Songs of Summer

What tunes will reign this summer?  A worthy question to ask heading into a long Memorial Day weekend.  Drake's "Passionfruit" and just about everything from Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. will certainly clamor for top billing.  But what other tracks have a chance to infiltrate every bike or car cruise under the sun?  Here are a few early contenders.

• "Gwan" by Rostam.  One of Vampire Weekend's musical masterminds, Rostam Batmanglij has previewed some solo tracks coming of the heels of his excellent collaboration with Hamilton Leithauser.  This dewy-eyed paean to both the soul and the city can properly open any summer day filled with potential glory.
• "J-Boy" by Phoenix.  The D Man has already praised this neon-infused track from the band's forthcoming Ti Amo.
• "Hug of Thunder" by Broken Social Scene.  The Canadian supergroup clearly has more tricks up its collective sleeves with this off-kilter and rhythmic anthem.  But let's be clear: Feist's superb vocal performance makes it all go.
• "Something Here" by Day Wave.  It is difficult to exclude anything from Day Wave's proper debut, all chilled out in nostalgic summertime haze.
• "Call the Police" by LCD Soundsystem.  This much anticipated track grooves and rocks with all the arch cool listeners have come to expect.
• "Want You Back" by Haim.  The L.A. sisters bring the backing harmonies and big-pop dreams with this Number One hit potential.
• "Hard Times" by Paramore.  After Laughter is a really enjoyable listen.  Hayley Williams and her mates dive into 80s pop and find themselves thrust beyond emo and into new comparisons with the likes of Churches or Carly Rae Jepsen.

Song of the Week

Slowdive's self-titled record sparkles.  The British shoegaze stalwarts sound fresh and inspired even after a 22-year hiatus.  The music's dreamy and dissonant textures rival anything from the band's 90's alt-rock heyday.  The song's are gorgeous and transportive, impeccably detailed and produced, showcasing a startling range in mood that usually flutters somewhere between Rachel Goswell's evocative register and Neil Halstead's ringing guitar.  Check out opening track "Slomo," "Star Roving," "Sugar for the Pill," and every other giftworthy song.