I love when the elements draw you towards dusting off some records from the back of the crate. Or bring up feelings of the same season a year or more ago.

Under 12" of snow, I'm enjoying a day off work and 12" of vinyl. This winter, I've been playing a lot of Captain Beyond's self-titled album and Skeeter Davis' "maryfrances" album along with a few spins of the Dwight Twilley Band. Digitally, sounds from Oslo label Metronomicon seem to fit the mood, especially from the group Hanny:(www.myspace.com/metronomiconhanny) Standout track for me- "The Birds Them". Great for wintry nights and deep thought.

On the Moshi Moshi label, Casiokids out of Bergen, Norway is a current favorite for when you want to think of winter as sledding and snowball fights instead of bleakness and cold (casiokids.com). They incorporate synthpop with warm afro-beats, a slightly different take than Vampire Weekend. What makes them more unique is their performance art, which has them often (and fittingly) billed with Of Montreal. They incorporate shadow puppet group Digitalteateret, props, costumes and of course, Casios. They tour extensively for kindergartners and indie kids alike. My current favorite is the poppy track, "Grønt lys i alle ledd". Who cares if I can't understand a word of it?

What are some of your winter season favorites?