The Vevo Guest List: California Dreamin’

Evan Schlansky

Updated:

May 5, 2014 4:15 pm

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Phantom Planet, John Mayer, Rufus Wainwright, Vanessa Carlton and more pay homage to the Golden State. Check it out our latest Vevo Guest List here.

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Are there any bad songs about California? I can’t think of any. Some artists’ best songs have been celebrations of the Golden state, from Led Zeppelin’s “Going To California” to Tupac’s “California Love.” And then there’s Phantom Planet, who crafted the perfect Oasis-for-Americans anthem with their 2002 breakout hit, “California.” And don’t forget John Mayer, whose 2012 comeback vehicle “Queen Of California” should end the debate on whether or not Mayer deserves the respect of “real” rock music fans. He does.

Rufus Wainwright, “California”

Here’s a great karaoke-themed video, co-starring little sister Martha Wainwright and Rufus’ pencil thin mustache.

John Mayer, “Queen Of California”

John Mayer’s highly enjoyable laid back hit, his first after undergoing vocal surgery, sounds like a throwback to the golden ‘70s.

Emmerson Nogueira, “Hotel California”, Victoria, “Hotel California”

There’s plenty of room at the Hotel California for a couple of interesting covers – try these, by Brazilian guitarist Emmerson Nogueira and latin music star Victoria.

Phantom Planet, “California”

It’s the ballad of a touring band pushing through exhaustion, with the video to match. “California, here we come, right back where we started from.” Is it too early for a Phantom Planet reunion?

Lenny Kravitz, “California”

“I was young and I had no cares when I moved to California,” sings Kravitz on this track from 2004’s Baptism, then recounts meeting a girl who plays him classic rock records while “we toked on purple hairs.”

Counting Crows, “A Long December”

It’s one more day up in the canyon, one more night in Hollywood for Adam Duritz and friends. Don’t pretend you don’t love this song. Sing it with me now. . . “Nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah. Nah nah nah nah, yeah.”

Vanessa Carlton, “Dear California”

When you think of Vanessa Carlton you might think pop star, but this recent ode to leaving Cali has a Liz Phair, indie rock vibe that’s worthy of Coachella.