Happy Music Monday! Today is Scott's day to heat things up a little bit. We're taking a good, long look into the furnace. Today our theme is Fire and it's going to be… aw, do we need to say it? Really? You're gonna make us say it. FINE then, it's going to be hot. Whatever, you asked for it. Here's the first song.
Why, yes, it IS funkier than you deserve! The Ohio Players knew how to make a groove hot, and as such, they deserve to start us off. Remember, when you hear the sirens, pull over to the side of the road and let 'em pass.
If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen! If you can, see you after the jump.
Of course, fire isn't just a literal thing. The fires of desire burn hotter than most summer days.
Bruce Springsteen - I'm On Fire
If there's one thing Bruce is good at, it's taking a simple feeling and filling it full of drama and beauty. Here's the story of a kid in love that doesn't care about the consequences of his actions, as long as it gets him the woman he loves. You can pretty much feel the summer night in this one, can't you?
Love, like fire, can also burn itself out. Every now and then, some people need some heat from an outside source. A new flame, if you will. Passion, like fire, goes out if not properly tended.
Jose Feliciano - Light My Fire
There aren't too many fire songs that sound this cool. This Doors cover makes for a controlled burn, for sure, but it's still a scorcher as it builds. Plus that ending lyrics is very nice. "I wanna thank everybody for lighting my fire!" Awww. Jim could take a lesson in manners from Jose.
Closing us out is this hit from- well, not really hair metal, but not really "alternative" either. The truth is that The Cult was just a pretty good rock band, mixing the jangly guitar with radio-friendly hooks and- well, they were just hot. No wonder this fire-based song was their big hit.
Now, don't waste all your hot songs this week, because we've got a follow-up post next week to celebrate the Dog Days of summer! Even still, post a few of your favorite fire songs this week and help us make our mix sound good. Then fire up our Turntable.fm room and the regular Music Monday enjoyment. And good luck staying cool! Also, let us just remind you: some images come from the corresponding Wikipedia page and are here under fair use.