Pop-Punk Playlist, Summer '09

Summer is just around the corner which means you'll be driving to a ton of shows, band practices and Taco Bell well after 1 in the morning. So of course, you're going to need some good music to pump through your speakers. That's why I've decided to give you a little help with this playlist of my top 10 pop-punk songs for summer '09. With any luck, this selection can be the soundtrack to your summer.

Capital H - Motion City Soundtrack

This song is like an appetizer to all things pop-punk. MCS's brilliant mix of crunchy guitars and synthesized

melodies via Jesse Johnson's Moog make Capital H a tune that's going to be stuck in your head all summer. I mean, how could you not love a song with lyrics like: Singing songs from the balcony as the city crumbles/Under the powers of an evil doctor rocket science monster/With capabilities to destroy the entire universe. Amazing.

All Downhill From Here - New Found Glory

It's okay to be a little nostalgic for the summer of 2004 so long as you can still rock out to this instant classic off NFG's Catalyst record. All Downhill From Here is the perfect song to accent your playlist. It's fast, catchy and just makes you wanna mosh until you pass out, or die from laughing that you and your friends are actually moshing in your parents' basement. Which ever comes first. 

Burn This City - Cartel

This pop-punk track off Cartel's Chroma is an anthem to youth. It's perfect for summer listening. Complete with group sing alongs, palm muted guitars and a vocal range that only Cartel's Will Pugh could hit, Burn This City will burn itself into your memory as a song you've just got to come back to every summer. 

Reckless Abandon - Blink 182

You didn't think I'd forget about Blink, did you? Reckless Abandon describes pretty much every party you've ever been to, and any party you will go to this summer. Smashing windows, eating pizza, having your dog mistakenly eat your special brownies and finally getting some...in a parking lot. It's all in there. 

Anthem, Part 2 - Blink 182

Okay, no summer pop-punk mix would be complete with only one Blink song! That's why Anthem

has got to be in there. It's probably one of Blink's catchiest songs that didn't make radio. Just let yourself get lost in Tom Delonge's angelic voice and Mark Hoppus' perfect bass playing. Hell, while you're at it, why don't you just listen to all of Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. It can be your backup when you drunkly lose this mix CD at the beach. 

Alex In Wonderland - This Time Next Year

A modern pop-punk masterpiece, Alex In Wonderland is bound to get you singing horribly out of key in your car. Maybe I like it so much because it starts with a drum intro so reminiscent of Blink-182's First Date that you'll be playing both songs over each other to see if there's any difference. Really though, there's not. Check out their video for Alex in Wonderland right here.

Party Scene - All Time Low

I'll admit it, I totally dig this ATL song. Look, if it wasn't for all their 14 year-old fans, I might actually go see them in concert. Until then, I am more than happy to listen to Party Scene off ATL's Put Up or Shut Up. Be ready to toe-tap your way through Warped Tour traffic with this one.

Basket Case - Green Day

While everyone's busy this summer talking about Green Day's latest release, 21st Century Breakdown,

you can rock it old-school style with Basket Case. The best part is that you can actually say you were alive when Dookie came out in 1994. Hell, you were almost 10. That gives you a lot more street cred than those 10 year-olds buying Breakdown this week. Rock on dude, or should I say sir?

Bouncing Off The Walls - Sugarcult

Yea, this song was in National Lampoon's Van Wilder, which makes it just awesome. Duh. Anyway, you can't go wrong with the song that put Sugarcult on the punk rock map. Bouncing Off The Walls is a dance anthem, so be ready to get looks and stares from everyone you pass on the road while on your way to Dairy Queen. 

The Patron Saint of Liars and Fakes - Fall Out Boy

I know it seems like a long way away, but when summer's ending, let this FOB jam be the one to play you out. It finished off Take This to Your Grave beautifully, and will do the same for your '09 playlist. Trust me. Seriously, can you think of a better song to be jamming to mid-August while driving around at dusk? I didn't think so. Enjoy.

So there you have it. You're all set for summer '09. Well, musically at least. Drink up and stay cool kids. It's going to be a scorcher out there!