Compiled by New York electro-rocker the Juan Maclean, whose album Less Than Human drops July 12.

“Dreams,” by Fleetwood Mac
Magnificently seductive. Transports you to a world of fairies and wizards.

“The Platform on the Ocean,” by Arthur Russell
Mega-distorted guitars equal eight minutes of white-line fever—the type that lulls you to sleep.

“Straight Outta Compton,” by N.W.A.
Now that you’ve relaxed into a trance, it’s time to pay attention to driving.

“Summer Breeze,” by Seals & Crofts
Contrived to get girls into bed.

“Schizophrenia,” by Sonic Youth
Ditto, but better when your hipster friends stop beside you at the red light.

“Oscillator,” by Paperclip People
Techno classic needs a subwoofer. You need sunglasses to hide your eyes when you get pulled over.

“A Debris of Murder,” by Throbbing Gristle
Helps you forget you’ve been driving for an hour without air-conditioning.

“Horror House,” by Psychic TV
A bouncy, ragtime-style piano loop.

“Sylvia Said,” by John Cale
It’s crying time. Keep your shades on.

“Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels),” by Jim Croce
Sticking the knife in, a heartbreaking account of the aftermath of a breakup.

“Echo Waves,” by Manuel Göttsching
Fifteen minutes of Teutonic euphoria.

“Hello It’s Me,” by Todd Rundgren
You know how you pretend that you’re “just friends” with someone, but you would do anything to sleep with them, but it never happens and you feel sad about it for the rest of your life?

“California Love,” by Tupac
To help you get over your “girl” “friend.” If you still have that subwoofer, you are in paradise.

“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” by Gordon Lightfoot
Singer-songwriter’s tale of the sinking of a ship on Lake Superior. So moving, you’ll buy the book.

“Seasons in the Sun,” by Terry Jacks
Put the gas pedal to the floor and aim your car at the next telephone pole.

See also:
New York D.J.'s Predict the Songs of Summer

Related:

• Archive: “Features”
• Table of Contents: Jul 4, 2005 issue of New York | Subscribe!