Katy Perry’s sophomore album, Teenage Dream, was released on August 24, 2010. The second track on Teenage Dream is called “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.).” Meaning? The responsible consumer has had 292 days to listen to “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” before its release as a single, and the premiere of its accompanying video, earlier this month. And yet, now that it is officially a single, it is also officially a big single, with a debut this week at No. 4 on the “Hot 100.” Is it beguilingly anachronistic that a lot of people waited until “Last Friday Night” achieved technical single status to pay money for it? Is it somewhat discomfiting that a song that may well have been (non-ironically, right?!) soundtracking your boozing since last year has a shot at the song of the summer this year? Is the newfound relevance of the phrase ‘T.G.I.F.’ a bit jarring? Sure, yeah, absolutely. But in a weak field for the Song of the Summer, Vulture very much welcomes the public presence of a familiar bit of Perry party time. Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” may still be top dog on the charts, but that song is not even a little about drinking, and therefore doesn’t feel as bluntly, inexorably right for the Song of Summer as “T.G.I.F.” Also important: Along with Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory,” this is the field’s other prominent sax solo. And, if 2011 really is going to be the Summer of Sax, we need one of these guys to win.
And now for some other stuff! Last year, Vulture provided you with options as to What to Listen to When You’re Not Listening to “California Gurls.” So, herewith, some stuff to listen to when you’re not listening to Adele/Nicki/Pitbull/Aldean, and, once again, Mrs. Russell Brand. As always, let us know what you are bumping as your very special private Song of Summer.
And now for some other stuff! Last year, Vulture provided you with options as to What to Listen to When You’re Not Listening to “California Gurls.” So, herewith, some stuff to listen to when you’re not listening to Adele/Nicki/Pitbull/Aldean, and, once again, Mrs. Russell Brand. As always, let us know what you are bumping as your very special private Song of Summer.
Com Truise, “VHS Sex”
Metronomy, “The Bay”
(Sad) Drake, “Trust Issues”
The Weeknd, “The Birds (Part 1),” a.k.a. Sad Drake’s greatest inspiration
Waka Flocka Flame, “Grove St. Party” (Okay, late on this one, but it’s too appropriate to ignore.)
Iceage, “New Brigade”
