Summer needs music like a plate full of pancakes needs one last bite to take.

You would never have turned off the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite without hearing him end it with his closing line “That’s the way it is,” and then saying that day’s date.

So how can you have a BBQ without a turntable; vinyl 33 LP record albums to play, and speakers that allow the full snap, crackle and pop of the old, full, rich, textured sound of albums circa 1960s-70s-maybe early l980s? (And as they say in “Spinal Tap,” “turn the volume dial up to 11.”)

Here are the 10 albums this week on the top of my rotating stack:

Huey Lewis and The News, l980s, “Do You Believe in Love?”

One of the greatest kick-derriere starts of a pop rock song in 30 years. Tommy Dorsey meets The Cowsills. Boom boom bass.

Waylon Jennings, 1970s, “Luckenbach, Texas.”

The guys who began country music.

Sure, some nostalgia with their outlaw mythology. But you don’t survive 40 years unless: a) you can sing; b) the musical arrangements cut across genres (rock fans like good country; and vice versa); and c) the lyrics get you. “This successful life we’re living? Got us feuding like the Hatfields and McCoys.” Wistful by the barrel.

Michael Franks, “Skin Dive,” 1980s;

Gotta have some jazz, or jazz-pop near your turntable. Franks is funny guy who writes surprise, surprise funny lyrics. (“Your blondie boyfriend, wore a studded collar. Is that so he’ll come, when you hollar?” “Queen of the Underground.”).

Donald Fagen, “The Nightfly;”

This half of the Steely Dan duo offers a bouncy ditty, “The New Frontier,” that is a great depiction of our nation’s ever-growing love affair with, and romanticization of, the JFK “Camelot” arrival. On the verge of another Iraq war, we need some Cool Whip.

Jean-Luc Ponty, 1970s, “Imaginary Voyage”; Everybody should be required to listen to some instrumental, jazz violin; the people at the BBQ will think you are really sophisticated;

Gary Lewis and the Playboys; “Count Me In;” Mid-l960s. “This Diamond Ring,” “Just My Style,” “Green Grass;”

Earnest early bubble gum. (If your guests tap their feet, they are over 50);

Frankie Vallee and The Four Seasons. Greatest Hits, double album; “The Jersey Boys” current phenomenon (via Broadway musical; and popular movie) is about an “8th carbon copy” of Vallee and his boys. “Dawn,” “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Walk Like a Man,” Great platinum songs. The Bee Gees did not invent male falsetto.

Michael Jackson, “Thriller;” 1983;

The highest selling album of all time? Producer Quincy Jones, in the studio, could make ME sound good. Dance, MJ, dance!

Grand Funk Railroad, “Mean Mistreater,” 1970s; Early to stadium rock. But before big hair, etc. Like a trip to the Smithsonian, Wright Brothers exhibit.

Glenn Campbell, “Gentle on My Mind,” l970s; He was supposed to be in the original Beach Boys. He wasn’t. Instead, he went on to his own soulful country career. Not sure how your BBQ guests will like the theme song from his TV variety show.

But I do. Song is prettiest one in 30 years till “Daughters” by John Mayer 10 years ago.

Dan Warren is a Scarborough lawyer who can be reached by Facebook private message to Jones & Warren Attorneys at Law, or by email at jonesandwarren@gmail.com.

Summer needs music like a plate full of pancakes needs one last bite to take.

You would never have turned off the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite without hearing him end it with his closing line “That’s the way it is,” and then saying that day’s date.

So how can you have a BBQ without a turntable; vinyl 33 LP record albums to play, and speakers that allow the full snap, crackle and pop of the old, full, rich, textured sound of albums circa 1960s-70s-maybe early l980s? (And as they say in “Spinal Tap,” “turn the volume dial up to 11.”)

Here are the 10 albums this week on the top of my rotating stack:

Huey Lewis and The News, l980s, “Do You Believe in Love?”

One of the greatest kick-derriere starts of a pop rock song in 30 years. Tommy Dorsey meets The Cowsills. Boom boom bass.

Waylon Jennings, 1970s, “Luckenbach, Texas.”

The guys who began country music.

Sure, some nostalgia with their outlaw mythology. But you don’t survive 40 years unless: a) you can sing; b) the musical arrangements cut across genres (rock fans like good country; and vice versa); and c) the lyrics get you. “This successful life we’re living? Got us feuding like the Hatfields and McCoys.” Wistful by the barrel.

Michael Franks, “Skin Dive,” 1980s;

Gotta have some jazz, or jazz-pop near your turntable. Franks is funny guy who writes surprise, surprise funny lyrics. (“Your blondie boyfriend, wore a studded collar. Is that so he’ll come, when you hollar?” “Queen of the Underground.”).

Donald Fagen, “The Nightfly;”

This half of the Steely Dan duo offers a bouncy ditty, “The New Frontier,” that is a great depiction of our nation’s ever-growing love affair with, and romanticization of, the JFK “Camelot” arrival. On the verge of another Iraq war, we need some Cool Whip.

Jean-Luc Ponty, 1970s, “Imaginary Voyage”; Everybody should be required to listen to some instrumental, jazz violin; the people at the BBQ will think you are really sophisticated;

Gary Lewis and the Playboys; “Count Me In;” Mid-l960s. “This Diamond Ring,” “Just My Style,” “Green Grass;”

Earnest early bubble gum. (If your guests tap their feet, they are over 50);

Frankie Vallee and The Four Seasons. Greatest Hits, double album; “The Jersey Boys” current phenomenon (via Broadway musical; and popular movie) is about an “8th carbon copy” of Vallee and his boys. “Dawn,” “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Walk Like a Man,” Great platinum songs. The Bee Gees did not invent male falsetto.

Michael Jackson, “Thriller;” 1983;

The highest selling album of all time? Producer Quincy Jones, in the studio, could make ME sound good. Dance, MJ, dance!

Grand Funk Railroad, “Mean Mistreater,” 1970s; Early to stadium rock. But before big hair, etc. Like a trip to the Smithsonian, Wright Brothers exhibit.

Glenn Campbell, “Gentle on My Mind,” l970s; He was supposed to be in the original Beach Boys. He wasn’t. Instead, he went on to his own soulful country career. Not sure how your BBQ guests will like the theme song from his TV variety show.

But I do. Song is prettiest one in 30 years till “Daughters” by John Mayer 10 years ago.

Dan Warren is a Scarborough lawyer who can be reached by Facebook private message to Jones & Warren Attorneys at Law, or by email at jonesandwarren@gmail.com.