We asked five record shop owners about the tracks they’ll be listening to on repeat this summer.
When reminiscing on summers gone by, the most memorable moments are often defined by certain scents, smells or sounds. That first whiff of suncream on a beach getaway, the feel of freshly mown grass beneath your feet, or a song that becomes a sunshine anthem because radio stations are playing it on repeat. And, because no memorable summer is complete without a soundtrack, we’ve asked a few musical know-it-alls to share their favourite summer sounds. From old classics to undiscovered beats, these indie record shop owners have helped us create the ultimate feel-good playlist, and told us their secret to the perfect summer session. Headphones on, world out.
Olaf’s, Sevenoaks
Can you tell us a little bit about who you are?
I’m Olaf Parker, and I own and run Olaf’s Record Store in Sevenoaks, Kent. We’ve been selling new and used records, cassettes, CDs, T-shirts and musical paraphernalia for just over 2 years.
Can you describe your favourite ‘summer sound’?
For me ‘summer sound’ has to be soul, reggae and jazz. Classic soul like Billy Stewart’s Sitting in the Park or the Isley Brothers Work To Do.
Where is your favourite place to listen to music in the summertime?
I quite like listening to music in my garden on a summer’s day with a glass of wine.
What is a nostalgia-evoking song that takes you back to summers gone by?
There’s a white label house remix version of Hall & Oates I Can’t Go For That, which I discovered at the start of the first Covid lockdown. It felt like every day was sunny and, in the absence of any socialising, we spent the summer evenings dancing in the living room.
Vinilo Records, Southampton
Can you tell us a little bit about who you are?
I am Virginia, co-owner of Vinilo Record Store. Opened with my partner and best friend Ken 6 years ago in the heart of Southampton.
What genre do you think of when you think of ‘summer sound’?
I think of upbeat indie rock and pop with a sprinkle of French house music.
Where is your favourite place to listen to music in the summertime?
I love to listen to music at the beach, or on long walks in the New Forest. Anywhere there is sunshine and water! I especially like summer music when travelling back home to Barcelona and hanging out with my friends.
What is a nostalgia-evoking song that takes you back to summers gone by?
It has to be Haim - Falling (Duke Dumont remix). We’ve played this track every summer since it was released – it makes me feel alive and carefree.
Ghost papa, Margate
Can you tell us a little bit about who you are?
We are Ghost Papa, a family-run record shop in Margate that also sells books, comics, CDs, tapes and magazines. As well as our shop (which is two years old this summer) we curate a selection of art-related vinyl at the Turner Contemporary gallery on the seafront, as well as stocking our near neighbours, Cliffs – an award-winning cafe with coffee to die for.
What genre do you think of when you think of ‘summer sound’?
Well the first song that comes into my mind is, somewhat predictably, Summer Breeze by The Isley Brothers, and the annual Funk & Soul Weekender here means that those genres definitely speak of summer in Margate. Having said that, you can't beat a bit of reggae in the sunshine.
Where is your favourite place to listen to music in the summertime?
We're spoilt for choice in Margate with lots of outdoor music events at Dreamland, The Sun Deck, The Oval Bandstand and a plethora of great venues such as Where Else, Margate Arts Club and our neighbours Social 101. However, if I'm being completely honest, my favourite spot for playing tunes is behind the counter in the shop with the door wide open!
What is a nostalgia-evoking song that takes you back to summers gone by?
Be Thankful for What You Got – my mum used to play the Massive Attack version when I was a kid, and then I discovered William DeVaughn's original when I was a teenager, which I loved even more. I've enjoyed that song everywhere from up trees at festivals to the tiller of a narrowboat. Although sadly not – as per the song – in the back of a great big Cadillac.
Clampdown Records, Manchester
What genre do you think of when you think of ‘summer sound’?
My go-to summer sound is Balearic Beats with a Jazzy mellow styling.
Where is your favourite place to listen to music in the summertime?
Pikes Ibiza sipping a piña colada with Luke Una doing his É Soul Cultura thing. Look out for volume 2 dropping on the 9th June to soundtrack this summer season.
What is a nostalgia-evoking song that takes you back to summers gone by?
L.A. Mix ft Kevin Henry - Love Together (American Lovers 12") 1989 – Being 17 and spending every weekend watching the sun rise at various gatherings in fields, warehouses and the Hacienda on that second summer of acid house love. Going to Ibiza that summer for the first time and seeing the final year of clubs like amnesia and Ku with no roofs.
Disk frisk, Bristol
Can you tell us a little bit about who you are?
We’re Disk Frisk, AKA Kayne The Hermit & Morey Cillar. We run an online and bricks-and-mortar record store in Bristol, specialising in second-hand music from the 1970s to early 2000s.
What genre do you think of when you think of ‘summer sound’?
Something soft and floaty – we tend to sell a lot more reggae and disco in the summer months. I think our customers avoid darker sounds with lighter evenings and day parties on the horizon.
Where is your favourite place to listen to music in the summertime?
Probably in the back garden with food on the BBQ.
What is a nostalgia-evoking song that takes you back to summers gone by?
Klangfabrik – Dayhunter. This got played in pretty much every DJ set we did last summer, it’s bouncy and light and perfect for the summer night.
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