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Uncle Grambo Song: "Radiation Vibe" Artist: Fountains Of Wayne to me, summer has always been about unbridled optimism. while spring is officially the time of rebirth, summer has always been the time of the year where life tastes the sweetest. and a song like "Radiation Vibe" (and, frankly, just about every song by FoW) just SCREAMS summertime to me. while the jangly guitars and hope-filled lyrics ("i can still croon / and make the girls swoon / isn't that the way life's supposed to be?") are easily relatable to anyone, my love for the song probably has a lot to do with the summer of 1998 and my very first trip to New York City. Wartinsmooth, Sully and myself cruised out to Astoria to hang for a few days with the incomparable Douce. along with The Push Kings' self-titled debut, the first FoW album was the soundtrack for the weekend and the aforementioned single stood out to me as being one of the goddamn catchiest songs that I had ever heard. as I spent some time strolling solo through Central Park on a hot and sunny Sunday afternoon, the lyrics "Don't it make you wanna get some sun? Shine on, shine on, shine onnn!" reverberated time and time again in my headphones and an indelible memory was created. to this day, anytime I hear that song, I flash back to that day, a day when a complete stranger hugged me after Allan Houston's buzzer beater beat Pat Riley's Miami Heat team. NYC + FoW = BEST EVS.

T-Rob Song: "I Only Said" Artist: My Bloody Valentine every summer for the past seven without fail i have had a makeout session to the entire Nebraska album by Bruce Springsteen. but seeing as this is aboot a SONG, i would say i know summer has officially arrive when i hear some douchebag playing "In the Summertime" by Mungo Jerry at mind shearing volume and I just want to get a cinder block and throw it at their fucking face. GOD i hate that song SO MUCH. on a more positive note, i can only listen to Loveless by MBV in the summer...and in particular "I Only Said", brings back memories of a time when I was so much more hopeful, romantic, optimistic and I had no idea who Mungo Jerry was.

Sarah W. Song: "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea" Artist: Neutral Milk Hotel Having lived in Florida and California for the last 12 years combined, almost every song is a summer song to me. My god, we sweat our nads off almost every day of the year. However, the summer of 1998 introduced me to an amazing album by Neutral Milk Hotel that would change my summer cruising forever. With the wind blowing in my hair, the smell of confederate jasmine wafting in through the car windows, and a 40oz between my legs, I listened to the song "In the Aeroplane over the Sea" countless times, trying to hold on to my last vestiges of college life. As the lyrics say, "For now we are young, let us lay in the sun and count every beautiful thing we can see." Pretty soon I won't be so young, and most things I see in LA aren't so beautiful, but that song will forever transport me back to that summer of BBQ, roadtrips and making out with the Crew Team captain.

The Gorilla Song: "Jessica" Artist: The Allman Brothers An instrumental-rock-masterpiece that exceeds all the limitation of Allman labels. It's more than southern rock, jam band, blues-rock fodder or even a rock-instrumental. It's remarkable musicians playing in and around an infectious melody -- it's a flat out great song. This song confirms Dickey Betts as one of the all time great guitar players -- the virtuosity of Jeff Beck with the melodic sensibilities of George Harrison. By the time Chuck Leavell's piano solo kicks in you'll already be planning to play it again. I dare you to drive to this song without the windows down and I bet you let the song finish before you get out of the car.

VandenBest VandenBest's top 5 "summer" songs.... (in no particular order...) 5. "Summer of 69'"... Bryan Adams. Gotta' love those Canadiens. 4. "Summertime"... Will Smith. Sorry for yet another song with "summer" in the title, but this one always gets my windows down, fo' shizzle. 3. "Pounding"... Doves. Obvs. 2. "Satellite"... Cathryn Wheel. No, not Dave Matthews folks, but perhaps one of the best groups to come to us from over the big blue Atlantic. (That's Grizeat Britain ya'll.) 1. "Window"... Guster. Awwww yeeeaah.

Wartinsmooth Song: "Little Guitars" Artist: Van Halen This was a tough choice, but Diamond Dave gets the nod after his backyard heroics this week. To begin with, Van Halen should only be listened to during the summer. If you try playing "Diver Down" or "1984" in sub-freezing temperatures, the CDs are pre-programmed not to work. This song is their best. Eddie's guitar work is amazing and Dave even helps out by singing a few notes in key. Skip the Spanish guitar intro and get straight into it. Runners-up: "Over the Hills and Far Away", Led Zeppelin "What the World is Waiting For", The Stone Roses "Radiation Vibe", Fountains of Wayne "Race for the Prize", The Flaming Lips "The Weather is Here, I Wish You Were Beautiful", Jimmy Buffett

Halle Berrywhite Song: "Boys Of Summer" Artist: Don Henley I know it's cliche and has the word "Summer" in the title, but it reminds me of my first summertime crush, a boy I met at my grandparents' retirement condo complex. Actually, I didn't so much as meet him as fantasize about him from across the pool. But every time the seagulls caw in that song--during the slow-tempo, break-it-on-down percussion interlude--I think of that nameless boy in the Ray-Bans and Ocean Pacific T-shirt, my vision slightly obscured by droplets of sweat mixed with sunscreen dripping into my eyes, and too many senior citizens with leathery flesh and golder-than-gold jewelry that would put any DEtroit dress-sweats-wearing gangsta to shame.

JenRio Song: "Summertime" Artist: DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince "Drums pleaz!" While it may seem trite to choose this song as a "summertime" favorite, the song does prove itself acclaim worthy with its laid back vibe and catchy rhymes. With references to barbecues startin' at four and an air of love and of happiness, how could this not be the ultimate summer anthem? Roll down your windows, crank the volume,and "drive two miles an hour so everybody sees you."

WinkleBest Song: "Raspberry Beret" Artist: Prince When he wanted to Prince could really write pop music magic. "If it was warm, she wouldn't wear much more." For me that line conjures up one of those hot, sticky summer days a la "Do the Right Thing." Walking down the street and some beautiful woman passes me by in a tank top and a raspberry beret...definitely summertime.

B.B. Fett (The Prime Ministers) Song: "Positive Bleeding" Artist: Urge Overkill Although "Sister Havana" (with its sun-and-sand-drenched video) may be the more obvious choice, "Postitive Bleeding" is the fist-pumping, suburb-cruising crown jewel of the Urge catalog. I picked up "Saturation" on cassette in June 1993 at the Record Time in downtown Rochester, and it provided the Walkman-powered soundtrack to my night job dusting and vacuuming the Century 21 office in Sterling Heights all summer long. I have no clue what the lyric means, but it has a nonsensically empowering message ("You can bleed when you want to bleed!"), some rocking "Whoo-hoo-hoo!"s and an irresistable, anthemic chorus. Interested parties should have multiple used copies to choose from at any used-CD store in the metro Detroit area...

H-Bomb Song: "Beautiful View" Artist: Luna I don't know what it is, but nothing says summer better to me than Luna, especially the song "Beautiful View" from their 1997 release of Pup Tent. While the whole album has been a summertime staple of mine over the past 6 years, this song in particular really gets me in a warm-weathered mood. Maybe it's the laid back tempo, with it's lazy guitars and the soothing voice of Mr. Dean Wareham. Maybe it's the lyrics, "Your coming out of your shell. You've got a beautiful view. You're gonna shake it off," which couldn't be more true after yet another hellish Michigan winter. All I know is when this tune hits my car stereo at full blast, all of my wintertime pent-up frustrations literally fly out the window and nothing seems more important than the sun on my face and the wind in my hair.

Nummer Song: "Summertime Rolls" Artist: Jane's Addiction Year: Summer 1989 Place: Lakeview Party Store parking lot Reason: My childhood best friend Chris and I used to frequently skateboard in the parking lot of New Baltimore's finest party store - Lakeview Market. Often times, we brought along a tape deck because honestly, you weren't cool skateboarding unless there were tunes playing. A few months before, Chris attended "SK8 Camp" and one of the cooler teenage counselers introduced him to Jane's Addiction. He came back raving about this "rad" band that I simply had to listen to. Days later, I had my own temporary copy dubbed onto those old yellow Memorex cassettes - before I finally got to Harmony House to get a real copy. To this day, I can't hear that song and not think about riding my SMA mini-Natas (w/ G&S Trucks, Tracker riser pads, pink grip tape, Santa Cruz Speed Wheels, NMB bearings and Santa Cruz rails) out by Lake St. Clair that summer. God bless being 11 years old.

Mandypantalons Song: "Bread and Butter" Artist: The Newbeats When I was nine my mom and I were driving up north for the summer to stay at our cottage in my mom's convertible and the song, "Bread and Butter" by the The Newbeats came on. You know, "I like bread and butter. I like toast and jam..." My mom always listened to oldies and when that song came on the radio we started singing and dancing (the best we could while in a car) and my mom put the convertible top down while we were driving on this two-lane road in the middle of nowhere. I remember thinking that my mom was so cool. It totally made me so excited to be with her all summer. So, anytime I hear "Bread and Butter" - even if it's on a commercial - I can't help but feel like summer.

Nessa (unapologetics) Song: "Every Day Is A Winding Road" Artist: Sheryl Crow i don't know why, but this was really a difficult decision. so, in lieu of a well thought out and heartfelt answer, i am going to go with sheryl crow's "everyday is a winding road." summer after junior year of hs: i actually have specific memories of speeding down the parkway along side the bay with the roof down and the music up. okay, so my friends were spoiled yuppies. or maybe their dads were just going through major mid-life crises and we stole their cars. who knows? i was young and naive and maybe just a little sun drunk. traverse city. so best.

Glavzies Song: "Summertime" Artist: Mustard Plug Not having met many of the of FOWs, I get this feeling that they don't like ska.... They probably feel that the music is too simple and the lyrics are lame... And I understand... I consider myself as much a music snob as anyone, but some of the best memories I have is sitting around drinking Big Blues of Labatt's, playing Mario Kart (for Super Nintendo), and listening to Mustard Plug and Bock-o-Nine. Therefore, I feel it my duty that, in order to strike a balance with all the FOW's that will write about Moby or Elliot Smith or Ravi Shankar or David Gray, I must choose ska: Summertime - Mustard Plug... This is off of Mustard Plug's classic 2nd album, "Big Daddy Multitude." The Michigan west-siders have long been one of my faves. Ever since the lead singer told the crowd at the blind pig that I was "one angry young man," summer hasn't begun until I break out the mustard. The lead singer once lacerated my friends head with a plastic knife in the basement of East Quad. "Summertime" mentions Grand Haven, my quasi-hometown. It's classic. "Summer Summer. We love the summertime." I even think that Mustard Plug was responsible for an inappropriate spanking incident on the last day of class 1999 out on 5th street. To continue on, how can we forget our theme song from summer 2000 Beyond Interactive Co-Ed Rec League softball? "We want the Mustard!!!" Best. I think I hit about 15 homeruns that summer. I was laying the wood everywhere.

The Grizz there's a million different ways i can go on this, but i'd just have to say every song off fountains of wayne's "utopia parkway." poppy guitars, bouncy keyboards and a breezy, fun vibe spell summer to me. totally shmotally double barrel tigs-a-fied on the kizzle my trizzle

MacK10 Song: "Where The Streets Have No Name" Artist: U2 I don't care how 1987 this song is. I don't care how annoying Bono has become with his save the world b.s. I love me some U2 and "Where The Streets Have No Name" is an incredible summer song. This album opener is epic - a thick, explosive drive that's white-hot. How can you possibly resist The Edge's hungry, chiming guitar arpeggio? I was a little third grader when U2 was on top of the world and spent the summer of '87 riding my bike like every crazy little kid. It just so happens that everyone was blasting "Where The Streets Have No Name" (and "Pour Some Sugar On Me") while riding by. This song is classic!

Ryan Karvola Song: "Eye Of The Tiger" Artist: Survivor Summer just isn't as long as it used to be, and now Summer is just a heartbeat between Spring and Fall. But Back in the Summer of 84', the sticky hot Michigan weather, and copious amounts of free time seemed to last forever. It was at that time that my best friend's older brother purchased the "Rocky III" soundtrack. From that point on, Summer has never been the same. "Eye of the Tiger" rocked my world. We would listen repeatedly to Survivor rocking so hard. It changed my life. It gave me focus. It gave my impressionable young mind hope. From that Summer on, I knew that if 'Rocky Balboa' could overcome an opponent like 'Clubber Lang,' I could. We all have our 'Clubber Langs' in our lives. We just need to summon the "Eye of the Tiger" to defeat them.

Peabs Song: "Pounding" Artist: Doves While there are a plethera of "summer songs" from just the manic, drunken, Maryland-based summer of last year, this driving Mancunian pop gem takes the cake. Upon my first hearing, and my becoming obsessed with it during a binge recording session in Sarnia last June, does it still hold up. Not only was it blasted in the car stereos of the rich and pretty people of SE Michigan (Damizz), but out the windows of casa de Peabs y JP McKrengels for all of GP Park to hear and love (O'Flats). From it's tigs verses to it's "chorus from the Gods" (thanks, Kegszies), to it's U2-inspired guitar solo climax, "Pounding" was the centerpiece of the soundtrack to arguably the best summer evs, and will continue to be in the summers to come. Obvs. I'm wonderful to look at.

Big Matt (Motorcityrocks.com) Song: "Rosalita" Artist: Bruce Springsteen What an absolutely scorching song, especially on some of those live versions from the 70’s. Rosalita has everything a rock song should embody, love, redemption, escaping something and trying to get girls. The song builds and builds and finally just breaks into an all out rock and roll jam and before I know it the speedometer is usually way past where it should be. I always feel worn out from listening to Rosalita. As The Boss says in the song "Someday we’ll look back on this and it will all seem funny". Isn’t that the truth.

Damore "Did You Ever Look So Nice" by The Samples — Reggae pop classic from Sean Kelly & co. Song is great because (like all Samples songs), there are excellent lyrics, superb musicanship, & the pleasant/distinctive yet slightly flawed voice of Kelly. Reggae pop rock song--nothing better in the summer--makes me want to hit the Peanut Barrel patio. "Take a Picture" by Filter — Starts w/ just slow accoustic guitar & adds some bongos & a kick drum. Slowly builds to a catchy song w/ eventually all out instrumentation. Percussion elements make this song stellar. Hmmm, why do all their other songs suck? "Champagne Supernova" by Oasis — Song of summer '96. Couldn't avoid this song even if you didn't like it. Perfect beginning, middle, & ending. Sound is like waves breaking on a beach on a perfect warm sunny day. "303" by Kula Shaker — Loud fun catchy song about summer highway driving in Cali. Amazing guitar solos & hammond organ. This song plain & simple makes you feel good. I pretty much lived on K for a few years. "Life Is Sweet" by The Chemical Brothers — When it's hot & sunny in Michigan you have to appreciate it. This song commands you to respect that. Blends best beats, an excellent baseline w/ some nice vocals via Tim Burgess. Must be very high volume to fully enjoy. "LA Woman" by The Doors — Ultimate summer driving song. More sexually charged than R Kelly's rap sheet. No one has or will ever be cooler than Jim Morrisson. This song starts off slow & jazzy while fading in & then Morrisson just takes over. Feels like you're cruising the strip in a convertible w/ Jim out for some fun. Louder the better. Best played while cruising Gratiot or the Isle on summer nights.

APLarcadia Song: “lowlight” Artist: pearl jam I can’t explain what happens when I roll down the windows in my car on a lush summer day and let this meditative tune play. with both words and music to this 1998 “yield” tune penned by bassist jeff ament, a warm acoustic guitar provides the backdrop to some very cryptic lyrics which create a palette of longing, reflection, and opportunity: the hopes and fears of all the years are tossed in the washer then hung out to dry and suddenly everything is calm and okay.

C.Friggs Song: "Summertime" Artist: The Sundays Ever since I heard this song I've been in love with Harriett Wheeler's voice. It's very English, and the Sundays have some of the best mopey-jangly-guitar-alt-Britpop since The Smiths. Great slide-guitar riff atthe end. Obvs the title makes it a summer song, and it's a great "me and my baby" song. The verses are the best use of writing in the style of personal ads since Rupert Holmes (Pina Colada-stizz, obvs). Romantic Piscean seeks angel in disguise... Liverpudlian lady seeks sophisticated male... The chorus makes you wanna grab your lady, hop in the car and head to the beach/park/picnic/sunshine/whatevs (dot org)

Movement 2003 - Official Lineup
Clark Warner, Double Helix, Andres, Reese Project, Ayro, Norma Jean Bell, Rolando, Stacy Pullen, K-Hand, Korie, John Beltran, John Arnold, Kevin Saunderson, Kenny Larkin with Sundiata, Carlos Soufront, Marcellus Pitman, Danny Krivit, Theo Parrish, Jeff Mills, Fusion, Genesis, Buzz Gorree, Stacey Hale, Ron Trent, Delano Smith, Norm Talley, Mike Grant, Mike Clark, The 3 Chairs, Shake, Eddie Fowlkes, Juan Atkins, D Wynn, Sysmanski, Spacek, Niko Marks, Peven Everett, Rich Medina, Amp Fiddler, Rich Medina, Reggie Dokes, Ursula Rucker, Dwele, Francois K, Detroit Experiment, Blaze, Brad Hales, Jazzy Jay and Grandwizzard Theodore, Timespace, Vikter Duplaix, Milo (Wild Bunch / Massive Attack), Slum Village, DJ Spinna, PDM, Tamion 12", Wolf Eyes, Scott Zacharias, Liquid Liquid, Adam Goldstone, ESG, Ben Bracken, Thinkbox, Jimmy Edgar, Neptune Sound system, Thomas Fehlman, Pole, Akufen, Persona, Kid 606, Alder and Elias, Perspects, Sans Soliel, Dale Lawrence, Matthew Dear, Magda, Rob Hood

the first press screening of "The Matrix: Reloaded" was held out in Los Angeles last night. while the press have been STRONGLY warned about printing any actual film reviews until the week of its release, obvs the 'Net is abuzz with buzz. for a spoiler-free take on how this sequel will play, check out David Poland's Hot Button column. over at Slate.com, they call it "Harry Potter with guns" (in a *good* way). and if you're looking for a spoiler-heavy reaction from the fanboys, look no further than Neill Cumpston's review over on AICN. so. much. buzz.

and last weekend's Sunday edition of The Los Angeles Times profiled literary genius David Foster Wallace, whose novel "Infinite Jest" remains at the top of my Best Books Evs list. i know that NP called him out in his anti-James Frey post by calling him David Foster Walrus, but you gotta realize that was purely out of admiration and respect. or at least that's what I hope to believe. (thanks to The Grizz for forwarding this linkage)

NUMMER	H-BOMB
EPISODE 18: ASHTON KUTCHER / 50 CENT (5/3/03)
Sadly, this episode has the best hope for being the best one out of the remaining three. First things first though, I absolute HATE Kuthcher - and I'm not even that familar with him. I've seen bits and pieces of That 70's Show over the years and a few episodes of Punk'd. This guy has to be one of the most clueless and talentless pretty boys to come down the pike in a long time (save Fallon). However, he is always trying to have fun at whatever he's doing, so hopefully that will give the currently drab SNL a jump start. As long as his shirt is tucked in and his mesh hat is straight, I'll be able to tolerate him. I also like the Punk'd angle for a possible new installment of Pranksters (last seen Walken/Foo). As for 50 Cent, I actually don't know squat about him. I'm sure I'd recognize the hit single, but aside from recent magazine covers, I'm pretty clueless when it comes to this clown.	I have to admit that my level of optimism for a good, solid and amazingly enough, funny episode of SNL has deteriorated rather drastically. And unfortunately, I'm not really counting on Ashton Kutcher to make it any better. That is not to say, however, that there won't be some good laughs coming out of this week's show. I used to be an avid watcher of That 70's Show and I gotta say that Kelso could be pretty damn funny. But I've also caught an episode of MTV's Punk'd and found Kutcher's antics and dialogue to be, at times, annoying. So, maybe if he can find a medium in between, it might just be a decent show. While he's not a great actor by any means, Kutcher can be a great entertainer, and if there's anything SNL is lacking right now, it's entertainment value. Alas, my idea of entertainment has greatly differed from SNL's as of late. And for some reason, with Kutcher as host, I can somehow see this episode being full of the likes of Jarrett's Room and Wake Up Wakefield. Basically anything with Fallon and Sanz goofing off and Maya's gargantuan tongue. I am looking forward to 50 Cent though. I don't know anything of his other than In Da Club (obvs), but that tune was infectious enough to spark some interest in his upcoming performance.

more like Smoking Sumo Lactating SARS buzz! according to The Smoking Gun, CZJ and Gordon Gekko are filing suit against Clear Channel (?!?) for the infamous and "surreptitiously taken" newd shots that appeared all over the net last week! developing...

and while your Uncle Grambo's most highly anticipated release of 2003 is still Liz Phair's self-titled record (due in June), don't count out the June 3rd release of Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips' "L'Avventura." those of you with highly evolved Criterion Collections will recognize the album's title as that of a famous Michelangelo Antonioni film ... that in and of itself establishes ridiculous buzz. who names their album after Criterion's? best. Britta calves ... best body part evs? we can only wait and pray that the duo will tour.

last but not least, props out to The Detroit News' John McCormick for yesterday's article called "The Real Value Of Telematics" ... all kindsa OnStar props are included within. the power of positive press is some of the most truly obvs marketing that a company can hope to achieve. booyakasha!

lewis largent, RIP. according to The Hollywood Reporter, MTV is cancelling "120 Minutes" and replacing it with "Headbanger's Ball" ... Iann Robinson must be stopped! did you see that fat fuck's episode of "Cribs"? your own Uncle Grambo has a phatter crib! why don't you go get a SARS infected needle and get another tattoo, you geeky mutha effin' douche! (link via Stereogum)

totally unrelated to anything, I just want everyone to know how incredibly best Ruthie is. yeah yeah yeah, we've all heard the Tiger Woods resets and remember her ridiculously drunken escapades on RW: Hawaii, but she has been kickin' some serious arse on this season of BOTS. she is an inspiration to us all. Ruthie for President?

a certain someone that shall go unnamed told me a few weeks back that stories printed about the Coachella Music Festival on Tuesday, April 29th would be "old news." hmmm ... not according to Neil Strauss of The New York Times or Robert Hilburn of The Los Angeles Times or even Brian McCollum of The Detroit Free Press, all of whom came out with new stories this morning that focused mainly on the reunion of Iggy Pop and The Stooges at this weekend's festival.

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and remember Brit Brit's awful haircut from last week? well that cut looks like "The Rachel" when you compare it to X-tina's new 'do! blech...