Ahhh….summer. There's nothing quite like cranking up a bouncy, happy song on a sunny day - whether you're in a car with the top down, or taking a sunshiny sidewalk stroll with your earphones firmly in place. Sadly, once again this summer,  the sunny days in Seattle have been few and far between (Hello, July?). Here's to hoping this beach and BBQ-ready virtual mixtape I put together will keep you feeling warm!

1. The Drums - "Let's Go Surfing" - Summertime EP (2:55)
{tig} {listen} {buy}

2. Bow Wow Wow - "I Want Candy (Kevin Shields Remix)" - Marie Antoinette Soundtrack (2:40)
{listen} {buy}

3. The Submarines - "You Me and the Bourgeoisie" - Honeysuckle Weeks (3:22)
{tig} {listen} {buy}

{more tracks after the jump}

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The news just broke that the White Stripes are no longer. Even casual acquaintances of mine might assume I'm drowning in red and white tears over "the end" of one of my favorite groups. I am a little.

But actually I'm slightly relieved because nothing stings more than a beloved band going the way of just-too-much. I've loved watching the amazing White Stripes trajectory since I began my Jack White love affair {June 15, 2000 to be exact, when I saw them open for Aislers Set and Bratmobile at an afternoon show at the Sit & Spin}. I'm so happy for Jack & Meg and the masses that we've had over a decade of scarlet and ivory good times {and great limited edition stuffs}.

I can honestly say I've never been disappointed by a single White Stripes release or show or media interaction, so it makes sense that I'm likewise impressed with Jack's announcement of the break-up {as posted on Third Man Records.com}:

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Anyway, the point of this post is that all day long I've been listening to The White Stripes' song "The Big Three Killed My Baby" (from the 1999 self-titled album) and it seems especially appropriate today.

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"I think they're doing this to demonstrate that Americans have poor taste."

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After months of searching for the NME top 10, I did finally find it on the MTV2 website, or at least what it claims is the NME/MTV2 Top 10.

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Narrowing down my favorites for this year was HARD! I’m sure I’ll find even more 2007 releases I adore in 2008... but here’s what has been in obsessively high rotation this year.

Note: I still battle with how I can rank EPs versus full albums, or collections of previously unreleased material… but using my current logrhythm, here’s what it came out to today...

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If you're not already sick of Christmas music (and who could blame you if you were?), are there any songs this holiday that you are especially enjoying?

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NME has posted their "Cool" findings for 2007 on their website and has opened the voting for the Readers' Top 10 on their website.

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Even if you hate the White Stripes, you have to admit that they know how to market themselves. After the cute Jack & Meg datasticks, we now have customized Jack & Meg cameras! Designed for the Lomographic Society, these babies take analog snapsnots with "serendipetous imperfections" to help add to the kitsch! The Jack edition even comes with a fish eye lens!

The White Stripes have cancelled the remaining dates on their tour due to medical problems. Apparently poor Meg has "acute anxiety" and can't travel right now.

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