On a recent road trip, my beloved and I spent a large part of the drive discussing what truly was the “Song of the Summer” for 2024. We agreed on top contenders and had a lot of criteria to consider on what “makes” a song of the summer—and arrived at different answers.
Our list was pop-heavy, though I’d argue the song of the summer is almost always pop by nature. I’m counting “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk (2013) as the only exception to that rule in recent memory.
The four tracks we debated were “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter, “Apple” by Charli XCX, and “Pink Pony Club” and “Good Luck, Babe!” both by Chappell Roan. And we both agreed that a tight top five would have to include “HOT TO GO!” by Chappell Roan. Sorry, y’all, it’s Chappell’s world, and we’re just living in it.
Would love to hear your thoughts on this—send me an email at [email protected]!
ECCENTRIC & ICONIC
9/8, Gogol Bordello, XL Live
The Eastern European art punk experiment known as Gogol Bordello has been playing together for 25 years—somehow both the blink of an eye, and yet, the band’s eclectic rock opera sound has a certain timelessness to it. Frontman Eugene Hütz has continued delivering catchy punk music with a European via Lower East Side twist, heard on the band’s ninth album, “Solidaritine” (2022), which I’m sure they’ll play a few tracks from at the concert.
SOMETHING IS HAPPENING IN NEW CUMBERLAND
9/20, Aortic Valve; 9/21, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, West Shore Theatre
Full disclosure that I am one of the key organizers for this, but I’ll be dead chuffed if some of you come join us for the second New Cumberland Music + Film Festival, Sept. 20 to 22. Lots of fun musical features abound throughout the weekend at various locations. We’re hosting the inimitable Aortic Valve at the West Shore Theatre’s Arts & Ed Center for a ticketed dance party on Friday, Sept. 20. Then indie rock legend Clap Your Hands Say Yeah will headline on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the West Shore Theatre, with local openers Le Ghast. All details and ticket information can be found at www.newcumberland.co/music-film-festival.
ROCKSTAR TREATMENT
9/20, Post Malone, Hersheypark Stadium
One of pop music’s most popular and surprising acts, Post Malone is seemingly featured on every other track on today’s Top 40 charts. You may know this trap/pop/R&B/hip-hop artist from his signature shaky vibrato on hits such as “Sunflower,” “Circles,” “Congratulations,” and, most recently, “I Had Some Help” (with Morgan Wallen) and Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight.” There are a thousand entry points to Posty’s music, as he’s affectionately called among fans. He’ll perform at Hersheypark Stadium on Sept. 20—his live shows look extremely fun.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
9/7, The Lemonheads, Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.
9/11, Bowling for Soup w/Wheatus and Don’t Panic, H*MAC
9/14, Dark Star Orchestra, XL Live
9/15, Styx, Hershey Theatre
9/17, Jon McLaughlin, The Englewood
9/21, Harrisburg University Presents Pete Yorn, XL Live
9/28, Stevie Nicks, Hersheypark Stadium
9/28, Deerhoof, The Abbey Bar
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
