Rushing Summer

I defy anyone to remain out of sorts, ill-tempered or cantankerous while listening to the Beach Boys.

I appreciate that there's definitely some nostalgia inherent in my affection for the boys since the Beach Boys were the first band I ever saw in concert. While my husband spent time in Detroit concert venues listening to everyone worth listening to in the early to mid 70s, I was in Maine in 1980 rockin' out to. . . the Beach Boys.

Yeah, I know. I was totally a rebel, just skirting the edge of rabble-rouser.

Really though, it's more than simple nostalgia. Much of the music is just happy. Cheerful. Upbeat. With a nod to Tom Hanks in That Thing You Do, it's "snappy".

Regardless of the reason, you simply have to love them, even with Kokomo being part of their discography.

Honestly? After crying two nights in a row thanks to films (Children of Men night before last and Mrs. Miniver last night), I'll take feeling happy however I can get it.