In the early-going, it appeared Marnie Stern had the inside track to become the most discussed person at this year's CMJ. But as reports filter in and I recover from not only seeing snow in October but having to travel through its wake, it appears Passion Pit has emerged as the baby band to watch.
The Boston dance-beat rockers are on tour:
tonight Berbati's Pan – Auburn, Wash.
Oct. 31 Mezzanine  -  San Francisco
Nov. 1  Henry Fonda Theatre - Los Angeles
Nov. 2  Beauty Bar - San Diego
Nov. 3  The Grove Of Anaheim – Anaheim, Calif.
Nov. 5  Alphabeta – Greenpoint, N.Y.

My CMJ/NY/NJ report   
BANDS SEEN IN SHOWCASES/PARTIES: 12
CONCERTS: 2
BEST ACT I HAD NEVER HEARD OF: Emmy the Great
POSSIBILITY THAT I HAVE NOW SEEN THE WORST ACT EVER: 99%
RECORD I AM NOW LOOKING FORWARD TO: Butch Walker's Nov. 11 release
SHOW THAT WAS OUT OF PLACE BUT VERY GOOD NONETHELESS: Southside Johnny singing Tom Waits songs with a big band at a theater three or four neighborhoods away from the rest of the festival. 
RECORDS/CDS PURCHASED: 12 (Downtown Music Gallery and the WFMU Record Convention) 
BEST BEVERAGE: Eredi Ferrero Virginia "San Rocco" Barolo 1997
MOST EXCITING MOMENT: Laveranues Coles' one-handed catch in the end zone at the end of the Jets' victory over the Chiefs
POSITIVE REVIEWS FOR THE INTERN'S BAND: At least one