Black Lips’ Jared Swilley reveals his ultimate summer playlist

The Black Lips’ singer and bass player sends off the summer playlist series with Dolly Parton memories, biker gang dreams, and the Murmaids’ ‘Popsicles and Icicles.’

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I can’t think of a better way to embrace the autumn season and say goodbye to Atlanta’s humidity than an end of summer playlist series finale featuring the calm, cool, and collected Jared Swilley of Black Lips. While on the road promoting their album released earlier this summer, Underneath the Rainbow, Swilley jotted down his playlist for the last hurrah to summer 2014. He also reminisced about Dolly Parton tugging on his heart strings, suffering from the occasional tour high, and gives us a taste of some Jamaican reggae, forgotten favorites like the Banana Splits and the Murmaids, and early rock ‘n’ roll classics.

What was the best thing you did this summer?
I went to see Dolly Parton in Berlin with King Khan and his family. She was amazing. We all dressed up real nice and cried during her set. It was beautiful.

What’s on your summer playlist?
Trini Lopez: “If I Had a Hammer”
Chuck Berry: “Promised Land”
Toots and the Maytals: “54-46 Was My Number”
The Banana Splits: “I Enjoy Being a Boy (In Love With You)”
Zero Boys: “Stoned to Death”
The Murmaids: “Popsicles and Icicles”
The Beach Boys: “Girl Don’t Tell Me”
James Brown: “Think”
The Phantom: “Whisper Your Love”
Buddy Holly: “Rock Around With Ollie Vee”
The Chills: “Heavenly Pop Hit”

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How do your tastes in music differ from the other fellas in Black Lips?
It doesn’t really differ that much. I guess I like more pop stuff.

If you had to choose one profession other than being a musician, what would you want to be and why?
I’d want to be in a biker gang, or be a fighter pilot because they are both brave professions that are totally badass — much like my profession.

So, you’ll be touring for pretty much the rest of the year promoting Underneath the Rainbow. Which place(s) are you looking forward to performing at the most?
We just played Moscow and that was pretty amazing. We’re going to South Africa soon and I’m stoked about that.

Is the song “I Don’t Want to Go Home” about how some musicians get on a sort of high when they’re on tour and don’t want to go back to reality because they’re out in the world living their dream?
Yeah, it’s kinda difficult readjusting to civilian life when you get back. It takes a minute. Tour goes so fast and everything’s exciting, then you’re back home paying bills and watering your flowers. It’s just a big change, but I like both equally. Being home is very nice.

Pick one album to listen to for the rest of your life.
Captain Beefheart, Safe as Milk

If you could share the stage with one person from the past, who would it be?
Little Richard or Jerry Lee Lewis. It’s a tie.

What’s the best part about being from Atlanta?
My awesome family lives there.