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Every summer we’re cursed with the constant declarations of our hip, music obsessed friends about what the “summer jam” is. By the time the sun has come and gone and all the beach road rockets are put away you’ve sadly realized that the song that’s been rattling Toyota doors more than any other all summer is some David Guetta featuring Linkin Park track that will inevitably be performed at that winter’s Super Bowl. Well, spring is here and if you haven’t noticed already, couples are sucking face on every corner, short skirts are slowly revealing themselves, and if you’re lucky enough to live in a well kept city, flower petals are falling on you like that sexy scene in Pleasantville. Spring is the time to listen to the dreamiest, cardigan-clad tunes that will keep that permanent smile on you while you catch your breath from winter and finally remove those mittens. This spring, pop these songs on your iPod, get outside, feed the swans, and sing along.

[1] Lilys “Claire Hates Me” – Run over a knoll and wrestle around with a Siberian Husky (or Alaskan Malamute, whatever). Bob your head from side to side to this song and yell “I’m open!” to the kids throwing around a baseball. If you breathe in you can smell all those flowers that bumble bees used to pollinate. Do not stop and think about why or how all the bumble bees are dying.

[2] M83 “Teen Angst” – It was a blessing in disguise when Nicolas Fromageau left this band. Anthony Gonzalez took the retiring to mean that he was allowed to go full-Air Supply with the act. If you find anybody who will let you French them for five minutes and three seconds, consider spending the summer with him/her/both of them.

[3] Aphex Twin “Fingerbib” – In heaven, insects are actually the opposite of annoying. They tickle you in all the right spots and whisper hilarious witticisms in your ear in the voice of Richard Hammond. Until you die and experience this, Aphex Twin’s little number will have to do.

[4] The Pains of Being Pure At Heart “Side Ponytail” – No matter how old you are, every once in a while it’s good to appease the teen pouting inside of you by grabbing an ice cream, sitting on a newspaper box and swinging your legs from side to side. If it’s raining, splash in puddles. If it’s snowing, leave Newfoundland.

[5] New Order “Regret” – Synths over chorus pedal-soaked Bernard Sumner guitars are like Nintendo angels singing in eighteen part harmony over 8-bit harps. If you stare at the sun long enough, you’ll see those angels and they will transform you into a blind prophet. Raise a glass of Campari and toast daylight saving time!

[6] Blondie “Dreaming” – Tone those thighs by running outside instead of on a treadmill at the YMCA beside rows of power bottoms watching The View. If you see a buddy on your run, whip out that secret handshake and make plans to climb the nearest telephone poll. Once up there, beatbox a Clem Burke drum pattern and proclaim hip hop to be dead. Remember, funk drumming is not for white people unless it’s in a New York rock song.

Illustration: Patrick Kyle