Summer is officially upon us and that means a few things… hanging out by the pool, going to the beach, cookouts, sports at the park, driving with the windows down, etc. For me, the common thread running through all of these activities is good music. Good summer music can weave moments together that we remember forever. This is my summer mixtape for you. I hope you enjoy it and have a wonderful summer.

1) Bat for Lashes “Glass” – Solid opener from Bat For Lashes’ new album.

2) Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s “Holy Cow!” – My favorite track title on this mixtape.

3) fun. “At Least I’m Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)” – Exciting stuff from former members of The Format, Anathallo and Steel Train.

4) Manchester Orchestra “I’ve Got Friends” – Great track from the acclaimed new album.

5) M83 “We Own The Sky” – Every mixtape should include M83.

6) Gary Go “Wonderful” – Uplifting song from this up-and-coming Brit.

7) Metric “Gimme Sympathy” – Check out the video for this one.

Third Eye Blind “Red Star” – This track has me amped for their new CD.

9) The Appleseed Cast “The Summer Before” – Another chill track from TAC.

10) The Honey Trees “Don’t Fear” – Terrific music. I love this band.

11) Whiskeytown “Turn Around” – Ryan Adams’ old band never lets me down.

12) School of Seven Bells “Half Asleep” – One of my favorite tracks from last year.

13) Passion Pit “The Reeling” – I think we’ve all heard of these guys by now.

14) Rilo Kiley “More Adventurous” – Something I’d like to be this summer.

15) An Horse “Rearrange Beds” – Awesome band out of Australia.

16) Fever Ray “When I Grow Up” – Solo stuff from Karin Dreijer Andersson of The Knife.

17) Dirty Projectors “No Intention” – Just got hooked on this song.

18) Anesthesia “Wake Up” – Great ambient/electronica I came across on myspace.

Check out the mixtape on iTunes!