Looking to slip on the shades, pour a few frozen margaritas and listen to some laid-back beach tunes to pull yourself out of the "there's still 3.5 months of this wet cold winter weather to come" blues? Perhaps some Beach Boys California coast beats or Jack Johnson's Hawaiian hammock-time strums? All good choices, but if you really want to shake the flakes (snow, that is) then check out The Beautiful Girls -- and I don't mean the ones walking the shores of whatever exotic destination you're imagining.

The Aussie threesome, who ironically enough is an entourage of very manly men, has a knack for thinking up rootsy reggae tracks that combine rock 'n roll elements with dreamy, soothing acoustics. The resulting sound is one to put you in the perfect mindset for a day (or week or month) of sun, sand and all around good times. Don't believe me? Listen to track four, Good Times , which has the slow, plunky and ripple-like introduction of Jack Johnson's "Bubbly Toes," with a splash of percussion and a wave of jazz.

Lead guitarist and main vocalist Matt McHugh has the sometimes honeyed, sometimes croaky but always charming sound of fellow folk artist Brett Dennen. And the instrumental support he receives from band mates Paulie and Bruce ranges from reggae to alternative to pop. Tracks like Morning Sun have a more driving, rootsy appeal to them, while La Mar is a little slower and more melodic. Overall, the trio from Down Under take relaxing tunes to a new level with their upbeat, carefree arrangements.

Featured Tracks:
Periscopes
La Mar