It’s July now and that means fireworks and sand and lemonade and sunshine and all that and yeah summer rocks, but what about when it sucks?
Eddie Cochran’s 1958 “Summertime Blues” turns the sad side of summer into a catchy rockabilly tune. Taken from the point of view of a low-luck American teenager, the song airs this kid’s grievances about being broke, working late, not being allowed to use his dad’s car, and just generally having a shitty summer.
After Cochran’s very early death in 1960, several musicians covered the track–from The Beach Boys on their first record, to The Who in 1970, to a charming version by T. Rex used as a B-side.
The relatability and staying power of “Summertime Blues” is obvious, but sadly, there ain’t no cure.
-KH
Something Vicious 