Summer is a notorious time in pop culture and it’s because almost everything released in the months of June, July and August looks and sounds like Disney World infused with Adderall.

Aliens, oversexed 45 year-old women talking about dildos, killer toys and Will Smith invade our cineplexes in hopes of making blockbuster history. Inane pop songs flood Top 40 radio and our brains, asking us questions such as “Who let the dogs out?”

Tis the season for style over substance. Well, sort of. There are little glimmers of subcultural hope.

1. Best Coast’s Debut LP (Hopefully)

Best Coast has had quite the meteoric rise. It was only less than a year ago when I interviewed the month-old band based on some demos I had heard on their Myspace. Now, they’re selling out venues internationally and putting the final touches on their debut album. If this song is any indication of what the LP will be like, we’re in one for blissed-out summer beach record. Download a track from their latest 7″ below.

Far Away- Best Coast

2. The Kids Are All Right

The prospect of seeing Annette Benning and Julianne Moore portray lesbian moms is reason enough to see this movie. It’s also directed by 1/2 of the 80′s funk musical duo, Wendy & Lisa. Say no more.

3. Bionic by Christina Aguilera

Look, you can’t leave summer without sinking your teeth into some candy and Christina Aguilera’s new album looks like it’s going to be pretty sweet. Cementing her fate as heiress to Madonna”s throne, Aguilera explores electronica on her latest record, enlisting the help of everyone from Sia to Le Tigre. Color me confused but wasn’t she just moonlighting as a 1940′s jazz musician? Or maybe it was a stripper? Confusion, in Aguilera’s case, is a good thing and it will keep us eagerly awaiting her album’s arrival.

4. Kelly Cutrone

With Kell On Earth off the air, there was worry that we would be seeing less of the New-Agey feminist/PR witch, Kelly Cutrone. But with her role in the new season of The City and her hysterical albeit bizarre Youtube channel, this could very well be the Summer of Cutrone.

5. Bonnaroo 201o

Bonnaroo is the best music festival you’re not going to. Think Coachella but switch skinny jeans and cocaine for mud and acid. It takes place in Tennessee over a weekend in June and is probably the closest to Woodstock we’re ever going to get, complete with a hippie-tastic lineup that includes The Flaming Lips, Dr. Dog and…Kris Kristofferson? I’m already high.