Suggested songs of the summer

It happens every year, whether we like it or not.

We don't ask for it, per se. It's not something we seek out. It's just something that develops organically (well, with a major assist from record companies, media conglomerates and screaming teenagers).

Yes, that's right, I'm talking about the Song of the Summer.

It's that song that gets played ad nauseam until our ears bleed and/or we beg for mercy.

That song you're guaranteed to hear blasted from open car windows.

That song you can't avoid, no matter how hard you try.

Since the turning of the millennium alone, we've had Rihanna's "Umbrella," Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy," Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl," Usher's "Yeah," Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love," Nelly's "Hot in Herre," Destiny Child's "Bootylicious" and — oh, dear God — the Baha Men's "Who Let the Dogs Out."

And if you want to get all historical up in here, how about that summer gem from 50 years ago, Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues." There still ain't no cure for 'em.

But this year, I refuse to be led blindly into my summertime music shackles. This year, I'm getting proactive when it comes to what song I'll have to hear until it's soldered into my auditory canal.

So here are a few of my humble suggestions for the songs I wouldn't mind spending a lazy three months with.

• "The Quest," Bryn Christopher

The British soul-pop singer's barn-burner was made famous in the last scene of the "Grey's Anatomy" season finale. What I'm gonna live for, indeed.

• "I Know Ur Girlfriend Hates Me," Annie

The Norwegian hip-swishing, gum-popping dance-pop princess has made a song that's simply irresistible. I dare you not to dance.

• "Into the Nightlife," Cyndi Lauper

We know this girl just wants to have fun, and the '80s pop icon finally has delivered another album of pure danceable joy. Her new CD, "Bring Ya to the Brink," is Cyndi's personal confessions on the dance floor.

Check out all my summer song picks on my SceneIt blog (thehive.modbee.com/sceneit) and post your own nominees.

Together, we take back our summertime playlists.

Elsewhere around the Scene:

The San Joaquin County Fair kicks off Wednesday in Stockton for its five-day run.

Headlining opening night will be country star Randy Travis. Performing the rest of the schedule each night, respectively, will be country singer Travis Tritt, R&B icon Smokey Robinson, rockers Grand Funk Railroad and norteño accordionist Ramon Ayala. The fair also has a carnival, bull riding, freestyle motocross, a car show and a Mexican rodeo.

The fair opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and at noon Friday through Sunday. Tickets are $6 in advance, $9 at the gate for adults and $3 in advance, $5 at the gate for children ages 6 to 12. Kids 5 and under get in free. Concerts are included in the price of admission. Call 466-5041. ...

Looking for some music Saturday night?

Check out Los Angeles-based rock outfit Melotia as it brings its Summer Kamikaze Tour to the Fat Cat Music House & Lounge. The Southern California band features drummer C. Skelton, formerly of the popular area hard-rock act Built.

The show's at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10. Call 524-1400. More at www.melotia.com. ...

Looking for some music Sunday night?

Check out Tampa indie rock outfit The Almost at Sidelines. Signed to Virgin Records offshoot Tooth & Nail, the band's debut album, "Southern Wedding," hit No. 29 on the Billboard Top 200. The band's single "Say This Sooner" was a top 10 hit on alternative radio and in rotation on MTV, MTV2, mtvU, Music Choice and Fuse.

Also performing will be Envy On The Coast, Army of Me and La Circa. Showtime is 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $17 at the door. More at www.thealmost.com. ...

And finally, valley rap artist B.V. Bridges, the owner of The Boardroom recording studio in Ceres, has signed a two-song deal with Original Source Music, a Colorado-based music publishing company. The songs, "Stingy" and "Let 'Em Know," also are scheduled to be released this fall on Bridges' full-length CD, "Invisible Man."

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/bvbridges, or to contact The Boardroom, call 537-6863.

Bee entertainment writer Marijke Rowland can be reached at mrowland@modbee.com or 578-2284. Read her blog SceneIt at thehive.modbee.com/sceneit.