Springtime means several things: the return of flip flops and sundresses, baseball season in full swing, margaritas, outside seating at restaurants, playing hookey from work and busting out music that always sounds better with the sun shining.

Just like whiskey tastes better in the winter, certain artists just feel more like “spring.” Here are some favorite springtime artists and some recommendations for that sun-drenched day playlist:

The Allman Brothers Band – The Allman Brothers Band and springtime always seem to go great together. Back when there was an actual spring in April, the Allman’s Beacon run was an annual celebration. Unfortunately this year, April in New York City has consisted of about 3 spring-like days total and the Allmans had to cancel their Beacon dates due to Greg Allman’s illness.

1. Blue Sky – Live at Jones Beach 1990
2. Jessica – Live in Gainesville 1982
3. Dreams – Live at the Syria Mosque 1970
4. Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More – Live in Macon 1973
5. Little Martha – Performed by Leo Kottke

READ ON for four more artists with a certain spring in their step…

The Beatles – The Fab Four were meant for blue skies. The colorful references and imagery in their lyrics paint pictures of nice days.

1. And Your Bird Can Sing – Take 2 Revolver Session
2. Norwegian Wood – Rare Home Videos of The Beatles
3. Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except for Me and My Monkey – Demo
4. Strawberry Fields Forever – Promo Film
5. Good Day Sunshine – Paul McCartney Live Clip

The Grateful Dead – The Dead and the sunshine go together like peanut butter and jelly. And of course, those short shorts that Bob Weir used to wear.

1. Franklin’s Tower – Live From Radio City 1980
2. Sugar Magnolia – Live 07/10/1989
3. Bird Song – Live From Radio City 1980
4. China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider – GD Movie
5. Standing on the Moon – Live 07/06/1990

Bob Marley – Hard to find something better to listen to on a sunny day than Marley. Listening to the reggae master on a bright day with a nice buzz reminds me of pretty much every sunny day of my four years at college.

1. Kaya – Studio Version
2. Stir It Up – Old Grey Whistle Test
3. Talkin’ Blues – Live 1975
4. Pimper’s Paradise – Live at the Tuff Gong Studios
5. Trenchtown Rock – Live at the Rainbow

Paul Simon – Interestingly, I would classify Simon and Garfunkel as”winter” music because of its intimate feel. But something about Simon’s solo stuff and its rhythmic nature screams spring.

1. Cecelia – Live Summer ’06
2. Kodachrome – Live In Central Park 1981 w/ Garfunkel
3. The Obvious Child – Live In Central Park 1991
4. I Know What I Know – Live at the African Concert
5. The Coast – Live In Paris 2000

Share your favorite warm weather tunes by leaving a comment below…

Luke Sacks

Luke Sacks listens to mostly Phish and Classic Rock but also will throw on Neutral Milk Hotel, Vampire Weekend or TV on the Radio when the mood strikes. He lives in New York City with his wife and Norwich Terrier Axl and is anxiously awaiting the release of the Hunger Games movie in March 2012.

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