Here in the UK, the summer is at its peak, which as anyone who has ever visited Britain would know means lots of rain with the occasional sunny spell in between. But regardless of the weather outside, music has the ability to lift our spirits and at least make us feel like it’s fine outside.

Some of the blogs on the b5 Music Channel have put together their soundtracks for the summer, and here is mine. There are only five songs, but they are all very recent and all have one one thing in common: they cheered me up when I didn’t really feel as though it were summer.

The Ting Tings - Shut Up And Let Me Go

Mint Royale - Singin’ In The Rain

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Rapper Dizzee Rascal recently managed to score his first number one hit with Dance Wiv Me, a collaboration with Scottish dance producer Calvin Harris. The song stayed at the top of the British charts for four weeks before being displaced by Kid Rock and the oh so derivative All Summer Long.

Unfortunately, because the song was rather more pop than his usual fayre, Dizzee had to put up with accusations that he had sold out. Yes it was different than his normal grime track but then it was also a bloody good song in its own right, and the mainstream appeal it had meant that it managed to sell very well.

Dizzee recently spoke to the Daily Record, and revealed that not only is he working on another track with Calvin Harris, but that he would also be keeping it pop when writing his next album.

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Dizzee Rascal may be heading for his first number one single in the British charts as his new song, Dance Wiv Me, is sitting at the top of the midweek charts. The song is a collaboration with fellow Brit sensation Calvin Harris, and is the first release on Dizzee’s own Dirtee Stank record label.

Dizzee Rascal is a rarity in being not only a successful British rapper, but also an artist who seems to command respect from all different corners of the musical landscape. This has helped Dizzee have success beyond the demographic you would imagine him to.

He spoke to Radio 1 about the possibility of securing his first number one, saying:

“It feels good because it’s the first release on my own label and it’s looking like it’s going to the top. I hear Basshunter is on my tail but it doesn’t matter. I’ve not heard his tune anyway.”

Collaborations also play a big part in Dizzee’s career, already having done well featuring on Basement Jaxx’ single Lucky Star. Dance Wiv Me sees Rascal team up with new rave funster Calvin Harris, and Dizzee claims there are many more artists he’d like to work with.

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