The Perfect Summer of Love Playlist, by SCH

The 50th Anniversary of the Summer of Love is well-underway, and we’ve been celebrating here at Stanford Court Hotel ever since the de Young Museum opened their fabulous exhibition, “The Summer of Love Experience: Art, Fashion, and Rock ‘n’ Roll” back in April (If you’re interested in getting a #sneakpeek, read more about it in our recent blog post here). But the truth of the matter is, we only have one more month left in the Summer of Love (and only one more month of our hella amazing promotion), which is why we’d like to leave you with something that will last long after the anniversary comes to a close - a SCH curated playlist of the ultimate Summer of Love songs. 

Listen to them whenever you’re feeling nostalgic about the City by the Bay, or even better enjoy them during a Summer-of-Love-themed walking tour of the Haight-Ashbury. We even recommended some spots on the blog. Without further ado, here’s your Summer of Love playlist: 

 

San Francisco - Scott McKenzie

This is the song that started it all - the accidental Summer of Love ballad that called everyone to the City by the Bay. Listen to it to get in the Summer of Love mood.

 

White Rabbit - Jefferson Airplane

One of the songs most associated with the hippie movement, White Rabbit by Grace Slick and crew is all about “Turn on, tune in, and drop out.” Listen to it at Magnolia, a popular brewery located in the same building as the restaurant of SF Summer of Love icon Magnolia Thunderpussy.

 

California Dreamin’ - The Mamas & The Papas

Just plain classic. Listen to this beloved track by The Mamas & The Papas when planning your trip to San Francisco. 

 

Let’s Live for Today - The Grass Roots

Talk about a song that embodies the Summer of Love mentality. “Let’s Live for Today” is an anthem for the moment and for love - and a perfect companion for your tour of the Haight-Ashbury.

 

Incense and Peppermints - Strawberry Alarm Clock

With its iconic psychedelic sound, "Incense and Peppermints" immediately transports you back to 1967 from the first few seconds of the track. This is a must on your Summer of Love playlist.

 

Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix

Naturally, this once-SF local and classic rock icon has to make the list. And what better way than with his legendary first track on his debut album, Are You Experienced? Stop by his former residence in the Haight-Ashbury at 1524A Haight St. 

 

Piece of My Heart - Big Brother & The Holding Company

Another 60s classic, “Piece of My Heart” is often credited to Janis Joplin. However, she recorded it first with Big Brother & The Holding Company #nowyouknow. 

 

New Potato Caboose - The Grateful Dead

No San Francisco Summer of Love piece is complete without a nod to The Dead. Their style of music, aka jam band, was a defining part of the SF sound and the music scene in general. Although it’s hard to categorize the Grateful Dead, New Potato Caboose is a good place to start.

 

Sunshine Superman - Donovan

Another iconic figure of the period, Donovan was a regular on the California music circuit. and “Sunshine Superman” is one of his best songs. 

 

You’re Gonna Miss Me - 13th Floor Elevators

Here’s a #bonus gem. Possibly one of the lesser-known bands on this list, the 13th Floor Elevators were an influential part of the psychedelic rock scene. Listen for their signature sound - a jug -  on this track.

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BTW - Our Summer of Love special runs through August 20. Get a special rate at Stanford Court Hotel, VIP tickets to “The Summer of Love Experience” at the de Young Museum, and plenty more.