Summertime, and the living is not easy (endless war, oil disasters, World Cup elimination), but a good musical hook helps things along. If ever I wake up one morning and start to sing, I know a song has been playing in my mind while sleeping. Surely such a catchy tune deserves to be in a Top 5 list. And if I choreograph a little morning calisthenic to this particular ditty, that is equivalent to a super ‘A’ plus gold star. I wish you could see the dance I do for the first pick.

5. Otis Taylor, “Put Your Hands On Your Stomach”

The veteran Colorado bluesman delivers his special brand of trance with a deliciously repetitive riff that evokes “A Love Supreme” or an African tribal dance. A great tune to shake around to.  Also a good resource for instruction in case you are looking to channel spirits.

4. Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabaté, “Samba Geladio”

This is the quintessential Malian chill-out track from Touré’s posthumous album. His mindful blues-tinged patterns and Diabaté’s tranquil kora plucking take my frazzled neural circuitry on a soothing trip to Timbuktu and back again.

3. Trombone Shorty, “Hurricane Season”

Honestly, five tracks on Backatown could make the list but I’ll go with the first as it represents what Trombone Shorty does best: danceable New Orleans-inflected hybrids with tight horns and great playing. If you are looking for a member of the opposite sex to grind while trying not to spill a drink, this is the song for you.

2. Carolina Chocolate Drops, “Hit ‘Em Up Style”

If you had told me in 2009 that in 2010 I would be stomping around my living room to a flash-in-the-pan Top 40 hit from 2001 redone with banjos, I would have called you crazy. But here I am, dancing like a drunken troll to this strange, marvelously infectious revamp from CCD’s latest album, Genuine Negro Jig.

1. Drake, “Over”

One of the only rap songs I have ever learned in its entirety. Also, whenever I am confused or disorganized I have a habit of asking myself, “What the hell am I doing?” to which I can now reply: “Oh yeah. That’s right. I’m doing me.” (For more Drake, see Frontier Capitolist’s Top 5)