Everyone needs to get on a sailboat.

Recently I was introduced to the band Tennis. The timing is very important because the winter has gotten the best of me and they remind me that there are four seasons. Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore spent a great deal of time traveling through the country on a sailboat, and if that's what it takes to make this kind of music, I'd recommend every musician check it out. Their music is in sync - so it makes sense that they're married. Plus, the New York Times likes them.

On repeat.

This cd has been on repeat in my house for a week straight.
Especially "Little Saint Nick." Happy Holidays!!

I need to hang out with Smith Westerns for a weekend.

Today Chicago youngins Smith Westerns released their music video for "Weekend," a song I've had on repeat since its release. I'm not sure if it was all the ying yang signs, chopping of the tree or mall adventures that did it for me, but this is a beautifully done video. They also do a shotgun in a bathroom, which I am a fan of. My conclusion? I need to hang out with them for a weekend.

Mountain Man quiet a room with a cappella.

The sweet harmonizing voices of Mountain Man gathered on World Cafe today. The trio provided a much needed study break for me, and a relaxing one at that. The all-girl trio of Bennington, Vermont know how to hush a room with their tamed but powerful voices. Mally Sarle, Alexandra Sauser-Monning and Amelia Meath know how to perform a cappella the exactly the way it should be. I love that they started off covering Cindy Lauper.

Nicki Minaj on Jimmy Kimmel.

Nicki Minaj sports a new wig as she performs "Right Thru Me" off her new album Pink Friday. I love this girl. She recently took part in a very telling documentary on MTVnews...I could not stop watching.

Smith Westerns' "Weekend" is a teaser.

"Do you think/is it normal/to go through life/oh so formal?"

Earlier this month, the Smith Westerns, a young garage band from Chicago, released the track "Weekend" off of their soon-to-be album Dye it Blonde.

I first saw the band when they were on tour with Girls last winter. They all seem to be the little brothers of Christopher Owens, with their cries of heartbreak and anecdotes about love. After all, their youth is what they've got going for them; their echoey childish voices coupled with their poppy beats are part of their magic.

The Smith Westerns were also featured on NPR's All Songs Considered. You'll have to wait until January to hear the album and I'll be dying of anticipation with you. It'll be just the kind of beach party I'll be needing come winter.

A dress, shoes and a voice.

I was watching SNL for the first time in a great while last night and Florence and the Machine really grabbed my attention. The way Florence commands the stage during "Dog Days" is just mesmerizing - that dress, those shoes and that voice! She truly is a free spirit and it's a privilege to watch her express herself.