Chris Isaak’s moody masterpiece being given a dub reggae makeover may not seem like a natural marriage – but it turns out to be a perfect match.

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Here’s a slice of steamy Habibi Funk from Beirut’s master musician Charif Megarbane, guaranteed to liven up any summer’s day.

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Looking at a list of the Lovin’ Spoonful’s string of hits in the mid-1960s, I find I only know one of them… this summertime classic.

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A selection of summer sounds old and new of every genre, from The Rivieras, The Cramps and John Lee Hooker to Magazine, Malcolm McLaren and Martha & The Muffins.

Here is Jay Ferguson with his US hit Thunder Island, built around a riff that will be familiar to Rolling Stones fans.

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In my rarefied musical universe few bands enjoy such exalted status as Sparklehorse. And few artists deserve the accolade ‘genius’ more than Mark Linkous.

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Summer songs don’t get much more summery than this trippy number by Jonathan Wilson, leader of the latterday Laurel Canyon revival.

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