I relish summer music. Whether you’re kicking it with your toes in the sand, or sucking an ice coffee on hot pavement, a subtle summer soundtrack is essential. I was tempted to commit to an obvious radio jam this year, a likkle Kanye hook, maybe additional vocals by Neyo and production by Timbaland. Keri Hilson’s “Knock You Down” was definitely a big contender. Then came V V Brown. I first heard “Shark In The Water” when the Louis La Roche mix popped on during a run. The hook hits like a punch, with mid-heavy horns swarming around Brown’s rich alto and slick arrangement. And the lyrics are killer to boot. Few songs put jealousy and feelings of neglect in as clear a frame. The shark in the water is the unwarranted cry for help, obviously; wolves howling at the moon and Jack of bean stock fame also earn mentions. There is a fat sack of great remixes to be had too, and I’m sure the unofficials will continue to trickle in through September. Though La Roche’s French House edit is by far the most club friendly, my heartstrings are pulled by a more traditional Disco variation, courtesy of the British Funk band Crazy P (or Crazy Penis, if you’re nasty). In this particular version, which can be appreciated in 4/4 or at a sweet half-time groove, Brown’s vocals are stripped back, the soulful guitar line is pumped up, and the bass takes an electro tack. Sultry orchestral sweeps and piano stabs grab hold by the second chorus and we’re off in a summer wonderland. I’d love to play this on the beach at sundown.