When the end of the year is near, nothing excites me more than creating a summer playlist. I pick and choose my favorite songs and add a few newbies here and there as the summer goes on. At the current moment, here are my top 10 choices for summer ’09 (in no particular order). It's an eclectic list with a world flavor, perhaps best symbolized by Uffie, an American who has made her name rapping in Paris.

"Alocate"
Mexican Institute of Sound
I really love Mexican Institute of Sound in general. Hailing from Mexico City, Instituto Mexicano Del Sonido started as an electronic music project, which served as a mesh between traditional and folk Mexican music. Naturally, the music is always playful and upbeat. "Alocatel" is a great song because it's electronic, ethnic, and danceable.

"Set Yourself On Fire"
Charlotte Gainsbourg
Charlotte Gainsbourg is a French singer and actress. I must say, though her album "5:55" achieved much success, I was not very impressed. The popular tune "The Songs That We Sing," was subpar to my ears. However, I absolutely adore the song "Set Yourself On Fire." It's one of the few Gainsbourg songs I would recommend. Unlike most of the others, this one is fun and upbeat.

"I Sing I Swim"
Seabear
"I Sing I Swim" is a rather mellow song. If you are looking for a dance track, then skip this one. Seabear is an indie folk band from Iceland; unlike countrymen Sigur Rós, though, the group sings in English. Seabear has had some success in both the U.S. and U.K., with songs featured in BBC adverts and the Season 1 finale of "Gossip Girl" ("Cat Piano"). Keep an eye out for their second album, which comes out later this year.

"Fascination"
Alphabeat
Danish pop band Alphabeat has made it big in the U.K. with "Fascination." The group is fun, and the music is incredibly upbeat, almost like Mika but with undertones of rock.

"Heart It Races"
Remixed by DJ Rupture, Ital Hymn Mix Featuring Mr Lee G
(Originally by Architecture In Helsinki)
To start off, I am head-over-heels-in-love with Architecture In Helsinki. This Aussie indie-pop band is absolutely to die for. Their songs are all really different, and the instruments range from analog synthesizers to trombones and clarinets or even a simple guitar! The original "Heart It Races" irritated me; I felt it lacked something. But, when I purchased some remixes, I immediately feel in love with DJ Rupture's constant, more reggae-like metamorphosis.

"Good Time"
Brazilian Girls
The Brazilian Girls are not actually Brazilian; they're New Yorkers. The band is known for being eclectic, incorporating tango, chanson, electro, and easy listening into their songs. It's impossible for "Good Time" to be left out of any summer mix with its feel-good tune. I'm sure many will relate to the lyrics, too — I know I will!

"Mas Que Nada"
Sergio Mendes featuring The Black Eyed Peas
"Mas Que Nada," which translates from Portuguese as "But that's nothing," is originally from 1963. While the original song is good, the Black Eyed Peas have modernized the song — it's great for any occasion!

"Italy"
Lynn O'Brien
Lynn O'Brien is amazing! "Italy" is jazz-like and adorable. Did I mention that Lynn is a townie? Yes! She went to Centennial High School. I’m a huge fan of the music therapy major at Illinois State, but "Italy" is something else. It’s almost like Regina Spektor but 10 times better.

"Ciao Bella"
Rose
"Ciao Bella" is a beautiful song, mixing a melodic voice and mellow music. The song is in French, as Rose is a French artist; nevertheless, it is a song you will be craving to hear in August as summer comes to a close. I also encourage you to check out the music video — it's adorable.

"First Love"
Uffie
Uffie is "freaky hot." Technically she's American, but she is more of a French sensation. Having left the U.S. in her teens, Uffie now raps in Paris. Uffie's music is a fusion of synthetic pop and hip-hop. Her song "Pop the Glock" shot her to fame in early 2006. Since then, she has worked with the likes of Mr. Oizo and Crystal Castles. "First Love" is sweet with intricate lyrics, but the electronic music in the back does away with any mushy-gushy feelings one might have — don't worry, it isn't really a love song!