1. The Knife, 2. Grizzly Bear, 3. Whitest Boy Alive, 4. Chad VanGaalen, 5. The Futureheads, 6. Beirut, 7. Camera Obscura, 8. Midlake, 9. Hot Chip, 10. Phoenix
We all know that Nelly's "Hot in Herrre" was the summer jam a few years back, and this year Nelly Furtado is making a play for jam of the season with "Promiscuous." But what about all those other tunes for sipping mint juleps on the sun porch or just descending into a state of pure beach bliss under the influence of your headphones? While Refinery29 loves its year-round jams (we try not to play favorites!), here are ten under-the-radar tracks from some of our favorite records of the year that are sublimely perfect for the hottest summer days. For some instant gratification: download them here. Don't forget your cocktail shaker.
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• "We Share our Mother's Wealth" — The Knife (From "Silent Shout")
If this doesn't make you want to dance on a rooftop under the blazing sun until you sprain an ankle, we don't know what will.
Buy the album.
• "Napoleon Says" — Phoenix (From "It's Never Been Like That")
French arena rock for the small club. Sofia Coppola approved. Refinery29 jocked. Smooth French Jam.
Buy the album.
• "Burning" — The Whitest Boy Alive (From "Dreams")
Erlend Oye, of the Kings of Convenience, has his fingers in too many damn honey jars. Whoops, that honey tastes sweet and we likey! More!!!
Buy the album.
• "Over and Over" — Hot Chip (From "The Warning")
We've got one word for you, K-I-S-S-I-N-G-S-E-X-I-N-G-C-A-S-I-O-P-O-K-E-D-Y-O-U-M-E-I.
Buy the album.
• "Skip to the End" — The Futureheads (From "News and Tributes")
Let's pretend to ignore the fact that these guys sound like the dudes from The Proclaimers and instead enjoy this carefree tune that stands out as one of the only good tracks from a definite sophomore slump of a record.
Buy the album.
• "Roscoe" — Midlake (From "Trials of the Van Occupanther")
Yeah, this is another song from an album that's not out yet, but how excited are you after hearing this '70s harmony love-fest? A lot, we bet.
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Buy the album.
• "Knife" — Grizzly Bear (From "Yellow House")
Harmonized AM Gold transmitted from space. A nighttime drive with the top down would be a perfect match. Pure magic.
Buy the album.
• "Mini TV's" — Chad VanGaalen (From "Skelliconnection")
Neil Young melancholia goes well with melon balls in a wheat field at sunset. Try it.
Buy the album.
• "Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken" [MP3] — Camera Obscura (From "Let's Get out of this Country")
La la la la, La la la la. It's summertime and time for something light and tweeeee...
Buy the album.
• "Postcards from Italy" — Beirut (From "Gulag Orkestar")
Wouldn't it be nice if we were all listening to this mix on the island of Capri? Beirut agrees.
Buy the album.
Refinery29 selects the songs most likely to move you all summer long.
P.S. You can download them right here.
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