Shecky’s

Ice cream is the greatest comfort food, whether it’s enjoyed on a hot summer day or eaten snuggled under a blanket on your couch watching a movie. Venus Zine used this opportunity to put together the ultimate scrumptious concoction in feel-good music to add some zing to your favorite flavor. This playlist is anything but vanilla.

The Beatles, “Strawberry Fields Forever”

“Strawberry Fields Forever” was inspired by the Salvation Army house near John Lennon’s home and his nostalgia for the times as a child when he would watch the Salvation Army band play in a nearby park. Since it was released in 1967, many reveled in the psychedelic connotations, but to us it’s a feel-good song that has us craving a strawberry treat.

Vanilla Ice, “Ice Ice Baby”

This early ‘90s release had many of us stopping, collaborating and listening. Rob Van Winkle a.k.a. Vanilla Ice will forever be infamous in music history for this track which still has many wondering about that liiiiittle note that separates the beat from Queen’s “Under Pressure.” But it is a fun song to jam to when you feel the urge.

Chocolate Genius, “My Endless Fall”

Chocolate Genius a.k.a. Marc Anthony Thompson is a singer-songwriter and composer that won an Obie Award in sound design for his work on A Huey P. Newton Story. “My Endless Fall” off of his album Godmusic (V2 Records, 2001) is a guitar-fueled track that evokes a sweet, soft and summer-like blues quality.

Fujiya & Miyagi, “Knickerbocker”

Fujiya & Miyagi is an English band heavily influenced by Krautrock bands of the ‘70s and ‘90s electronic artists, such as Aphex Twin. For even more cultural reference, they took their name from the popular character of The Karate Kid. The inspiration for this track? Knickerbocker glory is an English dessert similar to a sundae consisting of ice cream, jelly and whipped cream. This song is delicious, from the first words, “Vanilla, Strawberry, Knickerbocker glory!”

Cream, “Sunshine of Your Love”

I scream, you scream, we all scream for…Cream! This best-selling song by the supergroup of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker showcases their hybrid of blues and psychedelic rock. The main bass riff was actually inspired by a Jimi Hendrix performance and has been used in many classic movies and even commercials.

Van Halen, “Ice Cream Man”

Originally a song recorded in 1922 by Chicago Blues musician John Brim, this cover was a favorite of David Lee Roth’s. The band recorded it as a demo and it was later included on their debut studio album. Roth actually plays the acoustic guitar for the song’s intro.

Jefferson Airplane, “Ice Cream Phoenix”

Jefferson Airplane was the first psychedelic rock band from San Francisco to achieve mainstream success. This soft track was on side 2—yes this was the time of actual records you had to flip over—of the album Crown of Creation (RCA, 1968).

Weird Al Yankovic, “I Love Rocky Road”

The tune may sound familiar since it is a parody of a popular Joan Jett ditty, “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Weird Al’s take is about a man’s obsession with rocky road ice cream.

Kelis, “Milkshake”

This piece, written and produced by the Neptunes and performed by R&B singer Kelis, is from her third studio album Tasty (Arista, 2003) and launched this young talent into living rooms everywhere with her memorable and fun music video. So shake it to this song and “bring some boys to your yard.”

Tom Waits, “Ice Cream Man”

Tom Waits is a singer-songwriter, composer and actor. This track off of his debut album Closing Time (Asylum Records, 1973) has a fun jazzy swing that’ll make you want to dance in a seedy bar while holding an ice cream cone.

-Jordan Young of Venus Zine

Venus Zine is the go-to guide for smart women’s daily life. The quarterly publication and website showcases cultural trends and promotes creative personal expression in Music, Fashion, Beauty, Entertainment, DIY and Home.

GIRL TALK TIME: What is your favorite song on this playlist? Got any others? Tell us now!