Give Me a Tropical Contact High

We need to escape. Palm trees are necessary. Upon returning from some time off, receiving a compliment in regards to the browning of our skin is really quite the thrill. No need to be modest, we all know a good tan when we see it. We can all agree that everyone looks better with a healthy glow. This is precisely why we need an island.

A quaint little island, but our little island just the same. Our sun-kissed skin will have the opportunity to bask in the rays for fifteen hours a day. After retiring to our ocean view cottages, we will use the outdoor showers. We then will apply copious amounts of after-sun lotion, while sipping a crisp rose. We will also lounge in our robes and comb our hair. When we have had enough of that, we will dress for supper. We will enjoy our lobster, the obvious choice at the charming little place on the corner, accompanied by the "rhythm of a steel drum band." We will be welcomed home by a nice little bed time treat. We will then wake up, and do it all again.

This is our Kokomo. Everyone has her version of Kokomo...ours just happens to be the same. We live in a society in which the majority of our American lives is spent working. Who we are

is based on what we do. Why is it that our means for acquiring wealth becomes our defining characteristic? This imposition makes one long to get away. And this is how we know that all members of our culture have a Kokomo.

We were two-years-old in July of 1988. This was our introduction to The Beach Boys, and perhaps to Tan Culture itself. Despite our immaturity, we already knew: Kokomo is where we want to go. Kokomo represents the naivete of a culture embarking on a new decade of prosperity and Tom Cruise. The Cocktail soundtrack, which both of our families happened to own, was jam-packed with upbeat, idealistic tracks. Not only did the album ignite Bobby McFerrin fever, but Tutti Fruitti was featured as well. However, the stand out hit was The Beach Boy's ode to the perfect island. Although Kokomo only held the #1 spot on the U.S. Billboard charts for one week (it was prematurely replaced by Escape Club's obscure hit, Wild Wild West), it remains a world renowned phenomenon.

Unfortunately, our present state prevents us from enjoying our said Kokomo just yet. This is where summer comes in. It will only last until September, so embrace this special Kokomo while you can. In the summer months, Kokomo is everywhere. Don't let us down.

	The Beach Boys - Kokomo .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine