Listen: Smoke Season release cover of Don Henley’s classic ‘The Boys of Summer’

Don Henley’s ‘The Boys of Summer’ is one of the most enduring songs of the 80s.  There’s something in the narrative that seems to resonate with so many people.  Maybe it’s the thoughts of summers past; maybe it conjures memories of lost friendships.  Whatever it is, so many people love it and over the years it’s been covered in a variety of styles.

The Ataris turned it into a pop punk classic in 2003; The Hooters performed it live and gave it more of a vocal harmony driven feel; in 2013, Nathan Carter gave it the full country treatment… It’s just so durable.

Here’s another version for you.
This time Smoke Season tap into the feelings of memory within the song, turning it into a dreamy, spacious ballad in the process.  The song really suits the band’s combination of alt-pop, dream pop and light electronica and Gabby pulls a lot of emotion from the by now familiar lyric.

Hear it for yourselves.  Smoke Season’s ‘Boys of Summer’ can be streamed in full below.

Thoughts on Smoke Season’s visit to Ramsgate Music Hall with KOLARS can be found here.