Monday, December 31, 2012

GJan - Not Afraid

I’ve been wondering when I would find some Lithuanian music that caught my attention! Turns out the answer is today, when I clicked on the music video for this song on YouTube’s related videos margin. The song has some profanity, BTW.
Note: Once again, you can listen in HD!

GJan - Not Afraid:

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Ferhat Göçer - Yanına Kalmaz

I’ve been YouTube surfing for Turkish music a lot lately, and I just came across this track and liked it. I don’t know any Turkish, though, so if there’s a problem with the translation of the title I’d be happy to hear corrections.  (Wow, I only noticed as I was typing the tags for this post that I've never posted Turkish music here before!)
Note: You can listen in HD!

Ferhat Göçer - Yanına Kalmaz [Do Not Stay Close]:

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Nan Quan Ma Ma - 槍與玫瑰

I’ve had this track for quite a long time, and I think I got it through an mp3 rotation site. I also think this is the only song by this Taiwanese artist that I really like.

Nan Quan Ma Ma A.K.A. 南拳媽媽 - 槍與玫瑰 [Qiang Yu Mei Gui - Guns & Roses]:

Friday, December 28, 2012

Diane Birch - A Strange Kind of Love

‘Tis just a random pretty song I came across on YouTube.
Note: Which has HD!

Diane Birch - A Strange Kind of Love:

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Kendrick Lamar - F**k Your Ethnicity

I heard this on somebody’s Tumblr. The title of the song struck me as funny because it can be interpreted two ways: One, that he’s racist against you, and two, that he doesn’t care what race you are (which is kinda the opposite meaning). The intended meaning is the latter, but it turns out to have very little to do with the rest of the song. I suppose he’s suggesting the rest of the song can apply to anybody. (Obviously this track has profanity.) I’ve been hearing this guy is the future of hip hop so I plan to look into his work more soon.
Note: You can listen to the track in HD!

Kendrick Lamar - F**k Your Ethnicity:

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Marina and the Diamonds - State of Dreaming

I found another song by this artist that I like! I ran across it on Tumblr.
Note: HD again!

Marina and the Diamonds - State of Dreaming:

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

The Piano Guys - Carol of the Bells

I already knew who this artist was (and have posted a song by them before), but I only heard this particular piece because the popular Korean pianist Yiruma posted this video on his Facebook recently. This is my favorite Christmas carol, and the cello is one of my favorite instruments, so I was excited about this.
Note: HD listening!

The Piano Guys - Carol of the Bells:

Monday, December 24, 2012

Celtic Woman - Níl Sé'n Lá

I think my mom might have an album by this Irish artist, but I’m not sure. Anyway, this festive song somehow seems appropriate for Christmas Eve.
Note: The video has the song in HD!

Celtic Woman - Níl Sé'n Lá [Not Yet Day]:

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Stanislas - A D’Autres

I love this track, even though I didn’t really notice it the first few times I listened to this artist’s album. It goes through a series of stages as it progresses, and I think all of them sound beautiful, even when it turns all dance clubby near the end. BTW, I’m really unsure about the translation of the title, so it’d be nice if someone who knows French could help out with that.

Stanislas - A D’Autres [To the Others]:

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Delilah - Go

Another song that was brought to my attention courtesy of the British soap Hollyoaks.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Delilah - Go:

Friday, December 21, 2012

Jeffrey Cheng - 我們真的都沒有失去嗎?

I think "heartwrenching" would be a good word to describe this piece. This was the music used in the trailer for the excellent Taiwanese film Eternal Summer. This piece is so intensely tragic that I immediately fell in love with it and not only went, “I HAVE to see this movie!" but also, "I HAVE to get this soundtrack!"
Note: There seems to be some MAJOR confusion out there as to who the composer is. I’ve seen at least 5 different names credited for the score, but I’m just going with the one.

Jeffrey Cheng - 我們真的都沒有失去嗎? [Wo Men Zhen De Dou Mei You Shi Qu Ma? - Did We Really Not Lose Anything?]:

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Luxuslärm - Solang es Noch Geht

Last time I posted music by this German artist, it was a pretty ballad, so this time I’m going with a more uptempo rock song by them. This style is more representative of their usual sound.

Luxuslärm - Solang es Noch Geht [As Long as It Still Goes]:

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Quest Pistols - Разные

I came across the music video for this song on YouTube. Not gonna lie, I had no idea what it was supposed to be about, but I found the song REALLY good-sounding. According to my reading about this Ukrainian artist on Wikipedia, the group’s formation may have been an April Fool’s joke that turned into real success.

Quest Pistols - Разные [Razneuye - Different]:

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Sinusstøv - For Whom the Bells Toll

I came across this Danish artist through YouTube. Everything I’ve heard by them is a little on the odd side, but not unpleasant.
Note: HD quality available!

Sinusstøv - For Whom the Bells Toll:

Monday, December 17, 2012

Hyde - Prayer

Although this artist is Japanese, he makes an effort to use English lyrics much of the time. His English can be pretty difficult to understand sometimes, but bless him, he tries. Growing up, I knew of this artist because he’s kinda Japanese rock 101, but when I started paying attention to his lyrics (both as a solo artist and in his uber-famous band L’Arc~en~Ciel), I noticed the recurring themes of criticizing war and religion. This song seems to combine both themes by being about a soldier fighting a war on what he believes to be on the side of God, but ultimately doubts the morality of this act. Alternatively, this could also be interpreted as being about suicide. Certain words led me to the former theory, but since he’s not a native English speaker it’s kinda hard to tell.

Hyde - Prayer:

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Adele - Set Fire to the Rain

I think it’s about time for some more of this famous artist. I don’t have a particular reason, but this is one of my favorite songs by her.
Note: HD!

Adele - Set Fire to the Rain:

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Tokio Hotel & Kerli - Strange

This collaboration consists of two gothy Europe-based artists, Kerli being from Estonia and the popular band Tokio Hotel from Germany. But the song’s in English, and I think it was used in the soundtrack of the recent American movie Alice in Wonderland.
Note: Available in HD!

Tokio Hotel & Kerli - Strange:

Friday, December 14, 2012

Han Hong & Sun Nan - 美丽的神话

This is the theme song of the Jackie Chan film The Myth. I’ve never watched the movie, but I've really liked this song for quite some time, especially Han Hong’s beautiful voice. This is also a karaoke favorite of mine!  (For your reference, the English version of the title is "Endless Love," even though this is not what the Chinese title translates to.)

Han Hong A.K.A. 韩红 & Sun Nan A.K.A. 孙楠 - 美丽的神话 [Mei Li De Shen Hua - Beautiful Myth]:

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Marques Toliver - White Sails

Dang, I have a hard enough time playing piano and singing at the same time. I imagine playing violin while singing would be even more difficult. BUT that’s exactly what this artist was doing in the video of him performing live I came across recently.

Marques Toliver - White Sails:

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Maki Yano - Honesty

I heard this groovy song through an mp3 rotation site I’m not even sure how long ago. I was impressed by this singer’s voice, which doesn’t sound characteristic of a lot of Japanese pop music.

Maki Yano A.K.A. 矢野 真紀 - Honesty:

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Mr. J. Medeiros - Constance

Oh dang, I haven’t posted this hip hop song already! This can be filed under the subgenre “conscious hip hop,” as it deals with the issue of child trafficking, prostitution, and pornography. It lives up to its subgenre label in that it deliberately seeks to raise awareness of how people in the west can be complicit in fueling these problems in what might seem to be far away places like the Philippines. Needless to say, the content of the song could be considered disturbing, but it has a powerful message and led to the launch of an anti-human trafficking campaign called the I Am Constance Campaign.
Note: Listen in HD!

Mr. J. Medeiros - Constance:


You can watch the music video here:

Monday, December 10, 2012

Niyaz - Sosin

Lately I’ve been listening to this Iranian artist’s latest album, Sumud, and think I’ve ruled this to be my favorite track from it. While it was clear most of the tracks on the album are in Farsi or Urdu, I couldn’t place what language this was and finally had to look it up—it’s Kurdish! Not only is it the first album in which this artist attempted a song in Kurdish, it’s also the first time I’m posting a song in Kurdish.

Niyaz - Sosin:

Sunday, December 9, 2012

JJ Lin - 跟屁蟲

This song is interesting. It’s this Singaporean artist railing against the lack of creativity in the music industry, in which everyone just copies everyone else and other artists copy his style, which I don’t know of firsthand but honestly wouldn’t surprise me. And he did do the autotune thing (selectively) before it really took off. He specifically references that in the part where he quotes his own previous song that implemented it (which I’ve posted here before, so you can get the reference!). And yes, that really is him speaking English with an Indian accent in the beginning.

JJ Lin A.K.A. 林俊傑 - 跟屁蟲 [Gen Pi Chong - Copycat]:

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Tori Amos - Precious Things

I *think* this song is about the process of growing up and losing innocence. Or maybe just being haunted by bad memories that serve no purpose but to bring you down.  It’s not exactly family-friendly and kind of intense, but it’s one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite artists from a musical perspective.  I'm always in awe of her piano work!

Tori Amos - Precious Things:

Friday, December 7, 2012

René Aubry - Amnesie

I can’t remember exactly how I discovered this French artist, so I probably found him through YouTube surfing.

René Aubry - Amnesie:

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Sarah McLachlan - Possession (Piano Version)

The legendary Sarah McLachlan! This artist has been a part of my life since I was little, since my mom is a fan of hers. I bought the album this song is on a whim one day a few years ago, and for some reason I really liked this song in particular.
Note: HD available!

Sarah McLachlan - Possession (Piano Version):

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Linkin Park - My December

It is officially December, and I am in the midst of experiencing the onset of a “real” winter, so it is time to unleash this song! I had a hard time choosing between this, the original version, and Josh Groban’s cover of it. I ultimately chose this one because, although Josh Groban’s version is more epic-sounding, orchestrated, and, being by an opera singer, has more polished vocals, I actually prefer the more low-key, raw sound of this one.

Linkin Park - My December:

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo - Bones

I came across this lusciously-instrumented track on YouTube some time ago.
Note: I recommend HD listening!

Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo - Bones:

Monday, December 3, 2012

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Cherry Filter - Snowman

It snowed on me for the first time this winter a couple days ago. I am in Korea. Therefore, I am posting this Korean snow-themed song. This is the first song I heard by this band, and I think I acquired it through an mp3 rotation site. Youjeen's whistle register is unreal!

Cherry Filter - Snowman:

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Sodagreen - 小情歌

Qing Feng has the CUTEST voice, gah!! This song makes me super happy and it’s so adorable it’s frustrating. Naturally, this is the song that got me into this band in the first place. I even sang this at karaoke!
Note: I’m including the music video because it has HD plus an English translation of the lyrics!

Sodagreen A.K.A. 蘇打綠 - 小情歌 [Xiao Qing Ge - Little Love Song]:

Friday, November 30, 2012

Alina Artz - Прекрасная Ложь

I’m liking how dramatic a lot of contemporary Russian pop music sounds. This song is an example of that. It takes itself very seriously, but that’s okay.

Alina Artz A.K.A. Алина Артц - Прекрасная Ложь [Pryekrasnaya Lozh’ - Beautiful Lies]:

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Eyedea & Abilities - Now

This is the first song I heard with Eyedea (R.I.P.). It automatically put him on my list of favorite hip hop artists. I later found out he didn't NORMALLY rap that fast, but he did normally use that level of lyricism.
Note: You know I had to get this in HD. Plus it has lyrics (albeit a flawed transcription) so you can follow along with the rapidfire delivery.

Eyedea & Abilities - Now:

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Fit for Rivals - Damage

Gggggggggggggggggg. That’s the sound I make when I hear the lead singer’s awesome growly androgynous voice. There’s a tad bit of profanity.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Fit for Rivals - Damage:

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Darren Hayes - A Conversation with God

'Tis another track by the wonderful & talented Darren Hayes. I love how personal many of his songs are, and this one in particular is both beautiful and revealing; I think it's one of his best songs ever. It's about the point in his life at which he contemplated suicide by driving off the Golden Gate Bridge and was dangerously close to doing so. For serious. 0_0 (Even though he never specifically explains that in the song, the lyrics paint a picture so well that I could tell that’s what it was about even before I read interviews in which he says that’s what happened!) I’m glad he didn’t go through with it because then we probably wouldn’t have this great song!

Darren Hayes - A Conversation with God:

Monday, November 26, 2012

Khadja Nin - Sambolera

I found this on YouTube and thought it was nice and soothing. This is the first artist from Burundi I’ve posted! I was gonna say, “This sounds like it’s from the 90s,” but I later found out that’s probably because it IS. It seems to be about the sadness of war.
Note: Yet another hi def video!

Khadja Nin - Sambolera:

Sunday, November 25, 2012

R. Kelly - I Wish

Say what you want about this artist as a person, but the man can sing. I think I heard this song when it played on a hip hop/R&B music video program I watched after school when I was young. Clearly, it’s about losing loved ones. There’s a little profanity.
Note:  And the HD trend continues!

R. Kelly - I Wish:

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Sara Bareilles - Gravity

Admittedly, I haven’t really gone out of my way to listen to this American artist’s music, although from her first radio single I thought she was talented. Over time, I’ve seen more and more indications that this singer/songwriter/musician has attitude, and I like that, even though this song isn’t a good example of that. Rather, this song impressed me with its prettiness.
Note: I’m really on a roll lately with these hi def videos…

Sara Bareilles - Gravity:

Friday, November 23, 2012

Deftones - Change (In the House of Flies)

I just acquired the latest album by this artist, which people seem to be saying is a standout on their relatively long discography, so I wanted to celebrate this acquisition by posting another song by them. However, I haven’t listened to the new album yet, so instead I’m posting what I think was the first song I heard by them, and what got me interested in them in the first place. This song was used in a really good fanvideo someone made for the somewhat disturbing Singaporean film 15. This song fit the dark, sinister tone of the film so well I ended up watching the fanvideo many times and developed a liking for the song along with it.
Note: Woo, HD again!

Deftones - Change (In the House of Flies):

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Britney Spears - Toxic

Welcome to the only Britney Spears song that doesn’t annoy me. Although she’s been popular among my generation since I was a wee one, I was never a fan of her songs or singing, and in fact used to write vicious parody songs of her singles. However, this song is catchy.
Note: HD!

Britney Spears - Toxic:

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

One OK Rock - 混雑コミュニケーション

Although I haven’t listened to this Japanese artist’s album I have in quite some time, some songs from it have been playing in my head lately. As I’ve mentioned before, the lead singer’s voice is somewhat atypical for popular Japanese music and I really like it.
Note: HD listening available again!

One OK Rock - 混雑コミュニケーション [Konzatsu Communication - Confused Communication]:

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Crooked Still - Pharoah

I wanted to post this song a while ago but no decent quality upload of it existed on YouTube every time I tried. Until now!  Because this was uploaded a month ago.  Sometimes if I just wait around long enough someone else eventually uploads the song I want to post.  Anyway, I found out about this artist years ago through someone I knew in high school who invited me to join him in attending their concert, and sent me their music (including this song) to convince me. I ended up not going to the concert, but I still liked their music.

Crooked Still - Pharoah:

Monday, November 19, 2012

Boyce Avenue - Teenage Dream

This is a cover of Katy Perry’s popular song of the same name. I personally find this way better, vocally, lyrically, and instrumentally. I like how it's piano-based and acoustic, I like how they don't YELL the notes like Katy, and I like how they changed the lyrics to be about love rather than attraction.
Note: Found it in HD!

Boyce Avenue - Teenage Dream:

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Jenni Vartiainen - Ihmisten Edessä

Since the last time I posted a song by this artist, I have heard much more music by her, including her entire album Ihmisten Edessä. I had it on repeat for a while, in fact. This, the title track from the album, was among my favorites by her, but I don’t know a word of Finnish so I looked up the lyrics translation and discovered it had a meaning beyond that of the typical love song! The lyrics are from the perspective of a woman who is knowingly risking judgement and harassment by going out with her GF in public.
Note: The video has HD as well as English translations of the lyrics!

Jenni Vartiainen - Ihmisten Edessä [In Front of People]:

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Incubus - Aqueous Transmission

I haven’t listened to this song in soooo long. I think I found this song through an mp3 rotation site a long time ago. I believe it’s the only song by this American artist I have in my collection. I like the obvious Asian influence; the instrumental aspect of this song is sooooo nice.
Note: HD!

Incubus - Aqueous Transmission:

Friday, November 16, 2012

Rie Fu - Life is a Boat

This song was the ending theme of the popular anime series Bleach. I think I heard it first through a website for anime music, but after that I watched some of Bleach and frequently found myself sitting through the credits to hear the song. I don’t really like the singing style, but the song grew on me anyway, and now, years later, I still remember the lyrics.

Rie Fu - Life is a Boat:

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Roop Kumar Rathod - Tujhe Mein Rab Dikhta Hai

I found this song, from the soundtrack of the Indian film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, on YouTube. ‘Tis pretty! And the video I found for it includes English translations of the lyrics.

Roop Kumar Rathod - Tujhe Mein Rab Dikhta Hai [I See God in You]:

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Dream - When I Get There

Holy shiznit, this song is finally on YouTube! I’ve tried to post it multiple times in the past but was never able to find it in decent quality. Yeah, yeah, laugh it up... But for some reason I really like the melody of this song and it gets stuck in my head like a mutha. Did anyone even listen to this poppy girl group other than me? I doubt it…

Dream - When I Get There:

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Saliva - Always

This song is pretty well known, but what can I say? I like it! I don’t have any albums by this artist, I just heard what I heard by them through the radio and AMVs. This song in particular sounded good on the radio, but even better after I watched an AMV with it. Also, I never thought about the lyrics before now, but now that I’m posting it I’m paying attention and noticed it’s not as simple as my initial assumed meaning. I was curious enough to look up people’s input on that, and it appears there are a lot of interpretations of it!
Note: HD listening available!

Saliva - Always:

Monday, November 12, 2012

Lady Essence - What I’m Feelin’

This song was on a hip hop mixtape and was my first introduction to this artist. It’s about the process of self-discovery and the struggle for self-esteem. I’ve only heard a few tracks by this artist but I’ve already concluded that she’s a legit lyricist. There appears to be another artist by the same name, though, which is confusing.
Note: Check out the track in HD!

Lady Essence - What I’m Feelin’:

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Luduvico Einaudi - Questa Notte

I discovered this Italian artist very recently through teh YouTubez. I am, of course, envious of his composing and piano-playing skills.
Note: HD listening available!

Luduvico Einaudi - Questa Notte:

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Kokia - Il Mare dei Suoni

‘Tis time for some Kokia again! As always, it’s difficult to pick a single song by her because she has so many that are dazzlingly beautiful. I previously posted songs by her singing in Japanese (her native language), English, Irish, and Latin (a tiny bit), so now I’m going for one she sings in Italian. I can’t vouch for the accuracy of her Italian—in fact, I read that the lyrics have some mistakes… but darn it, she tried, and the final product sounds beautiful nonetheless.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Kokia - Il Mare dei Suoni [The Sea of Sounds]:

Friday, November 9, 2012

Tim Minchin - If I Didn’t Have You

This is the most accurate love song I’ve ever heard! This Australian comedian, in addition to being funny and intelligent, is also an impressive pianist. I've been listening to his stuff a lot lately and decided that he should be included on my list of favorite comedians.
Note: You can watch the performance from The Late Late Show (hosted by another comedian I like, Craig Ferguson) in HD!

Tim Minchin - If I Didn’t Have You:

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Yuna Ito - Endless Story

This song is from the soundtrack of the Japanese film Nana. Although I watched that movie, I think I acquired this song later through an mp3 rotation site. It’s a favorite of mine to karaoke to.

Yuna Ito - Endless Story:

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Nas - I Can

All day I've been running on one hour of sleep, and I'm not even tired. MAN, I'm in a good mood. The last time I posted a song by this hip hop artist it was much less optimistic, but this song seems more suited to my mood today.
Note: You CAN listen to this song in HD!

Nas - I Can:

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Faye Wong - 開到荼蘼

I’ve had this song in my collection for a long time, and I have just always really liked it. Her voice sounds soooo cool! I love that effortless vibrato she has.
Note: I can’t believe I found this in HD!

Faye Wong A.K.A. 王菲 - 開到荼蘼 [Kai Dao Tu Mi - The Last Blossom]:

Monday, November 5, 2012

Louis Logic - The Ugly Truth

This hip hop song could come off as reaaaaaally offensive to a lot of people… but that’s the point. The first time I heard this, I was pretty shocked at the beginning but as the song went on I became increasingly certain that the artist was up to some trickery… Unfortunately, some people don’t pick up on that and turn off the song before they get to the end which reveals the purpose behind the offensiveness, so all I can say is: listen until the end.  There is a lot of profanity, pejoratives, etc.
Note: In addition to listening until the end, I also recommend you listen in HD!

Louis Logic - The Ugly Truth:

Sunday, November 4, 2012

The Corrs - On My Father’s Wings

This is one of my favorite songs from the animated film Quest for Camelot. I had NO idea until I just now looked it up that the song is by this Irish artist, whom I knew of before this song. That explains the Celtic flourish of the song that I like so much.
Note; You can listen in HD!

The Corrs - On My Father’s Wings:


And here’s the scene from the movie with the song:

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Jang Woo Hyuk - 지지 않는 태양

I don’t know much about this artist except for that he used to be the in pop group H.O.T. I’m pretty sure I found this song through an mp3 rotation site and thought it was quite catchy.
Note: HD listening available!

Jang Woo Hyuk A.K.A. 장우혁 - 지지 않는 태양 [Jiji Anhneun Taeyang - Sun that Never Sets]:

Friday, November 2, 2012

Eisblume - Überleben

I hard a hard time picking one more song by this artist to post next, as so many from their first album sound nice. This German band makes the kind of somber, gothicy music that if I had discovered them back when I was in my first year of high school they very well could have become obsessive listening.
Note: You can enjoy the track in HD!

Eisblume - Überleben [Survival]:

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Gary Jules - Mad World

This track got famous from the dark & odd movie Donnie Darko, but I heard it first because my friend burned it to a CD in a compilation mix for me. I didn’t know this at the time, but this is actually a cover of a song by the British band Tears for Fears.
Note: Listen in HD!

Gary Jules - Mad World:

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Katzenjammer - Soviet Trumpeter

My friend sent this song's MV to me the other day and I knew I had to post it, even though I'd never even listened to this Norwegian artist before. I'm including the music video, because it is legit creepy but cool. If you’re not into spooky/macabre stuff you probably won’t enjoy it much though.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Katzenjammer - Soviet Trumpeter:

Or you can watch the official MV in HD:

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Danny Elfman - This is Halloween

What better song to post near Halloween than this one? This is from the Disney film A Nightmare Before Christmas.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Danny Elfman - This is Halloween:


Here’s the scene from the movie (in HD!):

Monday, October 29, 2012

Cocorosie - Gallows

I was trying to think of something Halloweeny to post for today since Halloween’s coming up, and I thought of this song/music video. I don’t exactly like it, but it seemed appropriate since, for some reason, it genuinely creeped me out the first time I watched it (which is saying a lot because I’ve seen some seriously effed up MVs).
Note: Enjoy being creeped out in HD!

Cocorosie - Gallows:

And you can watch the MV, also in HD:

Sunday, October 28, 2012

SID - 必要悪

Sometimes I forget how much I love this band until I hear this type of song by them. In some of this artist’s songs it's clear they're going for "cute," but this isn't one of them. I prefer these songs of theirs that have more "attitude."

SID A.K.A. シド - 必要悪 [Hitsuyou Aku - Necessary Evil]:

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Lily Allen - F*** You

This British artist is quite well known for her upbeat, playful style that accompanies dark and cynical lyrics. This song is a good example of that, as it is addressing certain bigoted world leaders. Obviously there’s profanity.
Note: There’s also HD!

Lily Allen - F*** You:

Friday, October 26, 2012

Carpark North - Burn It

“Electronic rock band” works pretty well for me. I found this Danish artist through YouTube surfing. I haven’t listened to a lot of music by them, but I plan to look into their music further.
Note:  You can listen in HD!

Carpark North - Burn It:

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Amanda Qin - 再一次

This is a song I’ve had in my iPod for what seems like forever. I think I came across it via an mp3 rotation site and just always kept it around, although I had no other music by this Chinese artist. It seems she’s first and foremost an actress.

Amanda Qin A.K.A. 秦海璐 - 再一次 [Zai Yi Ci - One More Time]:

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Linkin Park - Papercut

Whattttttttttttt, I’ve only posted one song by this artist so far?! That’s strange, considering their first two albums are among my favorites in my entire CD collection. Last time I posted a song from their second album Meteora, so this time I’m posting one from their first album Hybrid Theory. This group needs no introduction, since they are one of the most famous current artists in the world.
Note: Guess what! HD!

Linkin Park - Papercut:

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Enya - May It Be

It's been a while since I posted a song by this artist, but the time has come.  This is one of her most well-known songs, since, admittedly, I haven't heard the majority of her work, despite knowing of her since I was little.  R.I.P. Ozzy.
Note: It’s worth listening in HD.

Enya - May It Be:

Monday, October 22, 2012

Shiva in Exile - Khundas

I originally discovered this artist on YouTube. As far as I can tell, this is a project by a German dude, but the music is clearly quite Arab- and Indian-influenced.

Shiva in Exile - Khundas:

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Gummy - 기억상실

This is the first song I heard by this talented Korean artist. The music video for this song was featured on a TV show on Channel AZN that played Korean music videos, and I was impressed by the soulfulness of this songstress’s voice. Knowing my mother would appreciate it too, I showed the video to my mother, and sure enough, she loved the song and still does.

Gummy A.K.A. 거미 - 기억상실 [Kioksangshil - Forget Me Not]:

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Mario Guerrero - Tus Manos

I think I found this Chilean +artist through YouTube. He has a nice voice, and evidently he was a winner of a singing competition TV show.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Mario Guerrero - Tus Manos [Your Hands]:

Friday, October 19, 2012

Shania Twain - That Don’t Impress Me Much

Uh oh, it’s a country song! Due to my family’s appreciation of country music in general, I was exposed to this song from a young age and I found it funny, so this Canadian artist became one of the few country artists I liked. Judging by her Wiki page, she’s pretty darn accomplished as a recording artist so I guess she has rather widespread appeal.

Shania Twain - That Don’t Impress Me Much:

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Eminem - Stan

This song was so famous and influential that the name of the song’s fictional narrator (which is also the title of the song) has entered the lexicon of hip hop fans (and now, I think, others as well) to denote someone who is an obsessive, crazed fan—and it ain't a compliment. Although in the song the character’s fanaticism toward the song’s own artist manifests to the point of trying to imitate or become his object of obsession, I now hear the term more generally applied to people whose level of devotion is deemed irrational or undeserved. The recorded version samples the song “Thank You” by the British singer Dido, another artist whom I’ve posted music by before. Ah, but he warned, in case you are somehow unfamiliar with this hip hop artist’s work: this song could be considered disturbing.  And there's plenty of profanity.
Note: HD!

Eminem - Stan:

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Frou Frou - Psychobabble

Whaaat, I’ve only posted one song by this artist? Well, under this name. I like how eerie this sounds. Luckily, this video happens to pair the track with some really cool artwork, so enjoy that as well.

Frou Frou - Psychobabble:

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Nuttin’ But Stringz - Thunder

I loooooooooove me some hip hop violin action. This American artist consists of two brothers who studied at Juilliard. NICE.
Note: Listening in HD is a must.

Nuttin’ But Stringz - Thunder:

Monday, October 15, 2012

Owl Eyes - Love Run Dry

My friend just recommended this track to me yesterday. I didn’t know of this Australian artist before. Sounds good!
Note: You can listen in HD!

Owl Eyes - Love Run Dry:

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Kyo - Contact

This track has more of a rock sound than the pop ballad-oriented track I posted by them last time. Me gusta mucho! Woops, wrong language.
Note: Enjoy in HD!

Kyo - Contact:

Saturday, October 13, 2012

M.I.A. - Bad Girls

I’m not a fan of this artist overall—I don’t have anything against her, but it always sounds like she’s mumbling and I’ve never been particularly impressed by her lyricism, even when I liked the message. The lyrics of this song, too, are kinda stupid, BUT this music video is cool.
Note: You can watch the MV in HD!

M.I.A. - Bad Girls:

Friday, October 12, 2012

Kaoru Wada - 悲運の巫女桔梗

This is the theme song of one of my longtime favorite fictional characters, Kikyou, from the anime series Inu Yasha. I love me some tragic figures, and this track nicely encapsulates her beauty, majesty, and sadness. Oh man, after all these years I'm still such a fangirl...
Note: HD quality!

Kaoru Wada A.K.A. 和田 薫- 悲運の巫女桔梗 [Hiun no Miko Kikyou - Ill-Fated Priestess Kikyou]:

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Ани Лорак - Жду тебя

I found this Ukrainian artist relatively recently. I don’t much about her aside from that she's a pop star and represented Ukraine at a previous Eurovision Contest, but I really like her voice. This is pretty dramatic for pop music, but there you have it.

Ани Лорак A.K.A. Ani Lorak - Жду тебя [Zhdu Tyebya - Waiting for You]:

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Ron Pope - Drop in the Ocean

I found this song by clicking around on related videos margin on YouTube, but it seems a lot of people heard this song on the TV show The Vampire Diaries (which I’ve never watched). I like the artist’s voice.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Ron Pope - Drop in the Ocean:

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Icon for Hire - Make a Move

And now for something a little more high-energy. This sounds great! I think I found this American artist through YouTube, then my friend sent me a song of theirs, then I heard this song in a fanvideo and was like, “Yessssssss. I’m sold.” This song has been stuck in my head for days.
Note: Listen in HD!

Icon for Hire - Make a Move:

Monday, October 8, 2012

Toco - Samba Noir

I can’t remember where I heard this at the moment, but I’m pretty sure it was as the background music for something.
Note: The video has an HD option!

 Toco - Samba Noir [Black Samba]:

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Amanda Diva - Manchild

This artist has earned the adoration and respect of many a hip hop head simply through showcasing her own thorough understanding and appreciation of hip hop history. In other words, she proved herself as a true hip hop fan. I, personally, am in love with her voice, whether singing or rapping.
Note: You can watch the official MV in HD!

Amanda Diva - Manchild:

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Nicky Lee - 洗牌

Argggg, I meant to post a song by this artist SO long ago and completely forgot! I discovered him through a recommendation on a message board years ago. He has an interesting background, in that his nationality is American, his ethnicity is Korean, and his career in based in Taiwan and he mostly sings in Mandarin. Now he’s in the Asian American group Aziatix, whom I’ve mentioned before.

Nicky Lee A.K.A. 李玖哲 - 洗牌 [Xi Pai - Shuffle]:

Friday, October 5, 2012

Rena Jones - Awe and Wonder

I don’t even know, man.
Note: Whoaaaa, this was uploaded just 1 day ago! Talk about timing.

Rena Jones - Awe and Wonder:

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Chris Garneau - Fireflies

The first 2 times I posted tracks by this artist, I didn't mention how I discovered him. A brief clip from his song "Relief" was played when it was announced as one of the nominations for best upcoming artist or song or something on the NewNowNext Awards show a few years ago. I think the song didn't win, but the short amount I heard was pretty enough to drive me to look up the whole song, and it's been love ever since. Also since then, I've heard of his music being used on the popular shows Grey's Anatomy and So You Think You Can Dance, so there!
Note: I think the music video’s funny, so I’m including it. And it’s in HD!

Chris Garneau - Fireflies:

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

No Doubt - Don’t Speak

It took me a long time to realize I like this song. It’s quite famous and I definitely heard it when I was much younger, but for some reason I didn’t really think about it. It’s only within the past few years that it stuck out in my mind.
Note: HD again!  (And judging by the YouTube comments on the video, the show Glee has once again taken pointers on song selection from my blog queue by using this song in tomorrow's episode.  This is pure coincidence.  Stop stealing my ideas!!  :-P)

No Doubt - Don’t Speak:

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Celldweller - Under My Feet

This song is more chilled out than the previous one I posted by this artist, but is similarly defined in my mind by its controlled intensity and epic feel without using any using cliché epic features.
Note: HD!

Celldweller - Under My Feet:

Monday, October 1, 2012

Christina Aguilera - I'm OK

People are used to hearing this famous American artists's more upbeat, radio-friendly hits or pop ballads, but I chose this song because it WASN'T a single and it's a more personal work than people are perhaps accustomed to hearing from her. I actually found out about this song initially from my siblings’ babysitter recommending it to me.
Note: Song is available in HD!

Christina Aguilera - I'm OK:

Sunday, September 30, 2012

K. Will - 꿈

This song is from a Korean drama series that I haven’t seen called A Love to Kill. I think I found this through an mp3 rotation site years ago.
Note: You can listen in HD, and with a Spanish translation of the lyrics!

K. Will - 꿈 [Kkum - Dream]:

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Mélissa M. feat. Khaled - Benthi

I found this song through YouTube last year. I like it ‘cause it’s French R&B meets Algerian rai.

Mélissa M. feat. Khaled - Benthi [Daughter]:

Friday, September 28, 2012

Chevelle - The Clincher

I feel like I should have listened to this American artist more, because the number of songs I’ve listened to by them is not proportional to how much I’ve enjoyed the ones I have heard.  This song gives me energy!

Chevelle - The Clincher:

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Heidi Mollenhauer - God Help the Outcasts

This is one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite Disney movies, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This holds true from the time I was little up until now. Such a pretty song! And I like the meaning too. It kinda sums up the message of the film as a whole.

Heidi Mollenhauer - God Help the Outcasts:

Here’s the scene from the movie:

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Mr. Lif - The Sun

This is one of my favorite songs by this hip hop artist. I even wrote about it in my honors thesis. It’s one of those motivational “don’t lose hope/give up” type songs, because music can lend you strength.
Note: I didn’t really wanna use the official music video, but it has HD.

Mr. Lif - The Sun:

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Andra - Femeia

This is a Romanian singer I found on YouTube. She has a darn good voice, and everything I’ve heard by her so far is catchy.
Note: HD video!

Andra - Femeia [Woman]:

Monday, September 24, 2012

Ólafur Arnalds - Ljósið

Discovered this song and Icelandic artist through YouTube surfing. I’m including the official MV in this one, because it’s beautiful.
Note: Watch in HD!

Ólafur Arnalds - Ljósið [The Light]:

Sunday, September 23, 2012

F.I.R. - 荼靡時代

I’ve listened to quite a few songs by this Taiwanese artist—like 3 or 4 albums’ worth—and this is one of my favorite songs by them. I like the cinematic, classical feel.

F.I.R. - 荼靡時代 [Tu Mi Shi Dai - Tumi Age]:

Saturday, September 22, 2012

CKY - Knee Deep

My friend is a fan of this artist and always wore clothes with their emblem, but I didn't go out of my way to listen to them. He sent me a few songs by them years ago, and at some point I realized that a song I had been listening to on the Resident Evil: Apocalypse soundtrack was by them.
Note: Although the song I originally wanted to post wasn’t even available in decent quality, this song has HD.

CKY - Knee Deep:

Friday, September 21, 2012

Toya - I Do!!

This song was my jam back in the day. I don’t know why, I just really liked it. Strangely, I had trouble finding it in decent quality on the Internet in later years.
Note:  Holllllly crap, I found this song in HD!

Toya - I Do!!:

Thursday, September 20, 2012

South Border - Wherever You Are

I wanted to include a Tagalog song by this artist, but this is the song I’ve heard by them that I’ve liked most so far. It’s also, I think, the first song I heard by them as well. It sounds like it should be on the soundtrack of some 1990s Disney movie. :-P
Note: I found it in HD!

South Border - Wherever You Are:

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Kenza Farah - J’essaie Encore

Here’s another artist I found when I was cruising YouTube for French pop music. I’m not obsessed with her music or anything, but it’s to my liking. This is the first song I came across by her, and I liked its aggressive hip hop stylings. I just found out this singer is originally from Algeria, which is interesting because she reminded me a little of Zaho, another artist I found while searching for French music who turned out to be from Algeria.
Note: The video has CHINESE SUBTITLES for the French lyrics! How cool is that?! (My apologies if you neither understand French nor read Chinese.)

Kenza Farah - J’essaie Encore [I’m Still Trying]:

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Xzibit - X

DAAAAAAAAANG, I remember seeing the music video for this back when I was like 12 on channel 8 MVs after school, hosted by Chuey! And I remember finding the combination of this artist's voice and the Dre beat intimidating... but for some reason I liked it.  West Coast represent.  The music video stayed in my brain for all these years, and I still find Snoop's rambling endorsement at the end amusing.  The lyrics are definitely explicit and have profanity.

Xzibit - X:

Monday, September 17, 2012

Madonna - To Have and Not to Hold

I heard this song in an AMV for the very good anime mini-series Please Save My Earth (which is actually how I discovered the show, too). Between a video I saw recently and the Lady Gaga feud, it has come to my attention lately that this famous artist is, well, kind of a jerk. Which made me feel good about never liking her singing much. However, I found the album this song is on, Ray of Light, much more to my liking than her other work in its downbeat trip hoppiness.
Note: HD listening here!

Madonna - To Have and Not to Hold:

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Caravan Palace - Dragons

I heard about this French artist on Tumblr, but heard this song when someone posted in on Facebook. It’s awesome!

Caravan Palace - Dragons:

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Mariska - Murha

This is the only song I’ve heard by this Finnish hip hop artist, but it’s enough to intrigue me. (I looked up the lyrics translation and it’s about a guy breaking her heart, but it sounds more ominous than that.)

Mariska - Murha [Murder]:

Friday, September 14, 2012

Jhameel - White Lie

I heard about this artist last year on Tumblr. I looked up his bio and we seem to have a lot of things in common, including our age, university, appreciation for androgyny, and linguistic interests.
Note: HD!

Jhameel - White Lie:

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Maaya Sakamoto - Hemisphere

This was the closing theme to one of my favorite anime series, RahXephon. The composer is Yoko Kanno, BTW, who often uses this singer/voice actress as a vocalist in her music. (I haven’t tagged her this time, though; I think it’s beginning to seem unfair how often I post music by this composer.)
Note: HD listening enabled! (For some reason, another song called “Ongaku” is also included at the end of the video.  It's quite nice too.)

Maaya Sakamoto A.K.A. 坂本 真綾 - Hemisphere:

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

James Horner feat. Cathy Cavadini - Dreams to Dream

I FOUND IT I FOUND IT I FOUND IT!! This song is from the animated film An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, which was a part of my childhood, especially the scene with this song. I thought it was soooo pretty and could remember the animation, but not the song… then I found this version of the song (which, IMO, is much prettier than the “professional” recordings of it) and it came flooding back!

James Horner feat. Cathy Cavadini - Dreams to Dream:

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Alina Grosu - Прости меня, моя любовь

I found this while clicking around for Ukrainian/Russian music on YouTube.  Whoa, this seems to be the first Ukrainian artist I've posted!
Note: You can listen in HD!

Alina Grosu A.K.A. Алина Гросу - Прости меня, моя любовь [Prosti Myenya, Moya Lyubov’ - Forgive Me, My Love]:

Monday, September 10, 2012

K-os - Hallelujah

This hip hop artist occasionally dips into reggae (as with last time I posted a song by him) and other styles, and this song is a nice, somber example of that.

K-os - Hallelujah:

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Son Seung Yeon - 미운오리새끼

This is one of the few songs in a massive K-pop playlist someone sent me that I actually liked. I’d never heard of this singer before. Nice, strong voice and thankfully not trying to sound like a little girl. She was the winner of South Korea’s version of the competition reality show The Voice, and it sounds like that win was well-deserved.

Son Seung Yeon A.K.A. 손승연 - 미운오리새끼 [Miun Orisaeggi - Ugly Duckling]:

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Armchair Cynics - Ablaze

I just realized I hadn’t posted a song by this artist even though I meant to quite some time ago. Oops. I discovered this Canadian band through an AMV for the anime series Canaan.

Armchair Cynics - Ablaze:

Friday, September 7, 2012

Within Temptation - Ice Queen

‘Tis another song by this Dutch artist. I very much like the lead singer’s high notes!
Note: HD available!

Within Temptation - Ice Queen:

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Taku Iwasaki - Flame

This instrumental piece is from the soundtrack of the anime series Witch Hunter Robin. I always thought it sounded really cool.

Taku Iwasaki A.K.A. 岩崎 琢 - Flame:

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Janelle Monáe - Come Alive

This is the first time I’m posting something other than a music video by this artist. This track made me realize that her voice is not only very good, it’s kind of insane. That sustained shriek! Geeze!
Note: Listen in HD!

Janelle Monáe - Come Alive:

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Placebo - Song to Say Goodbye

Hey, wanna be depressed? Then watch this MV! But really, I like it a lot. The song itself is, I believe, about the narrator/lead singer losing his friend to drug addiction. That in itself is quite a downer, but compound that with the video and this whole thing fills me with a profound sadness. (Which is good, because that means it’s doing its job as art!)
Note: But first, just the song in HD.

Placebo - Song to Say Goodbye:


Now the MV:


Holy crap, I didn't know there was an extended version of the video until just now! I'm posting that too.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Vienna Teng - Blue Caravan

Here’s a downbeat tune from this American artist. I had an album of hers, Dreaming Through the Noise, and this track in particular always stuck in my head. I like the instrumental aspect of it.
Note: HD, su-weet!

Vienna Teng - Blue Caravan:

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Saeed Asayesh - نازی

I don’t love this song, but I don’t hate it either. I’m posting it because I had a housemate who used to play this song an obscene number of times (somehow I always end up living with people who play one song obsessively for months on end), to the point where a bunch of us in the house knew the lyrics despite not knowing Farsi. It basically became his theme song.

Saeed Asayesh - نازی [Nazi - My Dear]:

Saturday, September 1, 2012

The Pierces - Sticks and Stones

This will be the second song I’m posting by this Alabamian sister duo, but this time it’s more uptempo. But the real appeal of this song for me lies in the music video, which probably won’t appeal to you if you find horror movies too frightening to watch.  It was my first exposure to this artist, and it impressed me with its macabre style.

The Pierces - Sticks and Stones:


Here’s the MV! It’s not exactly for the faint of heart, though.:

Friday, August 31, 2012

Rodrigo Leão feat. Beth Gibbons - Lonely Carousel

I heard this song on the radio… in KOREA. It took me by surprise a bit. The vocalist is from Portishead, whom I haven’t posted music by (yet).

Rodrigo Leão feat. Beth Gibbons - Lonely Carousel:

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Miz Korona feat. Real Reid - This or That

Dangggg, Detroit kinda owns when it comes to hip hop. It produced the most famous rapper alive, Eminem, along with a whole slew of other talented emcees, and now I'm hearing about a lot of talented female emcees emerging outta there too, including Invincible (whom I've posted before) and this artist. Fun fact: this artist got to spit with a significant audience when she was in a scene of the Eminem-starring movie 8 Mile.

Miz Korona feat. Real Reid - This or That:

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Miyavi - 嗚呼、悲しきかな雇われの身のブルース

This favorite artist of mine makes a return to this blog! For the longest time I didn't even understand what this song is about (and when I asked my friend who speaks Japanese as a first language she also had no idea), I just thought it sounded hilarious. More recently I came to find out it’s about hating your job. It’s basically the movie Office Space, in song format.
Note: This really should be listened to in HD, because it allows you to better appreciate the weird sounds.

Miyavi A.K.A. 雅 - 嗚呼、悲しきかな雇われの身のブルース [Aa, Kanashiki Kana Yatoware no Mi no BURUUSU - Oh, the Blues of Being Employed in Sorrow]:

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Johanna Kurkela - Prinsessalle

I’m not very familiar with this Finnish artist’s music and Lord knows I can’t understand the lyrics by myself, but I think her voice is pretty. I came across her through YouTube surfing.
Note: HD!

Johanna Kurkela - Prinsessalle [For a Princess]:

Monday, August 27, 2012

IAMX - Fire and Whispers

I have been listening to this artist’s album Volatile Times on repeat lately, and this is my favorite track on it. There’s just something beautiful about it. This artist is also known as Chris Corner, the vocalist for Sneaker Pimps, whom I've posted a few songs by already.
Note:  Listen in HD!

IAMX - Fire and Whispers:

Sunday, August 26, 2012

3LW - Not This Time

It’s another song by this disbanded R&B group, and it’s from the same album as last time because that’s the only album by them I owned.
Note: There are Spanish subs, if you want them.

3LW - Not This Time:

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Emmanuel Jal - Gua

I found out about this Sudanese hip hop artist through an article in Rolling Stone magazine some years ago. I thought his story was interesting and looked into his music. Technically, the English lyrics aren’t that strong, but that can be forgiven because his story and perspective (as a former child soldier) are interesting and the instrumentals are fantastic. This song is especially cool because he codeswitches like a motha among FOUR languages: English, Arabic, Dinka, and Nuer. The title itself can be translated two ways: in Nuer, it means “good,” and in Sudanese Arabic, it means “power.” It’s a linguistic dream!

Emmanuel Jal - Gua [Good/Power]:

Friday, August 24, 2012

Kokia - Ave Maria

I'm so jealous of this artist's voice; you have no idea. It's so angelic! Although this “Ave Maria” is not the famous song everyone knows, this artist has covered that song too—but I find this one more beautiful.

Kokia - Ave Maria:


And here’s the live video!:

Thursday, August 23, 2012

JJ Lin - Endless Road

I previously only posted dancey tracks by this Singaporean artist, so I thought it was about time for one of his ballads. It just happens to also be in English, unlike the others I posted by him. His voice is adorable. He’s classically trained, too, which gives him an advantage over many other pop singers.
Note: I found it in HD! (And with German subtitles, in case you should find that necessary.)

JJ Lin A.K.A. 林俊傑 - Endless Road:

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Natalie Imbruglia - One More Addiction

I know I’m posting another song from the same album by this Australian artist as last time, but honestly I only own that one album by her and haven’t looked into her later ones, which she’s still releasing. Hmm, maybe I should do that one of these days…

Natalie Imbruglia - One More Addiction:

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

HIM - Join Me in Death

I think I heard of this Finnish artist through an mp3 rotation site many years ago, but one of my friends is a big fan of the band and sent me more music by them. This song, if you can’t tell by the title, is pretty dark. But I think it’s going for “darkly romantic” rather than outright depressing, because it’s about wanting to commit joint suicide.  But if that disturbs you you probably shouldn't listen to it.
Note: You can listen in HD once again!

HIM - Join Me in Death:

Monday, August 20, 2012

P!NK - Centrefold

I realized I hadn’t posted a song from this artist’s album I’m Not Dead yet, despite it being one of my favorites in my music collection. And I’m a fan, so when I bought this album (that’s right, BOUGHT) I got the fancy platinum edition, which included this song. It’s not exactly kid-friendly, but I think it sounds great and it’s a good embodiment of her “bite me” attitude that has always charmed me.
Note:  HD!

P!NK - Centrefold:

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Rain - 태양을 피하는 방법 (Gtr. Remix)

This guy is a maaaajor Korean pop star. He acts, too, and last time I checked wasn’t bad at it. His voice is not my favorite, but I quite like this song.
Note: Woooo, HD again!

Rain A.K.A. 비 - 태양을 피하는 방법 (Gtr. Remix) [Taeyangeul Pihaneun Bangbeop - How to Avoid the Sun]:

Saturday, August 18, 2012

YeLLOW Generation - 扉の向こうへ

This was the ending theme song of the much-praised anime series Fullmetal Alchemist. Quite catchy! I know virtually nothing of this artist outside of this song.
Note: You can listen in HD!

YeLLOW Generation - 扉の向こうへ [Tobira no Mukou e - Behind the Door]:

Friday, August 17, 2012

Sage Francis - Inherited Scars

This hip hop song is legit poetry. It might be disturbing to some people, though, because it’s about the artist discovering his sister cuts and wishing he could have done something to stop her.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Sage Francis - Inherited Scars:

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Stefanie Sun - 我不愛

Bringin’ this Singaporean artist back! This is the first song I heard by this singer/songwriter, and also one of the first Chinese songs in my music collection! It’s purdy.

Stefanie Sun A.K.A. 孫燕姿 - 我不愛 [Wo Bu Ai - I Don’t Love]:

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

James Morrison feat. Jessie J - Up

My friend recommended this song to me, knowing that I was already a big fan of Jessie J’s fantastic voice.
Note: HD!

James Morrison feat. Jessie J - Up:

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Hadiqa Kiani - Jaanan

This popular Pakistani artist is singing in Pashto. This was somewhat eye-opening to me, as I didn’t know there was a significant Pashto population outside of Afghanistan. The main singer, however, is NOT Pashto, so this song was viewed as a barrier-breaker. Supposedly she is credited for launching a trend in Pakistan of promoting and embracing Pashto culture despite not being Pashto herself.
Note: The video includes an English translation of the lyrics!

Hadiqa Kiani A.K.A. حدیقہ کیانی feat. Irfan Khan A.K.A. خان عرفان - Jaanan [Sweetheart]:

Monday, August 13, 2012

The TRAX - Over the Rainbow (Piano Version)

This is the piano version of a pretty cool rock song by this Korean artist. They used to make rock music that I was into, but at some point they stopped making rock and started making the exact same boring pop ballad music as everyone else in Korea. But before that, though, they made this song, which I’ve always thought is really beautiful, and I loooooove playing this piece on the piano.
Note: Woo, found it in HD!

The TRAX - Over the Rainbow (Piano Version):

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Ana Tijoux - Shock

I’ve been listening to this Chilean hip hop artist’s most recent album, La Bala, a lot lately, and I really like the first few tracks on it, especially this one. When she raps fast it melts me. It’s a protest song! The music video conveys the general meaning if you don’t know Spanish, so I’m including that.

Ana Tijoux - Shock:


Here’s the music video, which has HD:

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Darren Hayes - Hero

I noticed that I keep posting solo songs by this artist from the same era of his career, but I can’t help it. He’s made great music since then, but this album has me frothing at the mouth every time I listen to it, including last night. It’s what made me fall in love with his music in the first place.  Plus it’s terribly underrated. So here’s yet another song from his genius The Tension and the Spark album, yet another album I'm tempted to post almost every song from.  This has always been one of my favorites from it.  That high note at the end--!!

Darren Hayes - Hero:

Friday, August 10, 2012

Naya Rivera, Jenna Ushkowitz, and Amber Riley - Shake It Out

I maintain that this is one of the absolute best covers the TV show Glee has ever done. While I’ve posted songs with Naya’s smoky vocals and Amber’s breathtaking singing before, this song is a rare opportunity to hear Jenna’s voice, and she does not disappoint. It’s a shame the show largely ignores her. Their voices harmonize so beautifully, the song is arranged excellently, and the original song is lovely to begin with. The original artist is Florence + the Machine.
Note: Listen in HD!

Naya Rivera, Jenna Ushkowitz, and Amber Riley - Shake It Out:


Here’s the scene from the show in which it appeared, which you can also watch in HD:

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Eisbrecher - Vergissmeinnicht

If you have never listened to this band before, but the vocalist’s voice sounds familiar, that may be because he was also the vocalist for Megaherz, another German band I’ve posted music by. I can’t really remember how I came across this track, but I guess it was through a fanvideo or something.
Note: Wahh, I found it in HD AND with English subs!

Eisbrecher - Vergissmeinnicht [Forget-Me-Not]:

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Destiny's Child - She Can’t Love You

I can’t believe I’d only posted one song by this group so far. I played this artist’s albums SO MUCH it was ridiculous, especially this one. I’m tempted to post almost every song from their album Writing’s on the Wall, but I’ll start with just 2. I like how Beyoncé sings low in it.
Note: Listen in HD!

Destiny's Child - She Can’t Love You:

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Piko - 桜音

My friend sent me this song by this Japanese artist, which confused the heck out of me because he looked like a dude in the MV but the singing sounded exactly how female Japanese pop singers sound. Turns out the artist’s talent is impersonating a female singing voice, although he has mastery of a male-sounding voice as well.  Crazy!
Note: Hay HD!

Piko A.K.A. ピコ - 桜音 [Sakurane - Cherry Blossom Sound]:

Monday, August 6, 2012

Evanescence - Missing (Demo Version)

More Evanescence! Oh man, when I was in the first year of high school I listened to this band SO MUCH. This was always one of my favorite songs, and it’s one of their older ones. There’s another more common version of the song that I think was an official release from recent years, but this is the version of the song I heard and loved first.
Note:  You can listen in HD!

Evanescence - Missing (Demo Version):

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Selvmord - Råbe under Vand

I don’t really understand the lyrics myself ‘cause I don’t know Danish, but the song sounds pretty cool. A quick run of the lyrics through Google translate indicates it’s about a cheating significant other, though, so it’s pretty standard song subject matter.

Selvmord - Råbe under Vand [Shouting Underwater]:

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Missy Elliot - Get Ur Freak On

Oh, Missy. Even at a young age, I appreciated the wackiness of her style and music videos. She’s not my favorite lyricist, but I really like her style. For some reason, this music video features appearances by other famous hip hop artists like Eve, Busta Rhymes, Timbaland, and Ludacris. It has profanity.

Missy Elliot - Get Ur Freak On:

Friday, August 3, 2012

Patrick Wolf - The Sun is Often Out

Time for another track by this artist! This was a standout track for me on his album The Bachelor. In case you’re wondering why it sounds so melancholy, supposedly this song is about his friend, a poet who committed suicide.
Note: Song available in HD!

Patrick Wolf - The Sun is Often Out:

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Slava - Одиночество

I found this through a music blog and thought it was pretty catchy, but was a bit surprised and amused when I noticed one of the most conspicuous words I could understand in the song is a swear word. So if you’re a Russian speaker you have been forewarned of profanity!

Слава A.K.A. Slava - Одиночество [Odinochyestvo - Lonely]:

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

PSY - 강남스타일

This music video is making the rounds of the Internet lately, even among people who don’t normally listen to K-pop. I figured I’d put it up at the inception of its popularity. I heard of this Korean artist years ago when he did a collaboration with one of my favorite music artists, Miyavi.
Note: You can watch in HD!

PSY - 강남스타일 [Gangnam Style]:

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Yoko Kanno feat. Scott Matthew - Beauty is Within Us

So, since last time I posted a song with a male composer featuring a female vocalist, this time I wanted to post a song by a female composer featuring a male singer. By coincidence, the singer’s last name is similar to the previous singer’s last name. This is from one of the excellent soundtracks of the anime series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. This Japanese composer frequently features this Australian vocalist in her work, but this is probably my favorite of all the tracks I’ve heard this singer in.
Note: Listen in HD!

Yoko Kanno A.K.A. 菅野 よう子 feat. Scott Matthew - Beauty is Within Us:

Monday, July 30, 2012

Saltillo feat. Sarah Matthews - Giving In

I found this artist through a music recommendation blog, and I’m glad I did. Confusingly, this artist has gone by different names, including this one, Avis, Menton3, and his real one, Menton J. Matthews. His wife is the featured vocalist on this track. I guess the guy is super talented because he’s a comic book artist and painter as well as an electronic musician, and he can play a crapload of instruments, including my favorites, violin, viola, cello, and piano. The end result is some pretty cool-sounding music.
Note: Listen in HD!

Saltillo feat. Sarah Matthews - Giving In:

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Lady Gaga - Poker Face (Acoustic Version)

Know what's funny? I actually saw this artist in her first televised performance, before she REALLY blew up, when she was on the 2008 NewNowNext Awards, a tiiiiiiny little awards show targeting the LGBT community wherein they try to predict what the "next big thing" will be. She performed "Just Dance," and to be honest I wasn't that impressed (I still don't care for that song). Well, clearly they knew what they were talking about because next thing I know the song is friggin' ALL OVER THE PLACE and she's suddenly the world's biggest current pop star. Weird. Anyway, here's the acoustic version of the first song by her that I liked, which proved to me that she really CAN sing (as well as play piano, compose, and a whole host of other things).

Lady Gaga - Poker Face (Acoustic Version):

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Moddi - Smoke

Sounds like Celtic music! It even sounds like the artist has an Irish dialect, but he’s actually Norwegian. There’s a wee bit o’ profanity. I’m not even sure why, but I REALLY like this song, especially the instrumentation.
Note: HD para ti!

Moddi - Smoke:

Friday, July 27, 2012

Angela Chang - 口袋的天空

Last time I posted a song by this artist, it was a relatively little-known song by her that I happened to like. This time, though, I’m going with something much more mainstream. In fact, if you’ve ever heard her music at all you’ve probably heard this song, since it was the theme to the Taiwanese drama series Bump Off Lover (which I started to watch and never finished).

Angela Chang A.K.A. 張韶涵 - 口袋的天空 [Kou Dai De Tian Kong - Pocket Sky]:

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Da Backwudz - I Don’t Like the Look of It

I don’t have an intellectual justification for this. I just like that they used the Oompa Loompa song from the classic movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Note: HD!

Da Backwudz - I Don’t Like the Look of It:

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Hajime Chitose - 春のかたみ

I can’t remember what the first song was that I heard by this Japanese artist, but I think I picked it up from an mp3 rotation site. I like her island-style singing, similar to a few other Japanese artists I’ve posted.
Note: HD, AND English subtitles!

Hajime Chitose A.K.A. 元ちとせ - 春のかたみ [Haru no Katami - Spring’s Shoulders]:

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Van Canto - Battery

A CAPELLA METAL!!!! YESSSSSSSS. (This is a cover of Metallica’s song by the same name.)
Note: Watch/listen in HD.

Van Canto - Battery:

Monday, July 23, 2012

Stefanie Heinzmann - My Man is a Mean Man

Girl got a soul on her! This Swiss artist seems like an upbeat Adele. There’s a bit of profanity. Also, this song is kinda messed up, but her voice sounds good.

Stefanie Heinzmann - My Man is a Mean Man:

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Dustin O'Halloran - A Great Divide

I think I came across this artist by YouTube surfing. Honestly, a lot of what I’ve heard of his work sounds like the stuff I came up with while fooling around on the piano—that is to say, pretty, but not particularly complex or difficult. Still, it sounds nice, and this track has the added beauty of strings.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Dustin O'Halloran - A Great Divide:

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Ellie Goulding - Home

It’s the return of this pretty-voiced artist! There are quite a few songs by her I wanted to post, even though I’ve already posted 2 by her. First I went with a pop song, then with a ballad, so now I’m going with something in between.
Note: This has HD!

Ellie Goulding - Home:

Friday, July 20, 2012

Young the Giant - Cough Syrup

I was gonna make a joke about how the TV show Glee takes tips for what songs to cover from my music blog, because songs I post, even old songs and non-single releases, often end up on the show after I post them, but this time Glee bit off from my queue by covering this song before I posted it (but was planning to). So let the record show that I did NOT come across this song because of Glee!
Note: I found a video in HD!

Young the Giant - Cough Syrup:

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Shy'm - Je Suis Moi

I discovered this artist when I was looking for French music last year. I just like her voice. This isn’t the song I initially came across by her, but I found it just now and liked the song’s meaning. And therefore included a video with an English translation of the lyrics for your viewing pleasure!

Shy'm - Je Suis Moi [I am Me]:

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

MUCC - Black Smoke

This Japanese artist is making a reappearance here! This is the first song I acquired by this band, which sold me on them. I got it through an mp3 rotation site many years ago. I remember playing this around my dad’s then-GF and her staring at me incredulously going, “You like THIS?” It’s not for everyone, clearly, but yes, I like it.

MUCC - Black Smoke:

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Lim Jeong Hee - Music is My Life

Word. For some reason, I have long thought of this artist as something like the Korean Alicia Keys. I’ve seen others make this comparison as well.

Lim Jeong Hee A.K.A. 임정희 - Music is My Life:

Monday, July 16, 2012

Adam Lambert - Runnin’

GOD, this track sounds awesome. I’ve had the album this is from, Trespassing, on repeat for weeks now, and this is definitely one of my favorite tracks from it. I am lovin’ the sound of this fantastic singer’s lower register. I could have done without the autotune though.
Note: Listen in SUPER HD!

Adam Lambert - Runnin’:

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Nelly Ciobanu - Hora Din Moldova

I don’t remember how I found this, but this was Moldova’s 2009 entry in the Eurovision contest. Sounds pretty awesome! Also makes me feel all patriotic about a country I’ve never been to. :-P

Nelly Ciobanu - Hora Din Moldova [Dance from Moldova]:

Saturday, July 14, 2012

AWOLNATION - Sail

I heard this song because of this video, which makes me laugh really hard even though I’m not sure if it should: http://videohall.tumblr.com/post/22947862416/anybody-know-what-happened-to-the-cat
Note: HD again!

AWOLNATION - Sail:

Friday, July 13, 2012

Iyoeka - Simply Falling

My friend just sent this to me. One comment I saw described her as a cross between Amy Winehouse and Sade, which I think is a pretty apt comparison.
Note:  Suuuuuupah HD available!

Iyoeka - Simply Falling:

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Jónsi - Kolniður

This artist is the lead singer of the Icelandic band Sigur Rós, whom I’ve posted music by twice already. This is music from his solo project, which doesn’t sound all that different from his work with the band. Sidenote: My friend saw him perform live and said the performance moved her to tears, which is not an easy feat to accomplish with her.
Note: HD!

Jónsi - Kolniður [Pitch Blackness]:

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Tori Amos - Winter

This glorrrrrrrious artist returns to this blog once again. This is one of my all-time favorite songs by this artist, along with the other songs I’ve posted by her. This is also one of the very few Tori songs I feel I understand. To the best of my interpretation abilities, it’s about how things change as you grow up, but how she always valued her relationship with her father. I used to play this song on the piano all the time.

Tori Amos - Winter:



And a live version in HD:

Monday, July 9, 2012

Xia feat. Flowsik - Tarantallegra

Someone sent me this song in a gigantic playlist of K-pop. I was blasé about most of it, but this song really stood out. In particular, the “Americanness” of the rapper struck me and led me to look up the song info, at which point I confirmed my suspicion: the artist is indeed American, and from the hip hop group Aziatix. I’m not sure exactly what it is that tipped me off, but his swagger is distinctively American, even though his role in the song is minimal. BTW, the main artist is evidently the new incarnation of Xiah, from the original version of the K-pop group DBSK, whom I’ve posted music by before. I guess he’s doing stuff as a solo artist now.
Note:  It's also in HD!

Xia A.K.A. 준수 feat. Flowsik - Tarantallegra:

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Eve feat. Gwen Stefani - Let Me Blow Ya Mind

Another song by this famous hip hop artist! In collaboration with this famous singer! I must have heard this song a LOT back in the day when I regularly watched hip hop and R&B MVs on TV after school, because I never had an mp3 of this track or her CD, yet I remember a good portion of the lyrics. Which have some profanity, BTW.

Eve feat. Gwen Stefani - Let Me Blow Ya Mind:

Saturday, July 7, 2012

K’naan feat. Chubb Rock - ABCs

‘Tis another song by this hip hop artist. When I first started listening to him, I don’t think he was that well-known, but now it seems he’s doin’ big thangs. I honestly had a hard time picking which song to post by him because he has so many good ones.

K’naan feat. Chubb Rock - ABCs:

Friday, July 6, 2012

Emeli Sandé - Heaven

My friend sent me this song a few months ago, and reminded me of it again recently. I like her voice and style!
Note: HD, FUUUUUU~!

Emeli Sandé - Heaven:

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Gotye - Smoke and Mirrors

Everyone heard of this artist over the past few months through another song, but I heard this song in an episode of the British soap Hollyoaks.
Note: HD yet again.

Gotye - Smoke and Mirrors:

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

ChocQuibTown - Hasta el Techo

I found this Colombian artist on YouTube. I’m kinda annoyed at the moment ‘cause one of my posts got taken down for no good reason.
Note: HD, biznitches!

ChocQuibTown - Hasta el Techo [To the Ceiling]:

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Phil Collins - You’ll Be in My Heart

This song is from the Disney film Tarzan. I always thought it was a nice song. Today I was watching videos of gorillas (‘cause that’s apparently how I spend my free time) so this seemed apropos. Also, I’ve known who this British artist was since I was very little, and I have no idea why.
Note: And there’s HD!

Phil Collins - You’ll Be in My Heart:

Monday, July 2, 2012

Kaori Hikita - みちゆき

This is the ending theme of the anime series Loveless. It’s pretty and calm. It’s one of my favorite anime theme songs. I used to play it on the piano a lot, but I fear by now I’ve forgotten how.

Kaori Hikita A.K.A. 引田 香織 - みちゆき [Michiyuki - Journey]:

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Jay Brannan - Rob Me Blind

A website I frequent posts songs by this actor/singer/songwriter once in a while, but I never found them particularly compelling until they posted this one. I blame the strings.

Jay Brannan - Rob Me Blind: