Building the Ultimate Summer Playlist: "Trouble Hunters" by Astronautalis

Music often defines my summers. There's really nothing like hanging out with friends, driving around, or going to the beach as one signature song plays. And when you hear that song months or even years later, it takes you right back.

It happens every summer: Rihanna's "Umbrella," Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie," and even the goddamned Baha Men's "Who Let the Dogs Out?" They take over the radio, and it's what you hear everywhere you go. But it's not always what

It's entirely subjective, and it's really more about capturing the moment--pure escapism--rather than finding a deep meaning connected to the music. Last summer, Cobra Starship's "Guilty Pleasure" and 3oh!3's "Don't Trust Me" dominated me and my friends' aimless romps around Long Island. The sentimentalism of Paramore's "Franklin" (pre-"Misery Business") and the declaration of perpetual youth in Brand New's "Soco Amaretto Lime" marks the summer I graduated high school (2007). And the infectious music of The Hush Sound and Death Cab for Cutie was the obsession of 2006.

This year, I've already got my ears tuned for those songs I'll be playing on repeat once finals are over and I am once again free from schoolwork. And there's already one song that's got me anticipating those summer nights. "Trouble Hunters" by Astronautalis is just the kind of catchy tune I'm inclined to listen to while just hanging around with some friends. It's what I'll be listening to as I wreak mild, innocen havoc this summer. And check out the music video--it's clear he doesn't take himself too seriously, and it's just fun to watch. Don't be surprised if I dress up as a vampire at least once this summer recreating this video.