Beat (Health, Life and Fire) by Thao 
Female singer/songwriter Thao (Nguyen) from Falls Church, VA has an interesting, lilting voice reminiscent of Cat Power and her songs have a sweet playfulness that's perfect for summer drives and afternoons on the beach. I'm in sand and surf mode this week in San Diego so her new album, We Brave Bee Stings and All (which includes a languid cover of The Beatles's "You've Really Got a Hold on Me") is fitting my sunny mood perfectly. Listen and see if you can't stop smiling.
Thao and The Get Down Stay Down are on tour now--more data at MySpace Thao Music.
Thao live at The Black Cat
