It’s Thursday morning and the sun has come out for the first time this week, so here is Marko’s favourite summer albums…

Danger Doom - The Mouse and the Mask

The musical collaboration between my favourite voice in hip hop, MF Doom, and multi-instrumentalist, producer and all round genius, Danger Mouse. This album concerns itself almost entirely with the cartoons of late night Cartoon Network block Adult Swim (if you have never seen it, check out Sealab 2021 and Aqua Teen Hunger Force). As bizarre as the cartoons it is based on, this is outrageously catchy hip hop with a big grin on it’s face. This album has been a popular addition to many a summer BBQ and will probably continue so for years. Standout track - Bada Bing

Pavement - Wowee Zowee

Remember the 90’s when Indie bands had a sense of humour? Those were good days… Pavement’s third album was their most experimental, whilst keeping to the clattery alt-pop style that had made songs like Cut Your Hair so popular. I picked up this album off a friend’s recommendation when I was 14 or 15 and it’s stuck with me ever since. The jangly guitars, off-kilter drumming and bizarre lyrics of this album formed the soundtrack to an entire summer for me and is still a regular summer feature on my iPod. Standout track - Rattled by the Rush

Ben Folds - Way To Normal

The man who made piano power-pop cool in the 90’s with Ben Folds Five and then on into the 21st Century on his own brought out this, in my opinion his best album, just in time for my final year of university to start. New house, good weather, the best housemates a guy could ask for, and this album made the end of summer 2008 one of the best, and you know what? I’m listening to it right now. Absolutely fucking brilliant pop songs which never take themselves too seriously. I love it. Standout track - You Don’t Know Me (feat. Regina Spektor)

Paul Simon - Graceland

The greatest pop album ever created (and that is not only my opinion, it is fact) by the talented half of Simon and Garfunkel (oh no he didn’t!) is probably known to most as ‘that album with You Can Call Me Al on’, but it is so much more than that (for starters, there would be no Vampire Weekend if it wasn’t for it). This was one of those albums my Dad put on during long family drives, most of which I hated, but something about Graceland grabbed me, and ever since it’s reminded me of long summer journeys through Europe and made me smile. One of the most uplifting and charming albums I have ever had the pleasure of listening to, Graceland is still a firm favourite of mine all year round, but the summer is it’s natural environment. Stick this on one sunny evening with a bottle of wine and some friends and you are guaranteed to have a good time. Standout track - Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes

RX Bandits - …And the Battle Begun

Where do I begin with this album? First, let me explain that this not an especially summery album, it just defined 2 of the best summers of my life. I had been a massive Bandits fan ever since someone played me Progress, and this had only grown with the release of The Resignation and a night spent abusing red wine with the band themselves after a stonking gig at The Charlotte (RIP). Then in summer 2006 …And The Battle Begun arrived and made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up from start to finish. Huge, sweeping ska and reggae influenced music, beautiful vocal harmonies and some of the catchiest hooks I have ever heard. The only album I have ever put on at least once a day for over a year and never once gotten bored of, it will forever remind me of the summers of 2006/7, the best parties, the best friends, being in love and basically having an unforgettable time. Even now, no matter how bad of a mood I am in and how bad the British summer can be, this is one album guaranteed to cheer me up. If you haven’t got it, go and buy it. You have no excuse, it is fucking incredible. Standout track - …And the Battle Begun

Here is 4 out of 5 albums in full on Spotify. Apparently RX Bandits aren’t important enough to have ANY of their albums on, but you will buy the album regardless or I will visit every one of your homes and slap you.

Marko