Bloglander

Knowing that Steve Gleason is a major music fan — after all, he did select Pearl Jam's playlist when the band came to the Spokane Arena last year —  we asked the Spokane native what songs he would recommend most this summer. And graciously, he got back to us. Some of the bands on the list will also play live at this weekend's Gleason Fest, a charity music festival that raises funds for the fight against ALS. See our preview for the event here. 

"When I look back on the summer of 2014, I will remember the following songs," Gleason says. 

1. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, “Power Drunk”
I am liking this new record. This song jumped at me from the beginning. I listen to a lot of new music, but it’s nice to go back to the soul of rock ‘n’ roll.



2. Arctic Monkeys, “Knee Socks”
They're playing Voodoo Fest in New Orleans [where Gleason lives] this fall. Having never really listed to them, I have been pleasantly surprised.



3. Old Man Canyon, “Wiser”
Being a father and a son, this song has captivated me completely.



4. Tango Alpha Tango, “I Have Stopped Thinking About You”
This song feels like summer to me, a simple yearning tune. “... Still have a motorcycle of a soul.”



5. Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, “All the Pretty Horses”
So much soul. He’s obviously been groomed by the best — Willie, Neil, the Highwaymen. Shredding the guitar, sometimes with his teeth!



6. alt-J, “Hunger of the Pine”
I am confounded by these guys. At first listen I never think I will like their songs, but without fail, I end up addicted.



7. Augustines, “Walkabout”
I challenge anyone to listen to the wave of this song build up and crash and not want to listen again. It’s an experience.



8. Beck, “Country Down”
Beck’s amazing with his range of styles. This song is so summertime to me.



9. The National, “Fireproof”
I was late to the bandwagon for the National. Better late than never.



10. Sun Kil Moon, “Carissa”
Heartbreaking. Raw. Standard Sun Kil Moon.