Everyone has their politics, and even music streaming services like Spotify aren’t immune. However, sometimes I just want to listen to some cool playlists. In the spirit of summer fun, I thought I’d share few I’ve run across, as well as a sample song from each one:

For Road Trippin’: Cad Bane

This is the only one that’s “family made,” as my daughter put this together herself. Inspired by the Star Wars universe bounty hunter Cad Bane, there’s country rock, folk, metal, classic traditional country and bluegrass, hard-drivin’ blues and other “outlaw” sounds (such as Blues Saraceno). Perfect for tooling a long a desert or back road at sunset.

For “Old Dude” Gaming: Ash Williams Core

Sometimes you want to just hang out on a hot day with the air conditioner on playing video games. This user-made playlist was inspired by the horror survival game Evil Dead:The Game so you don’t always have to listen to that somber music, but it’s a motivating list of classic and new rock for any melee-worthy game, single or multi player. I mean, when you have a weird mix of Rob Zombie, Oingo Boingo, The Cure, and even Glen Campbell, you gotta appreciate the creativity. There’s even some lesser-known gems like the Rubinoos late 70s cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now”:

For a Classy Date Night: Noir Detective

There’s just something smooth and sexy about the film noir genre, and this sax-heavy, jazz centric user-made list with flowing instrumentals can help bring that atmosphere to a romantic meal of after-dinner coffee or drinky-poo. Includes several original pieces as well as bits from movie, television, and even video game soundtracks, like the theme from the game L.A Noire, by Andrew Hale.

For a Lazy Afternoon Picnic: The New Retro

I had been trying to find the term for the type of newer music with old school R&B or rock vibes from the likes of artists such as Nick Waterhouse, and ran across this “New Retro” list created by Spotify. It’s a breezy, laid back accompaniment to a simple family gathering or low key cookout. There’s rock, blues, jazz and more mixed together for some “new old” sounds. Perfect example: Ruen Brothers.

Whether you are out on the patio on a summer evening, or taking advantage of a too-hot day to catch up on some indoor time, I hope these list ideas help set the mood.