If you're not already familiar with the term, today seems like an especially good day to learn the meaning of the burgeoning word "wag." As Claire de Lune of the Chalice puts it: "The spirit of Wag, to me, is summertime. Being outside, with your friends, in the sunshine, dancing."

Get outside, hug your friends, and find a reason to smile. Sounds like a good plan to me. Here are five wag-worthy songs and videos to get you started:

1. Apollo Cobra offer up a free download of "Motherland"

Have you gotten down to Apollo Cobra yet? The last time they appeared on this blog, they were headlining the Mid West Music Fest down in Winona, Minnesota and driving the crowd into a sweaty frenzy. Now, the group have released a new CD, and while the album has a fair share of booty-shakers, it also shows some depth. On title track "Motherland," Apollo Cobra's love of analog instrumentation and knowledge of styles ranging from funk to electronic minimalism to prog shines through. Give it a listen, and if you like what you hear you can download the track for free here.

Catch Apollo Cobra live tomorrow, when they play the Highland Fest in St. Paul.

2. Background Noise Crew step it up

Hip-hop collective Background Noise Crew had a lot of news to share this week, including the addition of two new musicians, Legend Has It and J.L. Magee, to their growing operation, and the announcement of a big release show for their latest compilation, Everybody Does This, Vol. 2, at Hell's Kitchen on August 18. To preview the new release, they also dropped a new single, "See the Future," which you can sample right here.

3. Wag Out Block Party brings summer vibes to South Minneapolis

For those about to wag, we salute you. Learn more about Sunday's block party in this promo video:

4. Trampled by Turtles rip it up

Remember that viral video from a while back, This Drummer is at the Wrong Gig? Well, I couldn't help but think the same thing about Trampled by Turtles fiddler Ryan Young, who took advantage of the group's recent appearance on Craig Ferguson to GO COMPLETELY INSANE.

5. Love is the Law

Closing it out with an oldie today. Let's all take a collective step away from the news and watch this together, shall we?