Spring Has Sprung

We’re just a few days into April, but the weather change can be felt and the signs of spring are evident in the flowers bursting out from the ground. Days get long, nights stay warmer and despite the continuation of a pandemic, we’re all coming out of hibernation just a bit.

So what else is needed? How about a mixtape signaling the start of spring.

Here it is – The tracks were picked with a renewed start in mind – songs that mention spring months and spring feelings. So here goes, hope you find something you like and if you’ve got a favorite I’ve missed, leave a note in the comments. Spring Has Sprung!

- April Come She Will – Simon & Garfunkel – A quiet start to the playlist – signaling the changing of seasons (or as they wrote it, a girl’s changing mood). Let’s ease our way into the season…

- Put Your Records On – Corrine Bailey Rae – With a nod to Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” this easy jam is a perfect porch sitting track as you take in the smells and feels of the season.

- Spring Affair – Donna Summer – From the album Four Seasons of Love, the disco track signifies the beginning of a new relationship. Perfect track for grooving while you’re mixing your first batch of sangria.

- Spring Again – Biz Markie – I couldn’t resist. What a fun, funky jam and you’ll quickly remember the lyrics and will be belting out the chorus soon enough – No shame. And when you can, don’t forget how amazing the music video was.

- Mr. Blue Sky – ELO – The catchiest tune from the British rockers. With a Beatlesque sound, it makes us all look up hoping for blue skies and warmer weather.

- Centerfield – John Fogerty – Baseball is back! One of the classic signs of spring and there’s no finer song about the sport than this one. “Put me in coach – I’m ready to play” – Whether it’s the majors, minors or little league, baseball is back and that’s a great thing.

- Dream A Little Dream Of Me – The Mamas & The Papas – As the sun starts to set, you tuck yourself in (or maybe your kid) and this one can drift you off to dreamland. While a cool breeze flows through the open window.

- Butterflies – Kacey Musgraves – Similar to earlier tracks, the song focuses on meeting someone new and falling in love for the first time. An awakening feeling comes over you with this one.

- Spring Is Here – Ella Fitzgerald – A classic from one of the greatest singers ever. Covered by many, this Rogers/Hart track of unrequited love is one of their best.

- One April Day – Stephin Merritt – I love this song – the instrumentation and the very deep vocals from Merritt. From the movie “Pieces of April” (a movie about Thanksgiving), the song may not have anything to actually do with April, but the month is in the title and it’s a perfect, short, almost lullabye of love.

- I’ll Remember April – Wynton Marsalis – April the girl, not the month – A beautiful jazz tune about a sad breakup – which could signify the start of something new, similar to the season. Often covered, Marsalis delivers a flawless performance.

- New York in the Springtime – Janis Ian – A darker look and feel lyrically than the backing music might suggest. Ian paints the picture of a different side of spring in the city. Not all of spring is sunshine and blooming flowers.

- Southland in the Springtime – Indigo Girls – A fun tribute to the Girls favorite season in their favorite part of the country. The tune flows like a hug on a cool night as the starts come out and the crickets start chirping.

- Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head – B.J. Thomas – Rain is back and this Burt Bacharach written song is a winsome track about overcoming troubles and worries – a new start. Like the season itself, coming out of hibernation.

- Bees Left the Trees – Sugar & The Hi Lows – Bees are back as the temps start to creep higher. I saw this band open for Kacey Musgraves a number of years ago and they’re a fun band with lots of cool retro sounds. Here’s a tune that’ll have you shakin’ your stinger.

- Daylight – Matt and Kim – I love that the days are getting longer – up early for a morning walk and staying out late, relaxing on the front steps with a drink in my hand. Let’s all celebrate more daylight with this catchy track.

- Cherry Blossom Girl – Air – You live in Washington, DC, you need a song about cherry blossoms. The electronic duo have created a flowing electronic track that is perfect for strolling among the trees.

- Starting Over – Chris Stapleton – Spring is a time of rebirth, rejuvenation and renewal. It’s a song of coming through hard, difficult times and starting fresh. Like the season it’s perfect.

- Grazing in the Grass – The Friends of Distinction – Time to brush the dust off the picnic baskets and blankets – Throw on some sunglasses, a mask and some friends and off you go to the park. Perfect song for jamming into the night and people watching.

- (Nothing But) Flowers – Talking Heads – A catchy late in their career track from one of the greatest bands of all time. The beauty of walking around the neighborhood is the flowers that are fresh and blooming. You’ll be singing this one as you head block to block.

So get on our and enjoy the weather and the longer days – and the tunes.