I created this playlist a few years back when it was the middle of winter and I was sick with a case of cabin fever. Now, as February comes to an end, its time again to escape to happy thoughts of sand beneath my toes, a warm breeze blowing by and a fragrant hint of hickory in the air. This is still one of my favorite mixes to date and its what I turn to this time of year. I hope it has meaning for you too.
This Life’s a Beach iMix is available for samples or download from iTunes.
- “Blue Bayou” by Roy Orbison
- “Southern Cross” by Crosby Stills & Nash
- “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
- “Blue Sky” by The Allman Brothers
- “Sunny Skies” by James Taylor
- “Keep on the Sunny Side” by June Carter Cash
- “Sunshine On My Shoulder” by John Denver
- “Was a Sunny Day” by Paul Simon
- “Blue Skies” by Willie Nelson
- “In the Summertime” by Bob Dylan
- “California” by Joni Mitchell
- “Summer Breeze” by Seals & Crofts
- “If I Had a Boat” by Lyle Lovett
- “Sailing” by Christopher Cross
- “Sail Away” by Neil Young
- “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison
- “Peaceful Easy Feeling” by The Eagles
- “Box of Rain” by Grateful Dead
- “Pink Moon” by Nick Drake
- “Moon Shadow” by Cat Stevens
- “A Pirate Looks at Forty (Live)” by Jimmy Buffett
- “Gulf Coast Highway” by Emmylou Harris & Willie Nelson
Wow! I wasn’t aware that The Beatles aren’t available on iTunes. Why am I surprised by that? Anyway, two songs from the original playlist have substitutes. They are “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles which links to an instrumental version and “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison which links to a live version. Luckily, they are close enough so the mix doesn’t suffer too much. Enjoy!
About the author: Tom is a Design Director for Viget Labs currently living in Northern Virginia with his wife and two kids. 
February 23rd, 2007 at 1:39 pm
That is a nice summery list. Thanks!
September 4th, 2007 at 11:39 pm
its not bad but how can you not have margaritaville on their?
September 4th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
Margaritaville is a great tune. One of the best from Jimmy Buffett. But I think it would be out of place on this playlist. I put this list together when I was a little down in the dumps. Most of the songs dig deeper into human emotion than Margaritaville which is mostly a party song. Maybe instead, I should create a playlist of beach songs that are pure party.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Well at least A Jimmy Buffett song is on there. I’m sorry even with a sorrowful theme no summer playlist would be complete with out Jimmy Buffett. That’s a personal opinion though =)
October 13th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Sun King also by The Beatles would also be a nice choice.Got that nice lazy summer feel to it.