Rock your summer - Top 10 Music - concert and recording suggestions for various tastes

Girls' Life, June-July, 2003 by Kelly White

If you're looking to give your CD collection a jump, there's something here for everybody. Plus, we show you which summer concert tours you won't want to miss. Go to www.pollstar.com for concert info.

If you're a fan of Coldplay, give a listen to...

Celebrity, LOVESICK

Dreamy vocals backed by solid rock beats bring to mind bands like Radiohead, Dishwalla and Depeche Mode. Soothes and stimulates simultaneously--like aromatherapy. If you're looking for some tunes to energize you without all the metalesque head-banging properties, this is it.

THE TOUR FOR YOU

John Mayer/Counting Crows

John's on the mild side; the Crows are on the wild side. This is a perfect hybrid show. The double billing runs July to the start of September.

If you're a fan of Avril Lavigne, give a listen to...

Rachel Farris, SOAK

Rachel spits out spunky power-pop tunes with songs as honestly simple and catchy as their titles: "You Think," "Beautiful" and "Wild." It's high-energy girly fun. Says 20-something Rachel, "I understand what a young girl growing up in this world goes through--that's why I want to share."

THE TOUR FOR YOU

Vans Warped Tour '03

Catch the tail end of Avril's tour, or really get in sk8r mode and hit Vans Warped. No, Avril will not be there and neither will Rachel. But girl-fronted Damone will be. The best part? Reverse Daycare, a tented, air-conditioned area where you can drop off your parents while you cruise the festival.

If you're a fan of Mudvayne, give a listen to...

Living Things, TURN IN YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

You won't believe the noise that explodes from this tidy three-piece--singer/guitarist Lillian (yes, a dude), his brother Eve on bass and his other brother Bosh on drums. Hate to label, but it's heavy--duty hair metal--it rocks! Influenced by the rowdiness of Guns 'n' Roses, Dinosaur Jr's threesomeness and Nirvana's social consciousness, Living Things is loud and proud!

THE TOUR FOR YOU

Summer Sanitarium Tour 2003

The metal tour masterminded and headlined by Metallica kicks off with a bang on Fourth of July with Mudvayne opening. Don't miss this one, you head-banging babes! You know who you are.

If you're a fan of Justin Timberlake, give a listen to...

Mall Morris, UNSPOKEN

And you thought all the talent from the New Mickey Mouse Club had been tapped-- Justin, Britney, Christina. But there's still mega-talented Matt. He sings and plays piano, guitar and bass. And he wrote every searing note. (Justin T. helped him pen "Go Away.") Matt is more than a songwriter; he's a poet, who co-wrote many of Christina's Stripped tracks. Matt's songs speak volumes in emotional integrity.

THE TOUR FOR YOU

Justin Timberlake/Christina Aguilera

What more can we say? It's not exactly a Mouse Club reunion event--that we'd like to see. The duo will entertain concert-goers June through August.

If you're a fan of Weezer, give a listen to...

Ozma, SPENDING TIME ON THE BORDERLINE

This rock band consists of four dudes and a chick--Star Wick on keyboards and flute. Songs are as diverse as energetic "Spending Time" to more mellow "Your Name." The band has a real indie feel, uninfluenced by mainstream norms.

THE TOUR FOR YOU Projekt: Revolution

On the heels of Meteora's release, Linkin Park is revolutionizing the stage through August. And tix are free for military personnel and their families!

If you're a fan of Nick or Aaron Carter give a listen to...

Back II Back, THE ONE

These makeup/breakup songs are more R&B than pop, but we know some of you girls are in it for the dreaminess of it all. Dubbed "the dreamy duo," bros Steven and Michael Bernardo have a natural harmony. Go figure--they're twins! "Luv I You" and "Didn't Mean to Make You Cry" should touch your heart.

THE TOUR FOR YOU Juanes

The Latin heartthrob set an attendance record at D.C's Kennedy Center last year--by word of mouth alone. Check out a sellout show May through July.

If you're a fan of Incubus, give a listen to...

6gig, MIND OVER BODY

Like your music rough around the edges? Crank up "Whose Side Are You On?" and "Proud" to make the house vibrate. But it's not all raucous rock. Tunes like the acoustic "Say Goodbye" bring it down to a lower-level intensity.

THE TOUR FOR YOU Lollapalooza '03

Jane's Addiction, Audioslave, Incubus, Queens of the Stone Age. What more could you want from a band lineup? The tour runs July through August.

if you're a fan of Dixie Chicks, give a listen to...

The Be Good Tanyas, CHINATOWN

Blues, bluegrass, folk, rock, country and roots are rolled into a blast of toe-tappin' sweetness. The homespun girl trio weaves melodies in and out on guitar, mandolin, harmonica, ukulele and banjo as vocals float across each note.

THE TOUR FOR YOU Higher Ground Music Festival

What better way for country lovers to enjoy a concert than camping in West Virginia? The musical camp-out takes place in Terra Alta, W.Va., June 26-28. But keep an open mind--it's a little bit country, a little bit rap and soul. Acts are as varied as the Dirty Dozen Brass Band to DJ Logic.

If you're a fan of New Found Glory, give a listen to...