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Arts & Entertainment

Patch Picks Your Labor Day Playlist

This 14-track Labor Day weekend playlist includes California-inspired bands, artists—from Sublime to Raphael Saadiq, grab your iPod and turn up the bass.

As summer slowly draws to a close, don't end the season without the perfect playlist to rock out to while grilling at a backyard barbecue or lounging on the beach.

Since the Sunset Strip has produced some of the most eclectic music over the past 50 years, here are a few homegrown artists along with some classic summer hits to build a soundtrack for the upcoming Labor Day weekend:

1. Beach Boys, "Surfin" 

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What kind of summer mixtape wouldn’t include the boys from Hawthorne on? This is the perfect kick-off tune to set the tone for a fun day in the backyard, and may inspire you to go surf or take a dip in the pool as well.

2. The Mamas and The Papas, "California Dreamin'"

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Nothing says summer—or at least the sound of California—like this tune. This song perfectly sequences after the first track and gives a unique California vibe to your party.

3. Sublime, "What I Got"

The boys from Long Beach’s signature tune will surely elicit cheers, despite it being on the radio 400 times per day. Still a classic.

4. Dr. Dre, "Still D.R.E."

Here’s where hip-hop segues into the mix. There can’t be one with Dre, and this tune is still PG-13 enough that kids could be running around while you jam to the maestro himself. After all, he is a doctor.

5. Snoop Dogg, "Gin and Juice"

Tha Doggfather’s classic tune is one of the greatest party anthems of all time, so why not get everyone up and dancing (or just laaaidback)? Yes it’s a cheap and easy pick, but it also is a guaranteed success.

6. Ice Cube, "Bop Gun"

Ice Cube plus George Clinton, need I say more?

7. Raphael Saadiq, "Radio"

This tune off the producer extraordinaire new LP is a fantastic up-tempo, Chuck Berry rocker that will get you to bust out the hula hoops and dance like you are at a '50s sock up. Oh and it rocks too.

8. Jerry Lee Lewis, "Great Balls of Fire"

See Saadiq—this tune will just continue the fun.

9. The Surfaris, "Wipeout"

Everyone knows this instrumental classic that is synonymous with the summer, so why not have it in the mix?

10. Tupac Shakur, "All About You"

Had to include Tupac on here as well. This track will slow down the mood as we get into punk.

11. Social Distortion, "Story of My Life"

One of the greatest coming of age songs in modern history. The boys from Orange County kill on this classic that is part reminiscent and part disenchantment with commercialism. A definite inclusion.

12. No Doubt, "Just A Girl"

We’re picking up the pace with the song that put Gwen Stefani and company on the map. Poppy, cheerful and upbeat, what else can you ask for?

13. Beach Boys, "Good Vibrations"

Yes, two Beach Boys songs are on here but "Good Vibrations" is the epitome of what is the sound of summer and leaving it off the list would just be, well, weird.

14. Guns N Roses, "Paradise City"

Perfect way to end the mix. If you don’t know the song, then listen to it now and you’ll know why it’s our grand finale.

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