. California Alligator Farm – Buena Park (1953-1986)
  22. Castle Air Force Base (Air Museum) – Atwater, CA (1941-1995)
  23. Circle Star Theatre (revolving concert stage) – San Carlos, CA (196?-1993)
  24. Crazy Horse Campground & Waterslide (1st waterslide in CA) – Shingle Springs, CA
  25. Deerland Park (deer park) – Klamath Falls, OR
  26. Dennis The Menace Park (original) – Monterey, CA
  27. Doggie Diner (huge dog head sign) multiple San Francisco locations
  28. Edmonds Field (Sacramento Solons-PCL) – Sacramento, CA (1949-1964)
  29. Enchanted Village – Buena Park, CA (1976-1977)farrells
  30. The Engine House (huge train store with operating trains) – Sunnyvale, CA
  31. Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour (best ice cream variety ever) – 130 locations (1963-1990)
  32. The Fillmore (famous auditorium/concert hall) – San Francisco, CA (196?-1989)
  33. Fillmore West (famous concert hall) – San Francisco, CA (1968-1989)
  34. Fort Ord (US Army Base) – Monterey Bay (1917-1994)
  35. Fossil Cabin – Medicine Bow, WY (1932-1974)
  36. Frontier Village – San Jose, CA (1961-1980)frontier_village2
  37. Fun Junction – Grand Junction, CO (1954-2004)
  38. Gayway Park (on the pier) – Seaside, OR (1950s-1980s)Graumans
  39. George Air Force Base – Victorville, CA (1941-1992)
  40. Gilmore Field (Hollywood Stars-PCL) – Los Angeles, CA (1939-1957)
  41. Gilmore Stadium – Los Angeles, CA (1934-1952)
  42. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (original) – Hollywood, CA (1927-????)
  43. Griffith Park Zoo (Old Los Angeles Zoo) Ruins (1930s-1960s)
  44. Guinness World Records Museum@Fishermans Wharf – San Francisco, CA
  45. Hamilton Air Force Base – Novato, CA (1929-1974)
  46. Hangman’s Tree – Placerville, CA
  47. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo – San Jose, CA (1961-2008)
  48. Harrah’s Automobile Museum (Original) – Sparks, NVHobbiton_USA
  49. Haunted Gold Mine (Fisherman’s Wharf) – San Francisco, CA
  50. Hershey’s Chocolate Factory (tour) – Oakdale, CA (1965-2008)
  51. Hill Country (Antique Auto/Plane Museum) – Morgan Hill, CA
  52. Historic Belmont Park – San Diego, CA (1925-1976)
  53. Hobbiton USA – Phillipsville, CA
  54. Hollywood Palace/Playhouse – Hollywood, CA (1927-1978)
  55. Indian Forest – Florence, OR
  56. J’s Amusement Park – Guerneville, CA (19??-2003)Japanese_Village_Deer_Park
  57. Japanese Village & Deer Park – Buena Park, CA (19??-1975)
  58. Jantzen Beach Amusement Park – Portland, OR (1928-1970)
  59. Jungle Island – Buena Park, CA
  60. Kezar Stadium (original) (Golden Gate Park) – San Francisco, CA (1925-1989)
  61. The Kingdome – Seattle, WA (1976-2000)
  62. Lake Delores/Rock-A-Hoola Water Park – Newberry Springs, CA (1962-2004)
  63. Lane Field (San Diego Padres-PCL) – San Diego, CA (1936-1957)
  64. Legend City – Phoenix/Tempe, AZ (1963-1983)legend_entrance
  65. Lion Country Safari – Irvine, CA (1970-1984)
  66. Little Indy 500 Go-Karts – Milpitas, CA (1970s-1980s)
  67. Longacres Race Track (horse racing) – Renton, WA (1933-1992)
  68. Los Angeles Alligator Farm – Lincoln Heights/Los Angeles (1907-1953)
  69. Los Angeles Ostrich Farm – Lincoln Heights/Los Angeles
  70. Los Angeles County Raceway (Palmdale Dragstrip) (NHRA Drag Racing) (1980-2007)
  71. The Lost Flea Market – San Jose, CA
  72. Lost World/Tree Circus – Scotts Valley, CA (1947-1975)marineworld_africa_usa
  73. Malibu Grand Prix (U-Drive Raceway) – Fresno, CA (1977-1997)
  74. Malibu Grand Prix (U-Drive Raceway) – Oakland, CA (1970s-1990s)
  75. Mammoth Orange Drive-In (giant orange structure featuring fast food/fruit stand/best orange drinks) [forerunner of the Orange Julius chain] (Hwy 99) – Fairmead/Chowchilla
  76. Marine World/Africa USA – Redwood City, CA (1968-1986)
  77. Marineland Of The Pacific – Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (1954-1987)
  78. Marriott’s Great America – Santa Clara, CA (1976-1984)
  79. Mather Air Force Base – Rancho Cordova, CA (1918-1993)MGM_Grand_Adventures_Theme_Park
  80. McClellan Air Force Base – North Highlands, CA (1935-2001)
  81. MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park – Paradise/Las Vegas, NV (1993-2000)
  82. Midway Drive-In & Swap Meet – Kent, WA (1940-2005)
  83. Mile High Stadium/Bears Stadium – Denver, CO (1948-2001)
  84. Milpitas Water Slides – Milpitas, CA (1970’s – 1980’s?)
  85. The Mine Shaft (large 2 story miniature golf-arcade-tanks-gokarts) – Rancho Cordova, CAMovieland_Wax_Museum
  86. Moffett Field Naval Air Station (huge twin hangars) – Sunnyvale/Mountain View, CA
  87. Morrison Planetarium@Golden Gate Park (original) , San Francisco, CA (1952-??)
  88. Movie World Cars of the Stars/Planes of Fame Museum – Buena Park, CA
  89. Movieland of the Air Museum – Orange County (John Wayne) Airport
  90. Movieland Wax Museum/Cars of the Stars – Buena Park, CA (1962-1984)
  91. Natatorium Park – Spokane, WA (1920-1968)
  92. NBC Burbank Studio Tours – Burbank, CA (closing this year)
  93. Never Never Land@Point Defiance Park – Tacoma, WA (1964-2001)
  94. Newport Harbor Buffalo Ranch – Corona Del Mar, CA (1955-1959)
  95. The Nut Tree (amusement park/train ride/toy store/restaurant) – Vacaville, CA(1921-1996)
  96. nut_tree_railroad
  97. Oakland Indoor Midget Race Track – Oakland, CA (1940s-1950s)
  98. Oakland Speedway – San Leandro, CA (1931-19??)
  99. Oakwood Lake Resort/Manteca Waterslides – Manteca, CA (1974-2004)
  100. Oaks Park Stadium (Oakland Oaks-PCL) – Oakland, CA (1913-1956)
  101. Old MacDonald’s Farm@Knotts Berry Farm – Buena Park, CA (????-1969)
  102. Old MacDonald’s Farm – Mission Viejo, CA (1969-????)
  103. Old Vegas/Westworld – Henderson, NV
  104. Ontario Motor Speedway – Ontario, CA (1970-1981)
  105. Pacific Ocean Park (POP) – Santa Monica, CA (1958-1967)
  106. Pan Pacific Auditorium – Fairfax District/Los Angeles (1935-1972)
  107. Pat Derby’s Famous Animal Stars/Wildcats – Leggett, CA (1970s-??)pixieland-postcard
  108. Pharaoh’s Lost Kingdom – Redlands, CA (1994-2006)
  109. The Pike/Nu-Pike – Long Beach, CA (1902-1979)
  110. Pixieland – Otis/Lincoln City, OR (1969-1975)
  111. Pizza Time Theater (Chuck E Cheese) (original location) – San Jose, CA (Town & Country Village)
  112. Playland (large indoor ticket redemption center + kiddie rides) – Roseville, CA
  113. Playland (same as above) – Clovis, CA
  114. Playland – Shoreline/Seattle, WA (1930-1961)
  115. Playland At The Beach – San Francisco, CA (1926-1972)playlandl_at_the_beach
  116. Pollardville Palace Saloon & Ghost Town – Stockton, CA (1944-2006)
  117. Ponderosa Ranch (Bonanza TV Show) – Incline Village, NV (1967-2004)
  118. Portland Ice Arena – Portland, OR (1914-195?)
  119. The Presidio (US Army Base) (fort, cannons, WWII relics) – San Francisco, CA (1776-1994)santa_claus_lane
  120. Prospector Hill (miniature golf/batting cages/water shooter) – Auburn, CA
  121. Q-Zar Lazer Tag – several locations
  122. Riverside International Raceway – Riverside, CA (1957-1989)
  123. San Jose Speedway – San Jose, CA (1967-1999)
  124. Santa Claus Lane (huge Santa head) (toy store/restaurant/shops) – Carpinteria, CA
  125. Santafair, Federal Way, WA (1960s-1970s)santas_village_santa_cruz
  126. Santa’s Village – Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley, CA (1957-1979)
  127. Santa’s Village – Lake Arrowhead/Skyforest, CA (1955-1998)sea_gulch
  128. Sea Gulch – Seal Rock, OR
  129. Seals Stadium – San Francisco (1931-1959)
  130. Seattle Center Coliseum/Washington State Pavilion – Seattle, WA (1962-1994)
  131. Spirit Lake Lodge @ Spirit Lake – Mount St. Helens, WA (lost forever after the volcanic eruption in May, 1980)
  132. Spokane Coliseum – Spokane, WA (1954-1995)
  133. Squaw Valley Ice Arena – Squaw Valley/North Lake Tahoe (1959-1983)
  134. Stone Age Park – Langlois, OR
  135. Storyeum @ Gastown (underground village) – Vancouver, BC, Canada (2004-2006)
  136. Tacoma Ice Palace – Tacoma, WA
  137. Tahoe Amusement Park – South Lake Tahoe, CA (1968-????)the_thing
  138. Tanforan Racetrack – San Bruno, CA (1899-1964)
  139. Teapot Dome Service Station – Zillah, WA (1922-????)
  140. The Thing (original location) – Dragoon, AZ (1950-1965)
  141. Thrill-Ville USA -Turner/Salem, OR (1971-2007)
  142. Under Sea Gardens (originally on a barge) – Crescent City, CA (1964-1985)
  143. Wawona Drive-Thru Tree – Yosemite National Park, CA (1881-1969)
  144. Wax Museum At Fisherman’s Wharf – San Francisco, CA (1963-1998)
  145. Westgate Park (stadium) – Mission Valley/San Diego (1958-1967)
  146. Wet-N-Wild Water Park – Las Vegas, NV (1985-2004)woodland_deer_park
  147. Windsor Water Works – Windsor, CA
  148. Winterland (Ice Rink/Ballroom/Arena/famous concert hall) – San Francisco, CA (1928-1979)
  149. Woodland Deer Park – Cave Junction, OR
  150. The Wooz (Labyrinth & Fun Park) – Vacaville, CA (1988-199?)
  151. Yakima Meadows (Horse Racing) – Yakima, WA (1961-1998)
  152. Yosemite “Firefall” – Yosemite National Park, CA (1880’s-1968)
  153. Zzyzx Mineral Springs & Health Spa – Zzyzx, CA (1944-1974)

Pacific Ocean Park
Pacific Ocean Park ~ Santa Monica, California (1958-1967)

Yesterland

Here’s a link to another awesome site for remembering Disney attractions of the past http://www.yesterland.com/

More links below for Marineland, Frontier Village, Santa’s Village & Great America, Playland At The Beach, Oaks Amusement Park, Jantzen Beach, Pixieland, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Yosemite Firefall and others.

http://www.marinelandofthepacific.org/

http://www.frontiervillage.net/yosemite_firefall

http://www.santasvillage.net/

http://www.greatamericaparks.com/

http://firefall.info/

http://www.pdxhistory.com/html/playland.html

http://www.oakspark.com/

http://www.pdxhistory.com/html/jantzen_beach.html

http://www.pdxhistory.com/html/pixieland.html

http://www.manntheatres.com/chinese/

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Saturday, May 23, 2009

5 Things You Never Knew That Your Cell Phone Could Do

5 Things You Never Knew That Your Cell Phone Could Do

Here's some important and useful information that just might come in handy for all you folks out there in the real world with cell phones. I strongly recommend that you print this post and keep it in a handy location (maybe your car, purse, wallet, desk, bulletin board, etc) for future reference - Very Good Information to have with/near you. There are a few things that can be done in times of dire emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. Your mobile phone can actually be a 'lifesaver' or an emergency 'survival tool'. Check out some things that you can do with it .....

1st - Emergency

The Worldwide Emergency Number for Mobile is 112.
If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an Emergency -
Dial 112 - and the mobile device will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and surprisingly, this 112 number can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out for yourself.

2nd - Keys locked in the car?

Does your car have remote keyless entry?
This just might come in handy someday - One good reason to own a cell phone - If you lock your keys in your car and the spare keys are at home, you can call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person on the other end press the unlock button - holding it near the mobile phone on their end. - Your car will unlock! This saves (time and gas) someone from having to drive your keys out to where you are. Distance is no object - You could be hundreds of miles away and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk). Give it a trial before actually being in this situation!

3rd - Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your cell battery is very low - To activate your mobile phone press the keys *3370#.
Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the device will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged back up when you charge your cell phone next time!
This could really be a lifesaver also!

4th - How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone

To check your mobile phone's serial number - key in the following digits on your phone: *#06#.
A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.

If your phone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you have the peace-of-mind knowing that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. Just thinking that if everybody did this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

5th - Free Directory Service for Cell Phones

Cell phone companies/providers are charging (actually stinging) us $1.00 to $1.75 or more (you may actually be paying a monthly contract fee just for this service) for each 411 information call when there is really no need to - other than greed. Now most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option - Simply Dial: 800-FREE-411 or 800-373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now and start saving!

There is also another FREE directory service out there - 1-800-YellowPages or 1-800-935-5697

From ANY PHONE, there's just one number to find restaurants, shops, hotels and more. Search local and nationwide listings by name, or search by category. No matter how you search — it's FREE.
You don't even have to be an AT&T customer. Make sure you are never caught without this number - Program this number into all your phones NOW!
This number is in effect in the following states now. Get FREE directory assistance in AL, AR, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO, NV, NC, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX and WI. You may want to check to see if your state has been added yet.


This is the kind of information people don't mind receiving, so pass it on to your family and friends.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Songs About Money

Seems like these days, with the economy the way it is, just about everyone has money on their mind - or lack there of. Could be ways to keep a head of those bills and payments due each month, or ways to earn a secondary income, or ways to cut the cost of living down, or worries on the ever worsening job market or housing market, the escalating gas prices, keeping up with the depressing stock market, medical & health care costs, trying to keep an active savings on the upside, money set aside to put the kids through college, being able to take that cruise or trip you've been wanting to for years, or maybe being able to retire comfortably, the list goes on and on - I'm sure you could add a few more worries to this list but let's turn this to happy thoughts for a change. I really wasn't trying to increase your stress levels here so let me switch gears and offer a variety of songs having to do with money, riches, etc. - most of these have cash, money, or rich in the title and others have strong lyrics we remember dealing with the subject. I'm sure some of these you'll be remembering and playing through your mind from years past. I've included classics from the movies, musicals, stage shows as well as radio & television airplay. Others are much more obscure. From the early 1930's through the late 2000's covering pop standards, adult contemporary, pop, rock, jazz, soul, country, bluegrass, alternative, new wave, metal, punk, rhythm & blues, and to a lesser degree hip hop and rap. Something for everyone from great grandma down the line to the preteen bubblegum chewer. Check 'em out and see how many of these you remember or even know. They're listed in order by the year they came out. By no means is this complete but rather a pretty decent selection of most of the memorable ones. Please feel free to add others that you remember listening to that I may have left out or forgotten about.
On with the show :)

  1. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime – Bing Crosby (1932)
  2. We’re In The Money (Gold Digger’s Song) – Ginger Rogers (Movie Soundtrack) (1933)
  3. Money In My Pockets – The Mills Brothers (1934)
  4. Pennies From Heaven – Billie Holiday (movie soundtrack) (1937)
  5. Money Is The Root Of All Evil – The Andrew Sisters (1946)
  6. Money, Marbles & Chalk – Patti Page (1949)
  7. If You’ve Got The Money (I’ve Got The Time) – Lefty Frizzell (1950)
  8. Money Honey – The Drifters (1953)
  9. Three Coins In The Fountain – The Four Aces (1954)
  10. Money Burns A Hole In My Pocket – Dean Martin (1954)
  11. No Money Down – Chuck Berry (1955)
  12. Money Tree – Margaret Whiting (1956)
  13. Cash On The Barrel Head – Louvin Brothers (1956)
  14. Money, Honey – Elvis Presley (1956)
  15. Money – The Browns (1957)
  16. Money To Burn – George Jones (1960)
  17. Money (That’s What I Want) – Barrett Strong (1960)
  18. Money (That’s What I Want) – The Beatles (1963)
  19. Can’t Buy Me Love – The Beatles (1964)
  20. Money – The Kingsmen (1964)
  21. King Of The Road – Roger Miller (1965)
  22. Big Spender – Peggy Lee (1966)
  23. Money Won’t Change You – James Brown (1966)
  24. Big Spender – Shirley Bassey (1967)
  25. Baby You’re A Rich Man – The Beatles (1967)
  26. Mercedes Benz (Oh Lord) – Janis Joplin (1971)
  27. Blue Money – Van Morrison (1971)
  28. Coat Of Many Colors – Dolly Parton (1971)
  29. Money, Money – Liza Minnelli & Joel Grey (Cabaret Musical Soundtrack) (1972)
  30. Money – Pink Floyd (1973)
  31. Billion Dollar Babies – Alice Cooper (1973)
  32. Danny’s Song (Even Though We Ain’t Got Money) – Anne Murray (1973)
  33. For The Love Of Money – The O’Jays (1974)
  34. Money Honey – Bay City Rollers (1976)
  35. Take The Money & Run – Steve Miller Band (1976)
  36. Gimme Your Money Please – Bachman Turner Overdrive (1976)
  37. If You’ve Got The Money (I’ve Got The Time) – Willie Nelson (1976)
  38. Money, Money, Money – ABBA (1977)
  39. Rich Girl – Hall & Oates (1977)
  40. Life’s Been Good – Joe Walsh (1978)
  41. The Gambler – Kenny Rogers (1978)
  42. We’re In The Money – 42nd Street Musical Soundtrack (1980)
  43. Praise The Lord & Send Me The Money – Bobby Bare (1982)
  44. She Works Hard For The Money – Donna Summer (1983)
  45. Money Changes Everything – Cyndi Lauper (1985)
  46. Money For Nothing – Dire Straits (1985)
  47. The Big Money – Rush (1985)
  48. Anything, Anything (I’ll Give You) – Dramarama (1985)
  49. How To Be A Millionaire – ABC (1986)
  50. Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money) – Pet Shop Boys (1986)
  51. Money’s Too Tight To Mention – Simply Red (1986)
  52. Got My Mind Set On You – George Harrison (1987)
  53. Things I Do For Money – Northern Pikes (1987)
  54. Money – K.T. Oslin (1988)
  55. Moneytalks – AC/DC (1990)
  56. I Wanna Be Rich – Calloway (1990)
  57. If I Had A Million Dollars – Barenaked Ladies (1992)
  58. Money Don’t Matter 2 Night – Prince (1992)
  59. Eat The Rich – Aerosmith (1993)
  60. Life Is A Lemon & I Want My Money Back – Meat Loaf (1993)
  61. Money In The Bank – John Anderson (1993)
  62. Daddy’s Money – Ricochet (1996)
  63. Sell Out – Reel Big Fish (1996)
  64. One For The Money – Horace Brown (1996)
  65. It’s All About The Benjamins – Puff Daddy (1997)
  66. Mo Money Mo Problems – The Notorious B.I.G. (1997)
  67. Right On The Money – Alan Jackson (1998)
  68. Money, Power & Respect – Lox (1998)
  69. I Will Buy You A New Life – Everclear (1998)
  70. Why Don’t You Get A Job – The Offspring (1999)
  71. Bills Bills Bills – Destiny’s Child (1999)
  72. Ride Wit’ Me (Must Be The Money) – Nelly (2001)
  73. Cash, Money, Cars, Clothes – Ruff Endz (2001)
  74. Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous – Good Charlotte (2002)
  75. Rich Girl – Gwen Stefani & Eve (2005)
  76. Gold Digger – Kanye West (2005)
  77. Money Maker – Ludacris (2006)
  78. I Get Money – 50Cent
  79. Got Money – Lil Wayne
  80. Money – Gamma Ray
  81. Money Is Not Our God – Killing Joke
  82. London Beckoned Songs About Money – Panic At The Disco
  83. Did You Steal My Money – The Who
  84. What Do You Do For Money Honey – AC/DC
  85. The Money Will Roll Right In – Nirvana
  86. Did It For The Money – Tesla
  87. She Wants Money – Ratt
  88. Money, Money – UFO
  89. I Don’t Want Your Money – Chicago
  90. Money Back Guarantee – Jimmy Buffett
  91. When The Money’s Gone – Cher
  92. Free Money – Patti Smith
  93. Money Bought – Nickelback
  94. When Money Grows On Trees – Shania Twain
  95. Gimme Some Money – Spinal Tap
  96. Money – Chumbawamba
  97. It’s Money That Matters – Randy Newman
  98. It’s Money That I Love – Randy Newman
  99. The Money Song – Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis
  100. The Money Song – Monty Python

Friday, May 15, 2009

Best Baseball Movies Of All Time

With the start of summer within sight and the temperatures warming up, it only seems fitting to reflect on one of my favorite summertime interests…from way back in childhood memories to the present day…America, Baseball & Apple Pie…just seems to all go together. It seems like the one constant in life through all the years has been baseball, America’s National Pastime. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. And through all this, baseball has stood the test of time. This field – This game – It’s a part of our past. It reminds us of all that once was good and could be again. When James Earl Jones delivers these lines as writer Terence Mann near the end of Field of Dreams, it solidifies the fact that baseball is woven into the very fabric of our national consciousness. Simply put, baseball is America (and vice versa). Keeping this in mind I’ve tried to put together a list of my favorite films about this wonderful game called baseball. This is by no means complete but instead a very comprehensive list. Originally it was going to be a ‘Top 10′ list but I had a hard time narrowing it down so I decided to do a ‘recommended must-see list’ instead. I started this compilation by thinking about not only films that featured “baseball” but also about movies that treated baseball as a ‘character’. It wasn’t long that I realized that those that fell into the later category were the ones I generally liked best and ultimately shifted my focus towards them. So, without further ado, the must-see films are as follows (not necessarily in any particular order but the first half dozen or so are definitely the ones that came to mind first)

Bull Durham (1988) starring Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins

Minor League team Durham Bulls, Class A, has spent a lot of money to acquire rookie phenom pitcher “Nuke” LaLoosh. Crash Davis, a 12-year veteran catcher, has been assigned to Durham in hopes that he can mature the rookie pitcher who tends to get wild at times. When a beautiful and enigmatic groupie shows an interest in both players, Crash’s assignment gets interesting.

Field Of Dreams (1989) starring Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta

Struggling Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella obeys a voice telling him to replace part of his cornfield with a baseball field. Soon thereafter Ray experiences the appearance of Shoeless Joe Jackson and seven other 1919 Chicago White Sox players. Ray continues to hear voices which leads him to a reclusive author to help him interpret the meaning of the messages and the field.

The Natural (1984) starring Robert Redford, Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, Kim Basinger

Roy Hobbs, a mysterious middle-aged ballplayer with an unknown past appears to play on a last place ball club, the Knights. When Hobbs begins to dominate and take the Knights into first place he must face the demons of his past. Can Hobbs continue his dominance while dealing with past and present off-field problems?

Bang The Drum Slowly (1973) starring Robert De Niro, Michael Moriarty

Teams come together on the field in the spirit of competition; however, teams form a brotherhood when they come together in the spirit of friendship. When a New York baseball team’s catcher discovers he has a terminal illness, it’s the strength of his team of friends that make his last year as a baseball player one to remember.

The Pride Of The Yankees (1942) starring Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright, Walter Brennan

Follow the life of Lou Gehrig, famous NY Yankee first baseman who was nicknamed “The Iron Horse” for playing in 2,130 consecutive games. Gehrig eventually falls to a deadly nerve disease (ALS), which has since been name after him. This classic takes you from Gehrig’s childhood in New York, through his playing days, to his famous ‘Luckiest Man Alive’ farewell speech in 1939.

Major League (1989) starring Tom Berrenger, Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernsen

She’s beautiful, smart, goal-oriented, and she just inherited the Cleveland Indians. Unfortunately, she wants to move the franchise to Miami, and a losing season is her only ticket to Florida. So she signs the wildest gang of screwballs that ever spit tobacco. They’re handsome but hopeless! Her catcher (Tom Berenger) is a washed-up womanizer who struck out in life. Her ace pitcher (Charlie Sheen) is a punked-out crazy who struck out with the law. And her third baseman (L.A. Law’s Corbin Bernsen) is more concerned about fielding endorsements than grounders. Throw in a busload of other misfits and you’ve hot yourself a hilarious line-up that’s destined for disaster.

The Bad News Bears (1976) starring Walter Matthau, Tatum O’Neal, Vic Morrow

Morris Buttermaker (Walter Matthau), a drunken ex-ballplayer, is forced to coach a local little league team of misfits. Buttermaker is more interested in beer and babes until he grows tired of seeing the team lose. In an effort to change things around, Buttermaker begins to teach the kids how to play and recruits 2 new ballplayers. Still a crazy bunch, the team begins to make drastic improvements and now has a shot at the title.

The Stratton Story (1949) starring Jimmy Stewart, June Allyson, Frank Morgan

Chicago White Sox pitcher Monty Stratton is an affable long drink of water with an easy, whiplike delivery and a pitch so unhittable the young phenom racks up consecutive 15-win seasons. But Stratton’s greatest victory doesn’t come on the manicured green diamonds of our national pastime. James Stewart portrays Stratton, who loses a leg in an accident just as his career is on the rise…and whose triumph over despair and disability leads him to pitch again. Stewart signed on for the role when he realized the film would be an inspiration to injured World War II GIs. The film still inspires. Awarded an Oscar?* for Best Motion Picture Story, directed by Sam Wood (The Pride of the Yankees) and supported by a top cast that includes real-life ballplayers, The Stratton Story is sports biography at its best.

A League Of Their Own (1992) starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, Jon Lovitz

Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks) has been hired to coach in the All-American Girls Baseball League of 1943 while the male pros are at war. Dugan, now a drunk has-been, unexpectedly discovers these girls can play ball! Now Dugans must manage the Rockford Peaches as they try to swing their way to a World Series title. This film is based on a true story.

Eight Men Out (1988) starring John Cusack, D.B. Sweeney, Christopher Lloyd, Charlie Sheen

It’s 1919 and the Chicago White Sox are considered a lock to win the World Series. White Sox owner, Charles Comiskey, is a penny-pinching, over-involved manager who underpays his players. A group of hustlers and gamblers look to take advantage of this opportunity by offering select White Sox players extra cash for throwing the World Series. When the White Sox are defeated, a few sports writers suspect a fix, bringing scandal to America’s favorite pastime.

The Rookie (2002) starring Dennis Quaid, Rachel Griffiths, Angus T Jones

Jim Morris once dreamed of becoming a big leaguer. But an injury to his pitching arm while playing in the minors forced Morris out of the game. Twelve years have passed and Morris, now coaching a last place high school baseball team. Seeing that Morris still has some juice left in his arm, his team makes a deal that forces Morris to try out for a Major League team. After throwing a 98mph fastball, the aging Morris is signed to a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays giving him a second shot at “the Show”.

The Sandlot (1993) starring Brandon Quintin Adams, Karen Allen, James Earl Jones

Scotty Smalls is new to the neighborhood, but his lack of baseball talent is making it hard for Smalls to fit in. When Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez recruits Smalls to play with his neighborhood gang at a nearby sandlot, a whole new summer experience awaits.

For Love Of The Game (1999) starring Kevin Costner, Kelly Preston

Detroit Tiger legend Billy Chapel is pitching what may be the final game of his career. Chapel, facing the Yankees, begins to flashback to the last 4 years spent with the women he loves, Jane Aubrey, who earlier that day told him it was over and she was taking a job in London. As the game unfolds Chapel realizes how much Jane meant to him … and that he’s got a perfect game going! Now Chapel wonders if he can win her back and if his aging arm can complete the perfect game.

61* (2001) starring Barry Pepper, Thomas Jane

It was the summer of 1961. New York Yankees Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle both took on Babe Ruth’s sacred record of 60 home runs in one season. Two opposites fighting for the same goal. Yankees goldenboy vs. a hard hitting Midwesterner. For baseball lovers this would be an unforgettable moment in time.

Cobb (1994) starring Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Wuhl

Tyrus Raymond Cobb played baseball like a man charging a machine-gun nest. He gave no quarter, took no prisoners. And when his Hall of Fame career was over, Ty Cobb attacked life the same way. Tommy Lee Jones portrays the legendary – and equally cheered and detested – Georgia Peach in this acclaimed film from writer/director Ron Shelton (Bull Durham, Dark Blue), also starring Robert Wuhl and Lolita Davidovich. From its recapturing of the outfielder’s playing days (Roger Clemens portrays a rival pitcher) to its recreation of a 1961 Hall of Fame banquet, Cobb is a movie grand slam.

Soul Of The Game (1996) starring Delroy Lindo, Edward Herrmann, Blair Underwood

In 1945, the world of baseball was divided between the Majors and the Negro Leagues – but the time has come for change. Will Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson or Jackie Robinson be the first to take the field in the Majors?

Fever Pitch (2005) starring Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon

High school teacher and Boston Red Sox fan Ben Wrightman meets successful businesswomen Lindsey Meeks and they immediately hit it off. Despite being from very different worlds, their relationship seems to be perfect …until Opening Day! Now Lindsay is introduced to another love in Ben’s life, his obsession with the Red Sox.

The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976) starring Billy Dee Williams, James Earl Jones, Richard Pryor

Period road comedy about baseball players abandoning Negro League for lively traveling road show. Its sharp satire, energetic performances has made it a cult classic amongst African-American cinema fans, and baseball-lovers.

The Babe (1992) starring John Goodman, Kelly McGillis

John Goodman stars as Babe Ruth in this biopic of the NY Yankee legend. Follow Ruth as he’s abandoned by his father at an orphanage, through his legendary baseball career yet struggling personal life and finally to his retirement from the game. Relive Babe’s unforgettable memories and dynamite swing.

Hardball (2001) starring Keanu Reeves, Diane Lane

Conor O’Neill, a compulsive gambler, has reluctantly agreed to coach a Little League team from a housing project in Chicago in exchange for cash to payback his gambling debt. Surprisingly, O’ Neill gains a new outlook on life once he gets to know his inner-city ballplayers and realize what’s really important in life.

Mr. 3000 (2004) starring Bernic Mac, Angela Bassett

It’s been nine years since Milwaukee Brewer Stan Ross (Bernie Mac) hit his 3,000th career hit and then suddenly retired. Ross, a now successful entrepreneur, learns that 3 of his hits were counted twice giving him just 2,997. Ross must now come out of retirement and fight old age, the media, disgruntled teammates and his own ego to capture those 3 remaining hits.

Pastime (1991) starring William Russ, Glenn Plummer

It’s 1957 and Roy Dean Bream is a minor league has-been who’s love for the game is the only thing that keeps him playing. When the team signs black rookie pitcher Tyrone Debray, Bream sees that Debray may have the talent to do things he only dreamed of. This unlikely friendship tears down all racial barriers and inspires both ballplayers to become more than they imagined.

Mickey (2004) starring Harry Connick Jr., Shawn Salinas

Attorney Tripp Spence, recently-widowed and father to talented 13-year old pitcher Derrick, finds himself wanted by the IRS for tax evasion. Hoping to run from trouble they flee to Las Vegas and assume new identities. Derrick become 12-year old ‘Mickey’ and Tripp signs him up for a second final year of Little League. However, when ‘Mickey’ leads his team to the Little League World Series he begins to receive national attention. Now fugitive Tripp must try to stay under the radar while his son is pitching on ESPN

The Benchwarmers (2006) starring David Spade, Rob Schneider, Jon Heder

Rob Schneider, David Spade, and Jon Heder star in this comedy about three guys (Schneider, Spade, Heder) who, all their lives, have been living in the shadow of bullies and are determined not to take it anymore. Now they must train with the help of Mel (Jon Lovitz) to take on the most offensive and meanest Little League teams. Also starring Craig Kilborn, Tim Meadows, Nick Swardson, and Molly Sims.

Summer Catch (2001) starring Freddie Prinze Jr, Jessica Biel, Matthew Lillard, Brian Dennehy

Local pitcher Ryan Dunne will spend the summer in the Cap Cod League, along with hundreds of other top young prospects fresh out of college. Dunne has been blessed with a great arm but must battle the death of his mother, player rivalries, pressure from the local fans and the pursuit of a beautiful young rich girl. Dunne will need to learn how to push all these distractions aside to focus on his game. His aspirations of becoming a major league ball player depend upon it.

Hustle (2004) starring Tom Sizemore

An ESPN Original Movie about the true story of hit king Pete Rose and the allegations brought against him about betting on baseball. Nicknamed “Charlie Hustle” for his play on the field, Rose took that same aggressive reputation off the field which ultimately led to lifetime banishment from the game he loved.

Little Big League (1994) starring Luke Edwards, Timothy Busfield, John Ashton, Ashley Crow

When 12 year-old Billy Heywood inherits the Minnesota Twins from his grandfather, his first order of business is naming himself as the manager! Now this baseball genius is put to the test. How does this know-it-all kid going to deal with batting slumps, pampered egos and labor disputes? Manager Billy will attempt to turn these players into a team and remind them how to love the game again. This is a movie your whole family can enjoy.

Talent For The Game (1991) starring Edward James Olmos, Lorraine Bracco, Jeff Corbett

California Angels scout Virgil Sweet will lose his job if he doesn’t produce a phenom soon. When his car breaks down on an old country road it proves to be a blessing in disguise as Virgil discovers hard-throwing Sammy Bodeen. Despite having no pro ball experience, Virgil is able to convince the fireballer to sign with the Angels. Wanting to make a quick buck, Angels ownership launches a massive marketing campaign promoting the newcomer. Sammy, a good ole’ country boy, just wants to play ball and now Virgil is caught in the middle of the fiasco.

Long Gone (1987) starring William Peterson, Virginia Madsen, Dermot Mulroney

A television movie set in the 1950s, about a minor-league baseball team, led by Cecil “Stud” Cantrell. Cantrell is the player-manager of the Tampico Stogies, a third-rate team comprised of has-beens and no-talents. However, a series of events changes his luck, and the team finally becomes pennant-winning material.

Mr. Baseball (1992) starring Tom Selleck

When has-been baseball player Jack Elliot (Selleck) is signed by a Japanese team, he is initially reluctant to take the game seriously. Elliot is very successful, though, as he teaches the team about American chutzpah, and they remind him of the value of respect. He must fight his way out from under a slump to show that he deserves the title.

Rookie Of The Year (1993) starring Thomas Ian Nicholas, Gary Busey, Albert Hall

Little Leaguer Henry Rowengartner is a huge Chicago Cubs fan but not much of a ballplayer. His lack of ability and clumsiness lead to a broken throwing arm. However, soon after his cast is removed, Henry attends a Cubs game where he and the entire stadium discover that his newly healed arm is throwing 100 mph! The last-place Cubs sign Henry and now he is their new star. But can Henry and his arm handle all of the pressure of being a professional ballplayer and leading the Cubs out of the cellar?

The Fan (1996) starring Robert De Niro, Wesley Snipes, Ellen Barkin

Bobby Rayburn has just signed a $40 million contract with the San Francisco Giants and his biggest fan, Gil Renard, is thrilled that Rayburn will be playing in his hometown. When Renard, a knife salesman, loses visitation rights to his son and then his job he becomes obsessed with following the Giants and Rayburn. Rayburn falls into a slump Renard is there to “help” him out. However, Rayburn doesn’t respond the way Renard expects. Renard turns psychotic on Rayburn by kidnapping his son with an ultimatum…hit a home run or else!

American Pastime (2007) starring Gary Cole, Aaron Yoo, Leonardo Nam, Sarah Drew

Illustrating the healing power of baseball and being part of a team with a common cause, American Pastime follows Japanese-American families during the 1940s. The struggle of living in internment camps only served to make them question themselves as much as some others were questioning them. Baseball gave an outlet for their frustration and a sense of fulfillment they weren’t able to find elsewhere at the time.

Angels In The Outfield (1951) starring Paul Douglas, Janet Leigh, Keenan Wynn

A young woman reporter blames the Pittsburgh Pirates’ losing streak on the obscenely abusive manager. While she attempts to learn more about him for her column, he begins hearing the voice of an angel promising him help for the team if he will mend his ways. As he does so, an orphan girl who is a Pirates fan and has been praying for the team begins noticing angels on the ballfield. Sure enough, the Pirates start winning, and McGovern tries to turn his life around. But can he keep his temper long enough for the Pirates to win the NL pennant?

Angels In The Infield (2000) starring Brittney Irvin, David Alan Grier

The Anaheim Angels Eddie “Steady” Everett’s career has begun to tank and now he is forced to be a father to his 10-year old daughter, something he was never good at. An error that Eddie made years ago in the American League pennant still haunts him which led to the demise of his confidence and his family. Hoping to restore both Dad’s confidence and their family, daughter Laurel prays that God would help Eddie pitch the way he used to. The real curveball comes when a team of second-string angels are sent to answer the prayer.

Brewster’s Millions (1985) starring Richard Pryor, John Candy

Richard Pryor is Montgomery Brewster, a minor league baseball pitcher who discovers he has to blow $30 million on 30 days as a condition to inherit a much greater fortune. And the catch? He will forfeit everything if he reveals to a soul the real reason he seems to be throwing away all that cash. With the help of his pal Spike (John Candy), they set off on a frantic spending spree.

The Bronx Is Burning (2007) starring Max Casella, Loren Dean, Charles S. Dutton

In 1977, Major league Baseball has officially inaugurated the free agent market. Reggie Jackson signed a contract with the Yankees and soon brings controversy to the club, causing his fellow teammates especially, Thurman Munson to not like him. Plus, manager Billy Martin and owner George Steinbrenner have private arguments about Jackson and the team. Meanwhile, other things are happening in New York as a killer calling himself as “The Son Of Sam,” and the infamous blackout.

That was an exhastive list to say the least. And I realize also that it’s subjective to one’s own personality and likes.

I welcome your input as well as suggestions of what may have been some of your favorites that I left out. Please feel free to comment.

What are your Top 5 baseball movies?


Songs About Summer

With temperatures heating up and the official start of summer just around the corner I thought I’d throw together a list of sorts for those of you wishing to put together a compilation cd or mp3 playlist of wonderful memories of summer of years past. I tried to cover a vast time frame and genre range to cover the bases of all ages. The artist who had a hit with the song is listed after each title. They are also listed in chronological order (by year of release) to make it easier to skip down to those years within your recollection. I’m sure this is not complete (but very comprehensive) and only covers those songs that actually charted or received mainstream airplay. I also focused on songs that actually contained the word “summer” or “summertime” somewhere in the title. I’m well aware there are tons of other songs out there that “evoke” summer thoughts and feelings. Just for the record I listed just a few other honorable mentions at the end of this long list of songs and/or artists that refer to summer in the lyrics. Sit back and enjoy reminiscing some of these memories of summer’s past :)

  1. In The Good Old Summer Time (?)
  2. Summertime – George Gershwin (?)
  3. Summertime – Billie Holiday (1936)
  4. Soft Summer Breeze – Eddie Heywood (1956)
  5. Song For A Summer Night – Mitch Miller & His Gang (1956)
  6. Summertime – Sam Cooke (1957)
  7. Can’t Wait For Summer – Steve Lawrence (1957)
  8. Summertime Blues – Eddie Cochran (1958)
  9. One Summer Night – Danleers (1958)
  10. Lazy Summer Night – The Four Preps (1958)
  11. Summertime Summertime – The Jamies (1958)
  12. Here Comes Summer – Jerry Keller (1959)
  13. Summer’s Gone – Paul Anka (1960)
  14. Theme From A Summer Place – Percy Faith & His Orchestra (1960)
  15. Green Leaves Of Summer – Brothers Four (1960)
  16. Summer Souvenirs – Karl Hammel Jr. (1961)
  17. Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer – Nat King Cole (1963)
  18. My Summer Love – Ruby & The Romantics (1963)
  19. That Sunday, That Summer – Nat King Cole (1963)
  20. Summer Holiday – Cliff Richard (1963)
  21. Wonderful Summer – Robin Ward (1963)
  22. A Summer Song – Chad & Jeremy (1964)
  23. All Summer Long – The Beach Boys (1964)
  24. Summer Nights – Marianne Faithfull (1965)
  25. Summertime – Billy Stewart (1966)
  26. Summer Wind – Frank Sinatra (1966)
  27. Summer In The City – The Lovin’ Spoonful (1966)
  28. Happy Summer Days – Ronnie Dove (1966)
  29. Lonely Summer – Shades Of Blue (1966)
  30. Summer Samba (So Nice) – Walter Wanderley (1966)
  31. Summer Rain – Johnny Rivers (1967)
  32. Groovy Summertime – The Love Generation (1967)
  33. Summertime Blues – Blue Cheer (1968)
  34. Hot Fun In The Summertime – Sly & The Family Stone (1969)
  35. Summer Wine – Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood (1969)
  36. In The Summertime – Mungo Jerry (1970)
  37. On The Beach (In The Summertime) – The 5th Dimension (1970)
  38. Summertime Blues – The Who (1970)
  39. Summer Sand – Tony Orlando & Dawn (1971)
  40. Theme From Summer Of ‘42 – Peter Nero (1971)
  41. It’s Summer – The Temptations (1971)
  42. Summer Breeze – Seals & Crofts (1972)
  43. Summer (The First Time) – Bobby Goldsboro (1973)
  44. How I Spent My Summer Vacation – Cheech & Chong (1974)
  45. Wombling Summer Party – The Wombles (1974)
  46. Summer – War (1976)
  47. Summer Nights – John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John (1978)
  48. Hot Summer Nights – Night (1979)
  49. Summertime Blues – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts (1982)
  50. Suddenly Last Summer – The Motels (1983)
  51. Cruel Summer – Banarama (1984)
  52. The Boys Of Summer – Don Henley (1984)
  53. Farewell My Summer Love – Michael Jackson (1984)
  54. Summer Of ’69 – Bryan Adams (1985)
  55. Summer Of Love – The B-52’s (1985)
  56. Summertime Girls – Y & T (1985)
  57. Summer Nights – Van Halen (1986)
  58. Endless Summer Nights – Richard Marx (1988)
  59. Summer Wind – Desert Rose Band (1988)
  60. Summer Of Love – Jefferson Airplane (1989)
  61. Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (1991)
  62. Summer Song – Joe Satriani (1992)
  63. That Summer – Garth Brooks (1993)
  64. Summertime Blues – Alan Jackson (1994)
  65. Summer’s Comin’ – Clint Black (1995)
  66. Summertime – Sundays (1997)
  67. Cruel Summer – Ace Of Base (1998)
  68. Summer Girls – LFO (1999)
  69. Six-Pack Summer – Phil Vassar (2001)
  70. Girls Of Summer – Aerosmith (2002)
  71. The Boys Of Summer – The Ataris (2003)
  72. Summertime – Kenny Chesney (2005)
  73. Sunshine & Summertime – Faith Hill (2006)
  74. Summertime – Bon Jovi (2007)
  75. Summer Love – Justin Timberlake (2007)
  76. All Summer Long – Kid Rock (2008)

Honorable Mention: Here are some other infectious songs of the season, however these do not contain the word “summer” or “summertime” in the title but deserve a plug here anyway.

School’s Out (Alice Cooper), Soak Up The Sun (Sheryl Crow), The Rain The Park & Other Things (The Cowsills), Beach Baby (First Class), Vacation (Go Go’s), Lazy Day (Spanky & Our Gang), Groovin’ (The Rascals), See You In September (The Happenings), Dock Of The Bay (Otis Redding), Fishing In The Dark (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), WipeOut (The Surfaris), Pipeline (The Chantays), Walking On Sunshine (Katrina & The Waves), Take It Easy (The Eagles), Drift Away (Dobie Gray & Uncle Kracker), Chattahoochee (Alan Jackson), Pacific Coast Party (Smash Mouth), Pinch Me (Barenaked Ladies), American Dream (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Dancing In The Streets (Martha & The Vandellas), Sunny Afternoon (The Kinks), School Is Out (Gary US Bonds), Palisades Park (Freddy Cannon), Beach Party (Annette Funicello), Centerfield (John Fogerty), Vacation (Connie Francis), Girl Watcher (The O’Kaysions), etc, etc, etc….

There are also several artists who have multiple songs reminiscent of summertime such as The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, The Drifters, Chicago, America, Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Lovin’ Spoonful, The Monkees, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Dick Dale & The Deltones, etc…

Any additional songs or input are always welcomed.

Your comments are also encouraged as well as suggestions for futures “theme” lists.

What are your favorite summer song memories?