To be honest, I’ve always been a little torn about Valentine’s Day. For me it’s kind of like communism; while great in theory, it almost never works in the execution. Considering last year I got two Snickers bars from my now-ex (gee, I wonder why), I don’t have high hopes for Valentine’s Day, but I’m not a complete Cupid-hater either. I’m still a sucker for love.

So for those who are like me, or for those of you who have plans with a significant other, this week’s album is for you: Belle and Sebastian Write About Love.

About the Band:
Belle and Sebastian is an indie pop band from Scotland who got their name from a French children’s book. While a lot of people think they’re a duet, it’s actually a seven member band consisting of Stuart Murdoch, Stevie Jackson, Chris Geddes, Richard Colburn, Sarah Martin, Mick Cooke, and Bobby Kildea.

Top 3 Tracks:

I Want the World to Stop

Write About Love (ft. Carey Mulligan)

Read the Blessed Pages

Why You Should Listen to It:
This album mixes the contemporary with vintage in a beautiful and unique way. It’s so bright, happy, and romantic without being too saccharine. If you’re feeling down about being single on Valentine’s Day (and, uh, you should not!), this totally has the ability to cheer you up. And if you’ve got yourself a Valentine,  this album will definitely get you looking forward to whatever romance you’ve got planned for the night.

Want more awesome iPod suggestions? You got it! And if you’re lookin’ for more “love” songs, check out our Valentine’s Day playlist. 

There’s a new plague making its way across college campuses from coast to coast. Take one step into your local incorporated coffee shop, vegan restaurant, Urban Outfitters or American Apparel store and you will be afflicted. (Or blinded by all the neon spandex and overwhelming scent of cigarettes.)

I’m talking, of course, about hipsters.

Don’t know what I’m talking about? Don’t worry’ they’ve even got a Wikipedia page.

I don’t truly despise these people. In fact, some are my dear friends. However, the ones that aren’t my friends are becoming an issue – a taking-all-the-tables-at-my-favorite-coffee-shop issue – and here’s my top 10 reasons that they piss me off. Obviously, not all apply. And obviously there are many, many more.

1. OHMYGOD just because I don’t wear weird clothes doesn’t mean I don’t like good music, too.
Hipsters pride themselves on liking the most unique, underground indie music. And if they like something outside that realm? Well, they like it “ironically.” In fact, I’m pretty sure their entire subculture is based on irony. (Editor’s Note: Maybe Alanis Morisette started the hipster movement?!) They automatically assume if someone is in a polo shirt that their music taste only expands as far as Dave Matthews and OAR. WRONG. Not everyone wears their music taste on their American Apparel sleeves. Get. Real. Check my last.fm; I listen to just as much Arcade Fire as you do and my mom was at Pavement concerts when you were in diapers.

2. The corporations you support are just as bad as the ones you hate.
So, you enjoy taking over Urban Outfitters? Well guess what – UO supported Proposition 8, the recently passed proposition that banned same sex marriage. Urban is owned by the most anti-gay bigot ever. Maybe you should think twice before you go heading over there for your next ironic tee and skinny jeans.

3. Life’s tough. Get a helmet.
Adorn the helmet with Bon Iver stickers. Do what you must, just stop bitching and moaning and sucking down Parliament Lights and PBR cans like it’s your job. You’ve got a trust fund, you unitard-wearing complainer.

4. Hypocritical much?
So, you spend your time hating on people for being judgmental a-holes? While you sit there and judge them based on the fact that they’re wearing mainstream clothing and maybe enjoy rap music? I don’t think that frat boy gives a crap about your life, so why do you care how he lives his?

5. Sports are not the anti-christ.
I like basketball. It’s fun to cheer for things (I know. Enthusiasm. Scary.) and maybe you should try watching it. Just because a lot of people love it doesn’t mean it sucks.

6. People eat animals. They taste real good.
Don’t tell me how my burger came to be. Veganism is your choice, not mine. Do I tell you how your lungs are turning black when you smoke? No. Do I not-so-politely inform you that your skinny jeans are permanently damaging your nerves? Nopers. Don’t remind me that my sandwich was once a living thing.

7.  It’s okay to like things without being ironic.
I’d love to meet a hipster that can openly admit that they un-ironically enjoy Britney Spears or Fall Out Boy. Even just a couple songs. Come on! It’s catchy! I’m not judging you!

8. Starbucks is tasty. Organic coffee tastes funky.
Enough said. Maybe it’s overpriced, but oh my god, I have never had a decent frappucino at an indie coffee shop. Side note: your indie coffee shop is most likely a franchise, too!

9. PBR is gross.
Enough. Said.

10. Smile.
Sunshine, I don’t care what you’re wearing, but for the love of spandex and Ray-Bans, can you please brighten someone’s day and smile? Scowling is super unbecoming.

It doesn’t mean that some things aren’t better faked.

Sometimes you just don’t have the time to read the New York Times every morning, or take up sailing to impress the hot preppy guy in your economics class, or even make sure your life isn’t a complete disaster. In this case, sometimes a girl just has to fake it. Hey, you think I actually have time to read the whole Economist every week to fit in with my superstar Ivy peers? Hells no.

How to Fake Knowing About Current Events:

1. Pick up the Economist from the library, read the first 5 pages where they summarize all the major events that happened in the past week in bullet points.

2. Skim the world section of the Times every morning, usually you can pick up the main points in 10 minutes- things in Iraq continue to go to hell, terrorism lives on, etc.

3. Every Sunday the Times summarizes all the major news stories of the previous week. Plus all the stories rock.

How to Fake Sexual Skill

1. You don’t really have to; most guys are thrilled to have you naked at all.

2. Reverse cowgirl. It’s so easy, but so effective. It’s like girl on top, only you face backwards. Guys love this move, especially if you’re wearing cute underwear.

3. A little moaning always fixes everything. No seriously, it does. Bonus points for a hair toss now and then.

How to Fake Being Preppy (in case your boyfriend invites you home … in CT)

1. Put on cable knit sweater, add pearl earrings, throw on some Sperry’s. Bonus points for sporting pink and green.

2. Apply pink blush to the apples of your cheeks so it looks like you just got back from brisk row.

3. Throw a copy of “The Official Preppy Handbook” in your monogrammed L.L. Bean tote (you know – in case you need to sneak off to the bathroom for a reference).

How to Disguise the Freshman 15:

1. I can’t stress this enough; A black turtleneck. It makes your chest look huge and your waist tiny.

2. Dark denim jeans, knee length skirts, empire waists, black leggings. Whatever you do, avoid flats and skirts together like the plague.

3. If you don’t have time to exercise, 50-100 lunges a day will firm things up in a couple of weeks.

How to Fake Knowing About New Music:

1. Always have an obscure band to reference. Even better, have two: “Yeah, the new stuff from Arcade Fire is great, for sure, but doesn’t it sound a little like the Coke Squirrels’ second album?”

2. Memorize the names of the top bands on College Music’s Top Lists and listen to a clip from each on www.myspace.com. Throw around names liberally.

3. There is nothing like iTunes for checking up random bands without actually bothering to listen to, or pay to hear their full songs.

How to Fake Looking Good After Pulling An All-Nighter:

1. Visine and an eyelash curler for your bloodshot eyes; apricot blush for your pasty complexion; a high, tight ponytail for that sophisticated European scholar look.

2. Take off those grim sweatpants and throw on a pair of equally comfortable low slung cargo pants, tight camisole, topped off with a little cardigan. It feels like PJs but looks so damn good.

3. Lay off the coffee unless you want to kill your stomach lining; wash down a caffeine pill with a tall glass of orange juice instead. It’s a buzz with vitamins and minerals.

I’m talking, of course, about hipsters.

Don’t know what I’m talking about? Don’t worry’ they’ve even got a Wikipedia page.

I don’t truly despise these people. In fact, some are my dear friends. However, the ones that aren’t my friends are becoming an issue – a taking-all-the-tables-at-my-favorite-coffee-shop issue – and here’s my top 10 reasons that they piss me off. Obviously, not all apply. And obviously there are many, many more.

1. OHMYGOD just because I don’t wear weird clothes doesn’t mean I don’t like good music, too.
Hipsters pride themselves on liking the most unique, underground indie music. And if they like something outside that realm? Well, they like it “ironically.” In fact, I’m pretty sure their entire subculture is based on irony. (Editor’s Note: Maybe Alanis Morisette started the hipster movement?!) They automatically assume if someone is in a polo shirt that their music taste only expands as far as Dave Matthews and OAR. WRONG. Not everyone wears their music taste on their American Apparel sleeves. Get. Real. Check my last.fm; I listen to just as much Arcade Fire as you do and my mom was at Pavement concerts when you were in diapers.

2. The corporations you support are just as bad as the ones you hate.
So, you enjoy taking over Urban Outfitters? Well guess what – UO supported Proposition 8, the recently passed proposition that banned same sex marriage. Urban is owned by the most anti-gay bigot ever. Maybe you should think twice before you go heading over there for your next ironic tee and skinny jeans.

3. Life’s tough. Get a helmet.
Adorn the helmet with Bon Iver stickers. Do what you must, just stop bitching and moaning and sucking down Parliament Lights and PBR cans like it’s your job. You’ve got a trust fund, you unitard-wearing complainer.

4. Hypocritical much?
So, you spend your time hating on people for being judgmental a-holes? While you sit there and judge them based on the fact that they’re wearing mainstream clothing and maybe enjoy rap music? I don’t think that frat boy gives a crap about your life, so why do you care how he lives his?

5. Sports are not the anti-christ.
I like basketball. It’s fun to cheer for things (I know. Enthusiasm. Scary.) and maybe you should try watching it. Just because a lot of people love it doesn’t mean it sucks.

6. People eat animals. They taste real good.
Don’t tell me how my burger came to be. Veganism is your choice, not mine. Do I tell you how your lungs are turning black when you smoke? No. Do I not-so-politely inform you that your skinny jeans are permanently damaging your nerves? Nopers. Don’t remind me that my sandwich was once a living thing.

7.  It’s okay to like things without being ironic.
I’d love to meet a hipster that can openly admit that they un-ironically enjoy Britney Spears or Fall Out Boy. Even just a couple songs. Come on! It’s catchy! I’m not judging you!

8. Starbucks is tasty. Organic coffee tastes funky.
Enough said. Maybe it’s overpriced, but oh my god, I have never had a decent frappucino at an indie coffee shop. Side note: your indie coffee shop is most likely a franchise, too!

9. PBR is gross.
Enough. Said.

10. Smile.
Sunshine, I don’t care what you’re wearing, but for the love of spandex and Ray-Bans, can you please brighten someone’s day and smile? Scowling is super unbecoming.

Melanie currently interning in NYC, taking full advantage of all margarita specials and those blonde summer boys. Stalk her on Twitter: @tinkermellie

Who doesn’t love a good summer road trip? Especially if that road trip involves music. And I’m not just talking about turning up some old-school Madonna and rocking out in the car; I’m talking about days and days of awesome live music once you reach your destination.

Concerts are fun, but outdoor music festivals are memorable. They are life experiences. And they give you a lot more music bang for your buck. Looking to get away this summer? Why not grab some friends, pack up the car and head out to the biggest music festivals of the summer. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out. And if you’re lucky, you might even be able to hit them all!

Bonnaroo (Manchester, TN) -  June 11-14

You’ve likely heard of Bonnaroo, because it’s that good (and a total hippie fest). It’s actually become so successful that the people behind the festival bought the 7 acre farm where it happens every year! Although, I think the orginal owners were just getting upset about all the public urination and free love. But I bet you didn’t know that it’s a lot more than just music going on, from comedians, to art, workshops, and lots more.

But it’s really the music we care about, right? So, let’s get to it. My top choices performing at the Big Bon this year are: Wilco, MGMT, Phish, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Snoop Dog, Girl Talk, Of Montreal, Gomez, Jenny Lewis, Al Green, and plenty more.

Oh, and Jimmy Fallon is going to be there too. Not exactly sure what he’s got planned, but he’s in the lineup. All in all, a perfect summer weekend filled with music, friends and whatever other stuff you happen to stumble on while you’re there…

Lollapalooaza (Chicago, IL)- July 7-9

Lollapalooza is a definitely must-see festival for anyone who cares anything about music. It was once a traveling festival, but now it stands still for its 2 days. Luckily it stands still in Chicago, which is already an awesome place to visit. So, no complaints about getting to travel to Chicago AND getting to see tons of awesome bands at Lolla.

Who is it that’s so awesome? Gosh, where do I even start? Some of my favorites include The Killers, Kings of Leon, TV on the Radio, Neko Case, Band of Horses, Ben Folds, Vampire Weekend, Gomez, Lykke Li, and Bon Iver. Seriously, I could keep going but I’m containing myself. Also performing are Snoop Dogg, Asher Roth, Tool, Jane’s Addiction, Depeche Mode, Animal Collective, and tons and tons more. Basically, you can listen to all this amazing music while staring at the Chicago skyline. Sigh. Does it get any better than this?

All Points West (Jersey City, New Jersey)- July 31- August 2

It’s only the second year for the All Points West festival and it already has a totally rocking lineup. I mean, the festival is sometimes referred to as Coachella East, so you know it’s gonna be a good one.

Not only do you get to listen to fabulous music, but All Points West is working on taking the green initiative. They’re offering ferry service to get to the festival site, special parking for carpoolers, and a recycling program.

Some of the performers I’m more excited about at All Points West include Fleet Foxes, MGMT, Coldplay, the Gaslight Anthem, Beastie Boys, and Vampire Weekend. Not to mention, the kids from College Humor will be at the festival entertaining everyone. These are 3 days you will really regret missing.

Austin City Limits (Austin, TX)- Oct. 2-4

So, it’s not technically summer anymore, but I still think of Austin City Limits as being a summer tour. It’s actually the perfect time and location. Wherever you are, it could be starting to get cool outside come the start of October, but October in Austin is still nice and summery. So extend your summer and jam out at Austin City Limits.

The festival started in 2002 and gets bigger and bigger every year. This is one of my favorite festivals and it has some of the best music. For instance, this year’s Austin City Limits boasts Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, Kings of Leon, John Legend, Sonic Youth, Bon Iver, Girl Talk, Brett Dennen, Andrew Bird, and about a billion more. Actually, there are about 130 bands, so you do the math. Lots of times, the best bands at Austin City Limits play secondary “secret” shows around town, so even if you can’t get close to the stage during the show, you can attempt to seek these out. And of course, you might be able to get up close and personal if you watch PBS’s Austin City Limits show, which often airs performances from the festival.