Backyard BBQ

Just in time for the unofficial kick-off to Summer, we’ve put together a Knockmix inspired by our favorite type of party: the backyard BBQ! Unassuming on the surface, a simple mid-day throw down at home will likely be the most fun you and your crew have had in a long time. All you need are some cold drinks in the cooler, some good eats on the grill, and the right tunes coming through the speakers. What more could you possibly need?

Oh, of course: a pair of Knockarounds! Don't worry, we've got you covered.

Creedence Clearwater Revival with "Lookin’ Out My Back Door"

In this 1970 hit by CCR, John Fogerty sings about one of life’s simple pleasures: sitting on the back porch and letting your mind wander. Fogerty’s imagination was a little wilder than most: “There’s a giant doin’ cartwheels / A statue wearin’ high heels / Look at all the happy creatures / Dancin’ on the lawn”.

Mary J. Blige with "Real Love"

Our CEO, Ace, included Real Love on this list for sentimental reasons. According to him, “It’s not really about the lyrics, it’s about the feeling. Hearing this song brings me back to the summer before junior year, sitting on my buddy’s back deck, eating a burnt hot dog.”

Jimmy Buffett with "Cheeseburger in Paradise"

No backyard grill-out would be complete without some big ol’ juicy burgers, and this is arguably the best burger song ever written. If the amateur DJ at your next summer cook-out is taking requests, suggest a little Jimmy Buffet. And if the chef asks…medium-rare with mustard’d be nice.

Led Zeppelin with "Hot Dog"

“Who wants a hot dog and who wants a hamburger? Or one of each?” We'll take one of each. This lesser-known Zeppelin track is a self-proclaimed tribute to Texas and the attitudes of the people that live there. And I'm sure it goes without saying, they throw some damn-good backyard BBQs in the Lone Star State.

Louis Armstrong with "Struttin’ With Some Barbecue"

Louis Armstrong’s most well-known song is probably “What a Wonderful World,” which came out in 1967. This song, released 40 years earlier in 1927, is a vocals-free ode to the joys of summertime and a good rack of ribs.

The Ross Sisters with "Solid Potato Salad"

This is definitely the most…um…unique song included on this month’s Knockmix. We’ve never really heard potato salad described as “solid”—unless you’re using it like “this is solid potato salad, Mom!” Not like “this potato salad is better than the liquid potato salad I had last week.” Liquid potato salad. Yikes.

Gucci Mane with "Lemonade"

It’s Gucci! Here’s some advice for your next summer party: whip up an icy-cold pitcher of lemonade. We like it extra-lemony, just like Martha Stewart and Mr. Mane. Check out the recipe here.

Mitch Hedburg with "Soda Pop"

Not feeling the extra-lemony lemonade? (It’s Gucci!) No problem, how about a soda pop? The final track off of Mitch Hedburg’s third live album Do You Believe in Gosh?, Soda Pop isn’t really about soda pop. It’s about uncool nicknames and stamp collecting (among other things.) RIP, Mitch! We'll forgive the non-Knockarounds you were wearing on the album cover.

Paramore with "Pool"

You know what makes a backyard party even better? A swimming pool. The smell of chlorine and sunscreen mixed with smoke coming off the Weber is a quintessential summer experience. Paramore’s lead singer, Hayley Williams, might not be singing about a literal swimming pool, but who cares…check out that album art!

George Strait with "Cold Beer Conversation”

As the party winds down and the sun begins to set, you reach all the way down to the bottom of the cooler and pick out a couple beevos. Then you park yourself in a lawn chair and see who lands next to you. Grandma? The next-door neighbor? George Strait? Whoever it is, you’ll probably end up having the best convo of the day.