As warmer months approach, the search for that one classic summer album intensifies. Every summer, it seems like there is one album that rises above all the others and becomes the definition of the three-month break between the school year. Here are early candidates for the possible best summer release:

mc chris – “mc chris is dead”

Street date: May 27

Some people just “get” mc chris and can already predict that this is probably going to be one of the best albums to drop in 2008. All the tracks posted on his MySpace are awesome. Fans should expect more of the same, but noobs should brace themselves for a whirlwind of amazing beats, funny lyrics and, ideally, tons of video game references.

Radiohead – “The Best Of”

Street date: June 3

The common thought is that Radiohead is one of the best bands making music today. However, as with all “greatest hits” albums, this will surely be just another run-through of classic tracks. Anyone who appreciates music will know that Radiohead’s best work usually shows up in the deeper album cuts, so save money and purchase the full albums.

N.E.R.D – “Seeing Sounds”

Street date: June 10

Pharrell Williams is possibly the most overrated emcee this side of Jay-Z, but his ability to produce beats that make people want to drink Pepsi is unparalleled. There is a good chance that this could be one of the best hip-hop releases of the year, probably on the strength of the beats alone.

Weezer – “Red Album”

Street date: June 24

There is simply no way that the newest Weezer album can be as bad as the band’s previous effort, “Make Believe,” so odds are this should be solid. The band is apparently trying to change up its style a bit, and hopefully this album comes off as more “Across the Sea” than “Beverly Hills.”

Alkaline Trio – “Agony and Irony”

Street date: July 1

The kings of bad puns are back! As much as it hurts to admit, there have been solid songs on all of Alkaline Trio’s releases, but there is a chance that this album will be less-produced and provide more of the classic raw sound that made them McHenry County’s favorite satan-worshipping-sons. Hopefully, there are more songs featuring Dan Andriano’s dark croon than those with Matt Skiba’s obnoxious yelp.