No other piece of gear represents the outdoors better than a good pair of sunglasses , which protect your eyes from the glare of the fresh powder on the slopes and that also keep your retinas from burning on the beach. Because the hot summer weather is here, slip on your favorite pair of shades while listening to these sunglass-inspired tunes on your iPod:

“Sunglasses at Night” (Written and performed by Corey Hart)
The first single released off his debut album “First Offense,” this was one of the most memorable techno love songs from the 1980’s. According to several reports, though, Hart originally wrote “Sunglasses at Night” about a futuristic society where everyone had to wear their shades after dark. To make it more commercial, he was asked to change the lyrics.

“The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades” (Performed by Timbuk 3)
This high-energy song came off “Greetings from Timbuk 3,” the debut album of the group formed by Barbara and Pat MacDonald. The lyrics are told from the perspective of a nuclear science student, who is blinded by his massive earnings potential. Pat MacDonald had said, though, that the song contained a grimmer message about the threat of nuclear destruction.

“Cheap Sunglasses” (Performed by ZZ Top)
Definitely an 80’s tune, this ZZ Top song celebrates the glories of cheap eyewear, no matter if they help ease a painful hangover or accentuate the beauty of a pretty girl.

“Shades”(Sung by Dean Martin)
No list of sunglass songs is complete without one from Dean Martin, a member of the famous “Rat Pack” during the 1960’s. Dino sang this romantic ballad about a brokenhearted man who hides his teary eyes behind dark glasses, but nothing can truly hide the pain he’s feeling.

“Drivin’ into the Sun” (Performed by Sherrie Austin)
More of a love song than a warning about sunshine slowdowns on the highway, Austin sings of a love so powerful that it is as bright as driving into the sun without shades. She also warns listeners that the light will fade, though, on even the most powerful love.

Resources:
http://www.coreyhart.com/
http://www.sherrieaustin.net/more.html
http://www.coreyhart.com/

Even the most experienced climbers can use a little inspiration when heading to the summit, which is where these mountain-themed songs on your iPod can help:

“Rocky Top” (Sung by Lynn Anderson)
One of seven official state songs of Tennessee, this Felice and Beaudleaux Bryant collaboration talks about a peak on Thunderhead Mountain, which is located in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (Sung by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell)
Written by legendary songwriters Nikolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, the singer of this song is telling the one he loves that there’s not a mountain high enough to keep him away when she truly needs him.

“Rocky Mountain High” (Sung by John Denver)
One of the two official Colorado State Songs, Denver sings about the joy he feels when he is up in the mountains, a sentiment echoed by countless climbers and hikers. Initially, concerned government officials thought Denver was talking about another kind of “natural high,” one that still is illegal in the United States.

“High Hopes” (Sung by Frank Sinatra)
Halfway to the summit, you may be wondering why you are climbing such rocky terrain. This little tune, sung by the “Chairman of the Board” himself, celebrates the joys of doing seemingly impossible tasks, such as climbing a mountain.

“On Top of Old Smoky” (Sung by the Weavers)
This folk ballad refers to a certain mountain, but experts can’t agree which one it is. Some people believe the lyrics refer to Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The singer talks about losing the love of his life on the top of the mountain to another man because he acted too slowly.

And just to remind you what might happen if your foot slips:

“Free Fallin’” (Sung by Tom Petty)
Because you don’t want to “free fall out into nothin’,” always remember to pack a good pair of crampon compatible boots along with your iPod. Without them, you may, as Petty sings, “leave this world for a while.”