These HOT July days serve as inspiration for this B101.7 Flashback Friday spotlight. Here's a band who played Tuscaloosa and has a beach-type song.

Let's shine the spolight on the Everclear song, 'Santa Monica' from Everclear. This Califronia seaside city is where lead singer Art Alexakis grew up. He describes (as shared by Song Facts) it as "Like LA, but on the coast." The warm weather, beaches and palm trees serve as iconic references in the song, as Alexakis explains: "I've lived in cold places and been in bad relationships, and I think everybody has a place in their mind that is like a safe haven. It's also about getting away from bad times... the ending of something is also the beginning of something new, whether it's with someone or getting out of a bad job, a bad way of life or an abusive relationship."

I think of 'Santa Monica' as one of Everclear's signature and in my opinion one of their best songs. Strangely, it was never officially released as single in the U.S.  This didn't stop it from being played and charting.  It peaked at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart in 1996, as noted by Wikipedia.  Rock radio really embraced the song, as it went #1 on the Mainstream Rock chart, and #5 on the Modern Rock chart.

Here's a sign of likability for a song, Alvin and the Chipmunks covered it!  Yep, 'Santa Monica' made their 2007 video game.  It's also featured as a downloadable track for the video game, Rock Band 3.  That right there makes me want to play Guitar Hero on my old PlayStation 2 this weekend!

You may remember, they played Tuscaloosa.  It was 2006 at Jupiter on The Strip.  A great show!  The guys of Everclear were gracious enough to drop by the studio to say hi and play a couple of tune.  They are among the coolest of rock stars I've ever met.

Here's the music video for the song on this B101.7 Flashback Friday!

Everclear 'Santa Monica'

Listen to B101.7 Friday at 5 for when I feature the spotlight song on the radio! Saturday night catch a whole night of flashbacks during the B101.7 Saturday Night Party, starting at 8pm.

Want more Flashbacks now??  Sure you do!  Just hit the link below and go on with your badself.

More From Alt 101.7