Your Ultimate Summer Soundtrack

Illustrations by Paul Tuller

FLORENCE WELCH,
Florence + the Machine
The U.K. siren returns with a set of stormy, brass-y power ballads on How Big How Blue How Beautiful.

Her Picks:

Halos
"They're a young British band that make really dark, emotional dance music -- which I love."

Papa
"I've been a fan of their past work, but their new stuff blows my mind. It's almost indefinable, but I love how heavy and piano-driven it is."

Perfume Genius
"His latest album, Too Bright, is incredible. I'm a bit in love with him."

DJANGO DJANGO
The Mercury Prize shortlisters combine Afro beats and Beach Boys harmonies for their sophomore album, Born Under Saturn.

Their Picks:

Hot Chip, Why Make Sense?
"It's their new album. We supported them for some shows, and they're an amazing live band."

Jam City, Dream a Garden
"His new album out on Night Slugs -- a label that likes to push the boundaries of dance and rhythm music, always experimenting."

Barney Artist
"The best thing in U.K. hip-hop right now. Check his track 'Beep Beep.' Tight production and a great flow."

Brandon Flowers
The Killers frontman enlisted producer Ariel Rechtshaid (Haim, Vampire Weekend) for his second solo effort, The Desired Effect.

His Picks:

The Cars, "My Best Friend's Girl"
"The summer I turned 17, I heard this during a Las Vegas monsoon. Now when it comes on, I'm transported back to that moment, in that car, on that road, liberated."

Whitney Houston, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)"
"We used to go to a water park on the strip called Wet 'n' Wild. This was on heavy rotation. It's pop perfection."

Buddy Holly, "Everyday"
"An easy, breezy song by one of the most gifted dudes to ever set foot on this earth."

PAUL THOMSON,
Drummer, Franz Ferdinand
Franz + veteran art rockers Sparks = supergroup FFS, who rawk out on their aptly named new album, FFS..

His Picks:

Django Django, "First Light"
"I love the odd harmonies on this. It reminds me of the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band."

Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, 1980
"Scott-Heron has a great but laid-back voice; Jackson's playing is loose but tight; the record's subject matter is worrisome but hopeful."

Gunjack, "Pal' Piso"
"A Chilean take on Chicago footwork music. I wouldn't even attempt to dance to this -- just nod my head.