These days the rock charts are dominated by angst-ridden vestiges of nu-metal with names like Theory of a Deadman, so finding sing-along songs can be a problem. They’re out there, though, tucked into the far reaches of the rock universe, and turned in by haircut-emo bands, retro-minded indie-rockers, and industry dinosaurs alike. What songs can you rock a furious air guitar to all summer long? Five contenders below.
The Hold Steady, “Hurricane J”
It’s officially impossible for the Hold Steady to top “Constructive Summer” as far as seasonally appropriate anthems go, but “Hurricane J” — a sad story of a boozy summer wasted down at the harbor — is a commendable effort. And why aren’t they on the indie-rock SOTS list? Because we ain’t hearing no delicate four-part harmonies on this thing.