1 - Beleza Tropical - This is a compilation of Brazilian music put together by David Byrnes of Talking Heads fame. The majority are from the Tropicalista movement, and even though many may argue it should be updated with some of the newer artists, I still think it is an excellent sonic time capsule. These tunes are classic and definitely make me think of warm breezes. Standout tracks: Jorge Ben's Ponta de Lanca Africano (Umbabarauma), Caetano Veloso's O Leaozinho and Maria Bethania and Gal Costa's duet, Sonho Meu.

2- Oh, Inverted World - Mellifluous strains of indie rock, a breezy blend which makes a great soundtrack for walks in the sunshine. Tracks to check out: This Celibate Life, Girl On the Wing and The Past and Pending.

3- The Art of Amalia - April showers bring May flowers, so a rainy day warrants something a little heavier. One could say this is standard issue in most Portuguese families. My father would play this music while driving in the car, and now as an adult I've truly come to appreciate Amalia's voice, a Portuguese Billie Holiday. My favorites: Ha Festa Na Mouraria, Vou Dar De Beber a Dor and Primavera.

4 - Weezer
The initial offering from the boys now maligning the lifestyles of Beverly Hills, "The Blue Album" reminds me of the 8th grade and my first forays into the world of alternative rock and debates held with friends while waiting for French class to start. Remember these: The World Has Turned and Left Me, Surf Wax America, and Buddy Holly.

5- The Best of Blondie - One way or another, the newly inducted Rock'n'Roll Hall of Famers have experimented and never were afraid to make something different. To think that the now classic disco driven Heart of Glass was initially imagined as a reggae influenced song. This original compilation of their greatest hits has all the mainstream hits often butchered on karaoke nights. Sing it: Atomic, Dreaming and Hanging on the Telephone.