Soundtrack for your summer in Las Vegas

What comes to mind when you think of summer?

Trick question.

You're not supposed to think much this time of year.

How else do you explain the popularity of the "Transformers" franchise?

Summer is all about having a blast doing really dumb stuff - cooking oneself beneath the sun, courting dehydration by pounding brews in 100 degree heat, paying to see movies with Bruce Willis in them, etc.

Of course, you need some sufficiently bitchin' tunes to go with it all, so here's the soundtrack to your Vegas summer by local bands who've lived it.

The Big Friendly Corporation, "Worth the Waste": A song for every summer fling, this blown kiss with buzzing keys and comely harmonies is almost as dreamy as the object of affection it's aimed at.

Fat Dukes of F!@#, "Killin' Ya Ta Death": Because you've got to get even with the neighbors who keep blasting Will Smith's "Summertime" during family barbecues somehow, right? This groovy hunk o' hate will fix 'em for good.

The Mapes, "I Gotta Get Drunk": Yes, you do. And these dudes are always willing drinking buddies, packing more awesomely ill-advised behavior into this 95-second blast of punk rock hedonism than 1,000 Nick Noltes at 1,000 open bars. It ends with clinking glasses - and you on the floor.

HighDro, "Feelin' the Vibes": Like a muscle relaxer in song form, this laid back, life-affirming hip-hop mood enhancer floats by on breezy guitar and horns. This one's as essential for pool parties as inflatable beer koozies.

The Vermin, "Las Vegas": Actually, this glass-gargling rundown of all Vegas' seedy charms is an anthem for all seasons, but it goes best during those months when inhibitions are as limited as the coverage provided by Speedos and thongs.

Righteous Pigs, "Misconduct": The soundtrack to dubious decision making in grind form, this one's for living - and dying - in the moment.

Black Camaro, "Summer of Dirt": "I thought that was our summer hit," Black Camaro frontman Brian Garth said of this song in a recent interview. "Then I realized we don't have hits." Maybe not, but this dizzy pop singalong comes close.

Quint and the Cowpunk Calamity, "Bad Habits": Not sure what it is, but honky- tonk and hard liquor go together like Jager and regret. This song is as fun as the morning after most definitely won't be.

Yeller Bellies, "Touched by the Hand": You're going to need to do some serious repenting after all the debauchery you've got ahead of you, and this rousing gospel hallelujah will enable you to seek forgiveness for your sins without having to doff your sweet ass jean shorts and dress up for church.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.