Did summer really pass by that quickly? It seems like only yesterday we were walking outside in short sleeves for first time all year, and now it's already time to break out the sweaters. Before we do, though, we'd like to give one last musical salute to beach season. Check out some of the songs that helped define our summer below.

Animal Collective, "Summertime Clothes"

While Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion came out in January, everyone was secretly waiting to play this song in warm weather. So of course "Summertime Clothes" became something of an anthem for the breed of people who consider tight pants to be summertime clothes... not that there's anything wrong with that.

Drake, "Best I Ever Had"

This has been young Drake's breakout year, but more importantly, he happened to rule the hottest months of the year. "Best I Ever Had" was the summer jam that put a smile on everyone's face, not to mention the song every guy in America tried using to woo their special gals.

Phoenix, "Lisztomania"

Again, summer is all about feel-good songs, and "Lisztomania" is one that had everyone from aging rock critics to teenage girls humming along. More importantly, after years of churning out upbeat power pop tunes, the song helped propel Phoenix to the stardom they've been overdue for.

Black Eyed Peas, "Boom Boom Pow"

Sometimes, the summer gets defined by songs you don't even like... though we'll keep our lips sealed about the latest smash hit from the Black Eyed Peas. Either way, when you think back to the summer of 2009, you'll remember that this song was inescapable, whether it was on the radio, in commercials, or playing in every clothing store in the mall.

Michael Jackson, "Thriller"

Every few years, a throwback has the potential to become the sound that dominates a season. In this case, the sad story of Michael Jackson's death led both hardcore and casual fans to mourn in the same way: by playing his music on repeat, remembering the staggering talent we lost rather than the divisive personality.

Real Estate, "Beach Comber"

While we've hit some of the popular warm weather songs, it wouldn't be the summer without a little discovery. On the more obscure side of things, a new strain of indie beach pop hit the blogosphere in a stunning fashion, including New Jersey's Real Estate, who are set to release their debut in November, a month not quite known for beach season.

The Drums, "Let's Go Surfing"

Speaking of beaches, the Drums burst onto the scene with this song right as they were all about to close. While the Florida duo might sing about one of the summer's pass times, the music itself transcends the surroundings it was inspired by, making it the perfect song to lead us into a time when we start shopping for coats and wonder what to listen to next.

Farewell, summer 2009... you will be missed. Did your summer sound a little different? Leave your own picks in the comments!