The perfect party playlist

Ah, Little 500. That glorious time when students party all week long, occasionally breaking things up with classes (maybe) and the actual bike race (do people still go to that?). Music is an essential component of any party, so building a playlist is not something that should be taken lightly. Here’s 10 picks sure to bring down the house:

1. “A Milli” — Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne headlined the official Little 500 concert, so it’s pretty much required that he show up somewhere on this list. This song has the advantage of having been made before all of the crap he’s released recently. The stark open will get everyone’s attention, and Lil Wayne’s best wordplay will interest anyone who’s actually paying attention.

2. “Suffocation” — Crystal Castles
This band specializes in dance music that breaks apart into bursts of white noise. “Suffocation” leaves the noise at the door, instead relying on great beats and haunting vocals.

3. “Imprint After” — Toro y Moi
This song will lighten things up and chill out the party.

4. “Golden Age” — TV on the Radio
And this one will get the energy going again. The muted bass and synthesizers work perfectly with the fragile vocals.

5. “O.N.E.” — Yeasayer
Something about this song is vaguely tropical and exotic, but it’s undeniably danceable.

6. “Monster” — Kanye West featuring Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj and Justin Vernon
This is probably the most fun track on Kanye’s latest album. Minaj’s verse steals the show, and since she also performed for Little 500, it’s another essential.

7. “Teen Age Riot” — Sonic Youth
After the darkness of “Monster,” it’s nice to cool things down a bit with something undeniably joyful. If your spirits aren’t lifted by this song, perhaps you’re not human.

8. “Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel” — Grandmaster Flash
Since we’ve already made a detour into the 1980s, might as well make it official with this classic. This early hip-hop track compiles some of the funkiest bass lines ever.

9. “Helter Skelter” — The Beatles
This is a quick detour into hard rock. Few songs are as nihilistic (or catchy).

10. “Brother Sport” — Animal Collective
Time to end this mix with something grand. “Brother Sport” is a perfect, exuberant way to end a perfect party.