Epic Music Post of Doom
There is no rhyme or reason to this post other than I've organized it by my English music and my .... not-English music. Shut up, I'm a retard, okay?
There was once a time when I was a huge music elitist. I knew so much about so many artists, I read all the music magazines, I kept up with all the big blogs. I was horrible and just. Ah. I was really, really cocky with my music choices. Looking back, I was an idiot, but I was a knowledgeable idiot.
Since then, I've grown a lot. My music tastes haven't changed too terribly much and I find myself going back to the same old shit that I listened to just a few short years ago.
Some of the songs that you can download are AAC format. My deepest apologies, but if you really want them, I can convert.
So, without further ado, let me present to you the crazy array of music I listen to. Enjoy. :) Let me know what you like, what you don't like. If you want more, let me know.
A Note; I have no idea why this was so personal for me to do. I guess because I'm including stupid stories and information about the artists or my connections with them.
English
Gabe Bondoc
Gabe Bondoc is an acoustic singer-songwriter from the Bay area in California. Stephanie (akagasuki) is the one who introduced me to this amazing man. I have a secret love for artists like this. He reminds me of a better Jack Johnson; more genuine. An avid fan of performing covers, he's done fantastic versions of songs like Burnin' Up (Jonas Brothers), Come on Over Baby (Christina Aguilera), and others. He's really fantastic, please check him out and give him some love.
Download: One Touch, Gentlemen Don't, Suitcases
The Working Title
I can't remember when I first heard about The Working Title. It was at a show in St. Louis and I'm pretty sure it was around the time that I got into Melee. Anyway. They're from Charleston, SC and really amazing. They're a mellow form of indie rock and write a lot of sappy songs about love and heartbreak. Not only a great group in the studio, they're one of the best live bands I've had the luxury of seeing.
Download: There Is None, The Mary Getaway
Watashi Wa / Lakes
A former Christian pop group from San Luis Obispo, California, Watashi Wa is one of those groups that I always find myself finding again and again after forgetting about them. I remember talking to my old friend Kristen about them and other Tooth & Nail artists (like Anberlin and others). Mm, they're fantastic. When Watashi Wa disbanded, some former members got together and created Lakes and released an EP. Again, they're a bit more indie pop with a mix of Christian. But fantastic. I really dig them a lot.
Download: Smoke Signals (Watashi Wa), Latersss (Lakes)
Greenwheel / Go Van Gogh
Oh my GOD. Greenwheel. These guys are dear to my heart because they're from the Greater St. Louis area. These guys. Holy crap. I've seen them in several different cities and they never disappointed. Ryan Jordan is ten kinds of fabulous and his family is just amazing too. Their sound has shifted a lot, but they're predominantly, again, indie rock (have you noticed a trend yet?). Some of the best concerts I can remember are with these guys. They decided to rename themselves Go Van Gogh and released an album (that I don't have, sadly). I really need to pick it up sometime. The best part about Greenwheel is just how amazing their lyrics are. Their song Breathe was actually covered by Melissa Etheridge. I prefer their version, of course, but it's nice for them to get money for that track.
Download: Drowning Man, Breathe (Greenwheel), Blood Money (Go Van Gogh)
Craig David
HOLY SHIT CRAIG DAVID. God. This man. THIS MAN. I have a lot of excellent memories with Craig David. The first album of his that I bought on my own was when I was in New York City in the Virgin Megastore. He's an amazing pop R&B singer-songwriter from England. His music has encompassed a lot of genres over the years, but he's been predominantly in the R&B scene. Words can't describe how much I love him. His fanbase has dwindled extremely in recent years, but that doesn't make him any less awesome.
Download: 6 of 1 Thing, All The Way (featuring Bonnie Pink)
Matt Dusk
Matt Dusk. Where do I begin about Matt Dusk. You know people like Michael Buble and all of them? Well, he's similar in kind, but, um. Awesome. Don't get me wrong, Michael is fantastic, but there's just something about Matt. Matt's from Toronto and according to Wikipedia, he's a jazz musician and vocalist. He's released a few albums and is going to be coming out with a new one some time this year. I LOVE HIM. He's fucking fabulous. I can't wait for his next album. :)
Download: All About Me, Don't Go Looking
Megan McCauley
Megan is terrifying. No, trust me, I mean that in a great way, but for a girl who is so young (she's only 20), the lyrics on her album Better Than Blood are intense. She must have led a tough life so far, but don't let the deep lyrics in most of her songs turn you away. She's a rock singer-songwriter with a bad ass attitude (and really hot too). The songs I chose are polar opposites, but I really suggest for you to give Tap That a chance. It's... ten kinds of awesome, despite being a joke song.
Download: Reverie, Tap That
Anberlin
Oh, Anberlin. I remember when I finally got their albums. I was with my dad (it was one of the last good moments I had with him) and we were in FYE. He bought me Anberlin's first two releases. It was a silly way to try to buy my love. Ah. I don't know why I shared that. Anyway. They're awesome. Their most recent album New Surrender is decent, but falls short in comparison to their older albums. Still awesome. Still great. Give them a listen, if you haven't already. They're going to be in Billings at the end of January, I hope I get to go.
Download: Never Take Friendship Personal, Adelaide
Ben Harper
Ben Harper is a phenomenal singer-songwriter from California. He does a lot of alt-rock, but has gone into folk, gospel, and blues. He's one of my favorite artists of all time, simply because he could do any genre of music and be a pro at it, I'm sure. No words, just download him right now.
Download: Diamonds on the Inside, Black Rain
Sugarcult
Oh my good Lord. I have a lot of good memories with Sugarcult. One of the first groups that brought me some of the best memories and great relationships with people. So many good memories with these guys. They're some of the nicest, friendliest guys. They've had their ups and downs and issues with band mates, but they've always come out on top. I've offered a new school and old school song. Yet another California group (are we sensing another trend?).
Download: Los Angeles, Pretty Girl (The Way)
Mêlée
Mêlée is one of those groups that I saw live and fell in love. Some of the nicest guys I've met at a concert, they were really awesome and just.. genuine. Another group from California, they have a really unique sound, mixing a bunch of different instruments together to create musical bliss, but if I had to assign them a real genre, I guess it would be Pop Rock.
Download: Perfect Mess, Rhythm of Rain
Josh Pyke
Josh Pyke is one of those people I had heard about in passing, but didn't actually sit down and listen to until I snagged the music from Tessa. He's a fantastic singer-songwriter from Australia. I really dig the honesty in his lyrics. I want more of his music. MORE MORE MORE. Haha!
Download: Memories & Dust, Middle of the Hill, Feeding the Wolves
Flight of the Conchords
...funny how these guys were right after Josh Pyke. From New Zealand, these guys are a mix of comedy with some folk and indie rock sound. They're absolutely hilarious and whenever their music comes on shuffle, I can't help but listen and laugh. Listen listen listen and laugh. :)
Download: Business Time, Albi
Freezepop
Freezepop is a synthpop group from Boston. Featured on Guitar Hero, most people know about them from their songs Get Ready 2 Rokk or Less Talk More Rokk that were both featured on Guitar Hero. Their music is really sugary sweet, but sometimes hilarious. I don't know, it's good happy time fun music.
Download: Do You Like My Wang, Get Ready 2 Rokk
Sufjan Stevens
Not too terribly widely known, this singer-songwriter from Detroit holds a special place in my heart. One of the few artists that can always make me cry when I hear certain tracks, Sufjan Stevens is simply amazing. Not only is he capable of playing so many instruments, his take on music is insanely creative and genius. His song titles are just as epic as his music. He's mostly folk sounding and does some of the best Christmas music money can buy (or the internet can find). I used to have his entire discography, but due to new computers and losing the information on old ones, it's dwindled quite a bit. Regardless, give these songs a listen, I hope you won't regret it.
Download: For The Widows In Paradise, For The Fatherless In Ypsilanti, Redford (For Yia-Yia & Pappou) - also known as the song that can always make me cry.
Phantom Planet
YET ANOTHER GROUP FROM CALIFORNIA. Oh me. :') I love these guys. More often than not, known as the group who "sang the theme song to The OC," Phantom Planet has gone through a lot of overhauls in terms of the group lineup and the music they've made together. I really admire and respect these guys simply because of the fact that they're able to do music that they like and love and do it because they can. They also put on a fantastic live show that I wouldn't mind seeing again. Trying to pin point them into a genre is somewhat difficult, so have some music during various points during their career.
Download: Lonely Day, Badd Business, Ship Lost at Sea
Hellogoodbye
Okay, I know you're probably tired of the California artists. XD; These guys are a group similar in kind to Freezepop as they're synthpop, or according to some power pop. The music is addicting and easy to listen to. They write generally happy and upbeat songs, or at least they sound upbeat. The few times I've seen them live haven't been their best work, but they've managed to put on a solid show.
Download: Call and Return (Say That You're Into Me), Stuck to You
Motion City Soundtrack
The shit that these guys from Minnesota have been through is astounding, but I'm happy to report that they've definitely come out on top. I love these guys so much. Terribly, terribly nice and amazing. I've been really lucky to see these guys multiple times in different cities and I've had so many good experiences when it comes to them. If you dig pop punk or indie rock, give them a listen, if you haven't already.
Download: Perfect Teeth, When "You're" Around
Lostprophets
A crazy Welsh group that has also undergone various sound changes throughout their career. There aren't many artists that you can claim are both alt-rock and nu metal. BUT THEY ARE. Typically I lean toward more of their alt-rock music, especially their album Liberation Transmission. I'm also happy to report that they're coming out with a new album at some point in the following year. Hopefully sooner than later, no?
Download: Can't Catch Tomorrow (Good Shoes Won't Save You This Time), Sway
Pete Yorn
This man has made me laugh. This man has made me cry. This man has made me think. This man. I love this man. From Jersey, Pete Yorn is just. Words can't describe. With music often called alt-country, it really isn't your typical country. I don't know. He's fantastic, okay? odisfjoisj OKAY? He's my favorite. MY FAVORITE and I could capslock all day about this man and how amazing and wonderful and phenomenal and talented he is, but instead I just force you to listen to my two favorite songs of his. Okay. Go!
Download: Undercover, Crystal Village (My mom told me that if a song could encompass who I am as a person, it would be this one. I cried.)
Frank Turner
Frank Turner is someone I've recently found. Mentioned somewhere in a blog or a music post, I downloaded him on a whim and fell in love. A London based singer-songwriter, his music is really unique. His second album Love, Ire, and Song is a great hybrid of amazing folk sounds and a wide variety of instruments. I'm really glad I found out about this guy, I'm just sad it took me so long to discover him.
Download: Better Half, A Love Worth Keeping
Aqualung
The first time I saw Aqualung, I had been a fan of them for... I don't even know, but he opened for Pete Yorn. Another artist that I lost most of the music in my computer trials. Aqualung is also known as Matthew Hales and is from England. There's just something about his style of music that is really captivating. I love it a lot. Piano rock, for the win.
Download: Something to Believe In
Blvd
If I could describe this San Francisco based group (with a dude from Colorado), it would be the English version of Epik High. Words can't describe how amazing I think these guys are and I highly recommend going to see them if you ever get the chance.
Download: Music is a Medicine, 108 Rose Petals
The Feeling
The Feeling is a British pop-soft rock group that I was formally introduced to by Kate (who is one of the coolest girls I have ever known, hands down). I had heard about them before, but it wasn't until she was like "LISTEN TO THEM NOW DAMMIT" that I did and I fell in love. Their lyrics are incredibly witty and the music is horribly catchy. Sadly, another group where I lost most of the music of theirs I had, but that doesn't make them any less awesome. I love this song so hard.
Download: Don't Make Me Sad
Korean
Heritage
I really have a lot of Christian groups on here and Heritage really isn't an exception. A fantastic gospel-esque trio, these guys are really amazing. There isn't much else to say except that I wish I could see these guys live. Give them a listen if you dig that type of sound. I promise you won't regret it.
Download: Grateful, Victory is Mine (featuring the Heritage Mass Choir)
Humming Urban Stereo
Humming Urban Stereo was discovered when I was listening to some of my other artists of this indie music genre and Last.fm was like, "O hay, Lauren, you like Clazziquai? Have you tried out Humming Urban Stereo?" And I was like, "No, I haven't, but here I go downloading their entire discography in one go!" Their music is pretty eclectic and covers a wide variety of styles. To be honest, it took me a little bit to get used to the sound and sometimes I'll listen to them and just be really... baffled? I'm not sure. ANYWAY. I really dig them. If you listen to stuff like Clazziquai, I'd suggest to give them a listen. Goldie is probably my favorite song of theirs.
Download: Baby Love, Goldie
Dear Cloud
dsfiasfsoij DEAR CLOUD. God. I can't. I love them. Most of the Korean music I listen to is this indie mellow music sort. I don't know. I'm a huge sap and, yeah. So. Anyway. The vocals are astounding. The sound is breathtaking, in a way, because of how everything is arraigned. I can't get enough of them. 가시 is my favorite song of theirs and actually one of my top songs of all time. Again, they're pretty mellow so if you listen to any sort of pop soft-rock, I'd give them a shot. :) Their first album is amazing. I'd really recommend getting it.
Download: 가시, 같은 사람, Lip
S [upreme]
I probably should have talked about Kangta first, but here is where I'll just ramble about this side project. S consisted of Kangta, Lee Ji Hoon, and Shin Hye Sung who were really close friends. Their music is pretty crooner-ish, if I do say so myself. I don't know. It's hard for me to say anything coherent about these guys because I love them so much.
Download: I Swear, 몰랐죠
Kangta
...LOL. I don't even know. Where to begin. Kangta (next to Pete Yorn and a few others) is it for me. I love this man more than my life itself (in that completely not creeptastic way, I promise you) and his music is just amazing. He was originally in the group H.O.T. and then went solo. God, if I could, I would make you all get his entire discography. But for now, just have a few songs of his that I adore.
Download: Seom, Persona, 가슴에 남아, JUST DOWNLOAD EVERYTHING OK? XD;
Love & Pop
Love & Pop is another Last.fm find. Indie music at its best, Love & Pop's lyrics are really... depressing. The songs are haunting and simplistic, but there's just something overly melancholy about their music. I really, really dig the entire album. I would imagine that the woman's voice could take some time to get used to, but I loved it from the start.
Download: Falling in love, farewell love, Would You Rather Forget?
Mystic Puzzle
Mystic Puzzle was a random chance download from one of those communities because I saw that they had done a song with Epik High, plus I was still on that mellow indie music kick. The mixture of voices and harmony mixed with the mellow beats, I just. I can't get enough of it. Please try them out. They're really dear to my heart.
Download: A Fairy Tale (featuring Epik High), Flight Voyage
SG Wannabe
God, where do I begin with SG Wannabe? A Korean group doing music like Simon and Garfunkel, you can't go wrong, especially if you dig both. They've undergone some member changes, but that doesn't make them any less awesome. Arguably one of the most solid performers I've seen period. Utilizing the sound of S&G, they're pretty folk rock sounding, but no less fantastic.
Download: Untouchable (feat. 김종국 & M to M), Timeless (Unplugged 2007 Real-Session), Lalala (live version)
Roller Coaster
Yet again another group found through Last.fm. I'm really glad I took a chance (and the time to find these guys) because the woman's vocals are just astounding. They're a bit rough around the edges, but so good. It reminds me of someone who would sing Trot music, but it's jazzy. I'd consider them to be more on the jazz side of the music spectrum. Triangle, on a whole, is just a really solid album. I love love love it.
Download: After the Tone, Triangle
Loveholic
Most people have probably heard of Loveholic one way or another. Their music has been featured in countless numbers of places and like groups like Clazziquai and others, they're pretty much everywhere. Definitely indie soft rock again, Loveholic is an icon in the Korean music industry. The vocals are so soothing. YOU CAN'T GO WRONG. JUST LISTEN. With the departure of Ji Sun, I'm not sure where they're going to go from there, but they are one of my favorite groups that hail from Korea.
Download: Flowerpot, 신기루 (Black Blood Brothers)
Sogyumo Acacia Band
Okay. This group. I don't even know where to begin because they're so... bizarre. I... don't remember how I came across them, I think they were featured or playing in the background of some show and I looked up the lyrics? Anyway. Despite them being one of the weirdest artists in my music library, I do find them enjoyable. Again, another indie pop-rock band, they're pretty good. So Good Bye is a really sad Engrish song. I won't lie, I've cried while listening to it.
Download: ㄱ ㅣ ㅅ ㅣ ㄱ ㅛ ㅍ, So Good Bye
Yozoh
Yozoh is similar in kind sound-wise with Sogyumo Acacia Band. Her voice is quiet, but strong in that it's passionate. I don't know. I really dig the mellow sound to her stuff. Not much more to say, except you should listen. "Hey, I'm in love with you. My love is you." Simple and to the point. Love love love. Korea has such a way with the indie rock scene.
Download: 하모니카 소리
Jang Yoon Jeong
TROT TROT TROT. I LOVE TROT. Oh my god. XD This woman. I don't know. She's bringing trot back in style and I love her for it. Trot reminds me of pop music mixed with big band style. I don't. It's great to dance to. Jang Yoon Jeong mixes more pop music into her trot-esque songs, but you seriously can't go wrong with her. Give her a listen.
Download: 와락 부비부비, 나 잡아봐라
Instant Romantic Floor
Oh? What's this? Another group discovered because of Last.FM? Why yes. :) I'm not sure what captivates me the most about Instant Romantic Floor - their name, their music, or the astounding vocals. A funky indie rock group that mixes a variety of other styles (primarily jazz), I really can't get enough of them.
Download: The Last Waltz, Love Punch (Uppercut Mix)
Son Ho Young
Son Ho Young was originally in G.O.D. (who surprisingly was almost forgotten in this list. WTF IS WRONG WITH ME?!) and then when he went solo, he turned even more awesome. God, his latest album Returns rocks me so hard. osdfjsdoisjd G.O.D. is also just as good, so I've put a few of their songs to take too.
Download: Call Me 5500, 똑같은 사람, I know (solo); Friday Night, Change (g.o.d.)
Jung Yup
Jung Yup is from Brown Eyed Soul (who is also a fantastic group that I highly recommend. If I had more of their music, I'd link to it too, but.) and released a solo album that is fantastic. Typical smooth R&B goodness, Jung Yup is just... amazing. His voice is silky smooth like your best sheets. No matter where in his range he's singing, he's just perfect.
Download: Nothing Better, Get You
Soulciety
Soulciety is a great group with a jazzy R&B feel. I love listening to this album while I'm sleeping or if I just need to relax. The lyrics are a bit more raw sounding and took me a few listens to appreciate, but now I really dig it. This is worth a few listens before you give up on them.
Download: Never Gonna
Oldfish
Don't let the name steer you away, Oldfish is probably one of my favorite indie electronica groups despite the language barrier. The blend of male and female vocals always gets me, I HAVE A FETISH OKAY? But really. They're fantastic. I miss their older albums and this is a great reminder that I have to get them again, but have my favorite song from their third release.
Download: DA E JO BOO
T
T is one of the few strictly R&B Korean artists that I have. Her voice is simply to die for. Full of soul, T's vocal range is also something that's amazing. There are few female R&B artists that can keep my interest for as long as she has and she's at the top.
Download: 잊었니..., Baby Bye Bye
Shinhwa
Shinhwa. Where to begin? These guys have been around for what feels like forever. They're your typical k-pop, a great mix of R&B, pop, a rapper and just. Mm. Not to mention, they're fucking hot as hell. (Come on, Minwoo? Hells yes, plz.) If you listen to any of the dance-y genres of music, I definitely recommend giving them a listen.
Download: brand new, Throw My Fist
TVXQ
sdoihjaodisfodsoifdso The group of many names. Famous world-wide and known to most as Dong Bang Shin Ki, these guys are truly living up to the meaning of their name right now. They've been through a lot of ups and downs, but that hasn't stopped them one bit. I have known about these guys for longer than most of the other stuff I listen to and I'm really happy for them. God, I just. I love them. And I'm so fucking proud. Most of you, well, no, all of you have heard of them. No doubt. I don't even know why I'm linking to this shit.
Download: Dong Bang Shin Ki: Love Bye Love, Your Love is All I Need, Rising Sun, TRI-ANGLE; Tohoshinki: Ride On, ZION, Step By Step, Choosey Lover, Maze (Jae's solo - Typically I wouldn't have put just a song by one of them, but goddamnit I love this song. ._.)
Epik High
God. Epik High is just... I hate sounding cheesy, but epic. This hip hop group is arguably one of the best in the world period. They aren't the darker side of the hip hop scene, but that shouldn't stop you from giving them a listen. These guys have great rhythms, rhymes, everything. They're phenomenal. Epic. They're epic.
Download: Follow The Flow, Breakdown, Love Love Love
Clazziquai / Alex
Clazziquai is one of my favorite groups of all time. It took me a little while to actually get interested in them completely, but now I can't imagine not having their discography as a part of my music collection. PS. Alex's solo album is in my top 5 album - no lie. I've included my two favorite songs from that too. :)
Download: Fill This Night, Flea (Clazziquai); Miss Understand, Feel Like Making Sunshine
Japanese
FLOW
One of the few rock groups that I still frequently listen to. These days, I've moved into more mellow music, but I really dig them. They've been featured as theme songs and insert songs for a lot of various shows and dramas. CLEARLY THIS MEANS THEY ARE AWESOME. Clearly, this means you must listen to them.
Download: Answer
Spontania
Oh my GOD. I adore these guys. I first heard about them with their song Positivity. They're a great hip hop group with an interesting mellow sound. I don't know. I love them. JUST LISTEN. I'm nearing the end of this and running out of things to say. All the music I listen to is good, dammit. LOL.
Download: 君のすべてに (featuring JuJu), 「サヨナラ…」
FreeTempo
FreeTEMPO is a great fusion-jazz artist. Using various vocalists for the tracks, each song has its own special flair. I don't know, I feel like I could listen to some of this stuff on a smooth jazz station or just some sort of acid jazz station (if those even exist anymore). But yeah, his sound is really smooth. Give it a try if you dig jazz. :)
Download: Etude
Naoto
I only have one song by this fantastic guy and I've searched high and low for his full albums to no success. This man... I don't know if this song is anything like his other stuff, but I love this song so hard. SO HARD. sdofioiaffffff violins. *___*
Download: Twin Dragon
Jazztronik
Jazztronik is another great dance jazz artist. I don't know. The vocals on this track I've uploaded for you guys are also so stellar. But yeah. I don't know. It reminds me of good dance 70s dance music. I just feel like getting my groove on. "Take my hand and never let it go." For some reason I really think this song encompasses me too.
Download: Sweet Rain
MAKAI
DJ MAKAI is one of the best DJs, I could argue. There are a lot of good ones, don't get me wrong, but there's just something he has. I'm not sure. Maybe it's because of his choice of artists that he works with, but you cannot go wrong with Yoochun featured on a track. Your typical electronica music, MAKAI would do amazing in the scene here in the US and likely the rest of the world, if just given the chance.
Download: Tokyo Lovelight (featuring Yoochun from TVXQ)
Superfly
Superfly is a group that really formed in the wrong era. A perfect throwback to the music of the late 1960s and early 1970s, there is something that's truly genuine about Superfly. They're just your typical rock of that era. I really recommend the entire album, if you get a chance to snag their self-titled CD, do it. Even the vocals are a perfect reproduction of so many female artists of the time. I just. I'm in love.
Download: 1969, Ain't No Crybaby
Monkey Majik
What do you get when you have two Canadian guys who made a band with two Japanese guys? Monkey Majik, that's who! I don't even know how to classify these guys other than under the genre of AWESOME. A lot of their music is upbeat and this perfect hybrid of Japanese and English, their more melancholy songs even have a twinge of happiness behind them. Monkey Majik is what I listen to when I need to take a break from listening to depressing music. LOL. :')
Download: between the lines, Picture Perfect Love
Lecca
Lecca is a fantastic j-reggae artist. When I first heard her, I wasn't sure what to make of it but now I have grown to love it. Every once in awhile I'll remind myself that she's singing in Japanese and that confuses me for a bit, but she's still amazing.
Download: Vallya
YMCK
YMCK is an 8-bit group with a lot of amazingness behind them. I used to have most of their music (that was overly addicting to say the least), but it's mostly all gone now. They remind me of Katamari music. AND YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH KATAMARI. Their most recent release is just as fantastic as their past. They're great musicians for coming up with such a unique sound.
Download: Go. YMCK, Go!
Other
Superbus (French)
The only good thing to come out of France, no no, I'm kidding. Superbus is a rarity in my music collection. Pop-punk would be the best way to describe this group. They sing in a mishmash of French and English. Radio Song is one of my favorite songs of theirs of all time.
Download: Tokyo Montana (I would upload some of their things from Pop'n'gum, but that was downloaded from iTunes.)
Di-Rect (Dutch)
How I actually found out about Di-rect was that I was watching the European Music Awards and they were nominated for some random award. The song caught my ears and I felt really inclined to find out more about these guys. They sing in English and are really fucking fabulous. NO WORDS. They're mostly just pop-alt-rock, but occasionally change up their sound a bit for random tracks. One of my favorites. :)
Download: Noir, Back to Life, Bring Down Tomorrow
mas4
Mas4, also known as Carlos, is a fanmixer from Brazil. He typically mixes music of the Asian persuasion and is really really amazing. I adore this guy. Not much more to say except that his J-Bootie vol. 2 should be coming out and I can promise you that it'll be just as awesome as his previous works. There are a lot of other great fanmixers out there, but this guy. He's just awesome.
Download: Missing Taboo, 10-10 Love
Miri Ben-Ari
... I originally had her in English, but that was only because of her album that included plenty of delicious collaborations with various artists. Miri Ben-Ari is a violinist from Israel who is simply AMAZING. I adore her so much that it HURTS. The Hip-Hop Violinist is one of my favorite albums. If you dig violins, give her a shot. You won't regret it.
Download: Hold Your Head Up High, Chillin' in the Key of E
Esau Mwamwaya & Radioclit
...I don't even know what the appropriate artist thing would be for this, but I downloaded this album off of one of one of the music blogs that I read. I'll be honest, the name Radioclit got to me and I had to download. Anyway. The music is African and amazing. It seems to cover a lot of variety with some traditional and current styles of music.
Download: Sister Betina
There was once a time when I was a huge music elitist. I knew so much about so many artists, I read all the music magazines, I kept up with all the big blogs. I was horrible and just. Ah. I was really, really cocky with my music choices. Looking back, I was an idiot, but I was a knowledgeable idiot.
Since then, I've grown a lot. My music tastes haven't changed too terribly much and I find myself going back to the same old shit that I listened to just a few short years ago.
Some of the songs that you can download are AAC format. My deepest apologies, but if you really want them, I can convert.
So, without further ado, let me present to you the crazy array of music I listen to. Enjoy. :) Let me know what you like, what you don't like. If you want more, let me know.
A Note; I have no idea why this was so personal for me to do. I guess because I'm including stupid stories and information about the artists or my connections with them.
English
Gabe Bondoc
Gabe Bondoc is an acoustic singer-songwriter from the Bay area in California. Stephanie (akagasuki) is the one who introduced me to this amazing man. I have a secret love for artists like this. He reminds me of a better Jack Johnson; more genuine. An avid fan of performing covers, he's done fantastic versions of songs like Burnin' Up (Jonas Brothers), Come on Over Baby (Christina Aguilera), and others. He's really fantastic, please check him out and give him some love.
Download: One Touch, Gentlemen Don't, Suitcases
The Working Title
I can't remember when I first heard about The Working Title. It was at a show in St. Louis and I'm pretty sure it was around the time that I got into Melee. Anyway. They're from Charleston, SC and really amazing. They're a mellow form of indie rock and write a lot of sappy songs about love and heartbreak. Not only a great group in the studio, they're one of the best live bands I've had the luxury of seeing.
Download: There Is None, The Mary Getaway
Watashi Wa / Lakes
A former Christian pop group from San Luis Obispo, California, Watashi Wa is one of those groups that I always find myself finding again and again after forgetting about them. I remember talking to my old friend Kristen about them and other Tooth & Nail artists (like Anberlin and others). Mm, they're fantastic. When Watashi Wa disbanded, some former members got together and created Lakes and released an EP. Again, they're a bit more indie pop with a mix of Christian. But fantastic. I really dig them a lot.
Download: Smoke Signals (Watashi Wa), Latersss (Lakes)
Greenwheel / Go Van Gogh
Oh my GOD. Greenwheel. These guys are dear to my heart because they're from the Greater St. Louis area. These guys. Holy crap. I've seen them in several different cities and they never disappointed. Ryan Jordan is ten kinds of fabulous and his family is just amazing too. Their sound has shifted a lot, but they're predominantly, again, indie rock (have you noticed a trend yet?). Some of the best concerts I can remember are with these guys. They decided to rename themselves Go Van Gogh and released an album (that I don't have, sadly). I really need to pick it up sometime. The best part about Greenwheel is just how amazing their lyrics are. Their song Breathe was actually covered by Melissa Etheridge. I prefer their version, of course, but it's nice for them to get money for that track.
Download: Drowning Man, Breathe (Greenwheel), Blood Money (Go Van Gogh)
Craig David
HOLY SHIT CRAIG DAVID. God. This man. THIS MAN. I have a lot of excellent memories with Craig David. The first album of his that I bought on my own was when I was in New York City in the Virgin Megastore. He's an amazing pop R&B singer-songwriter from England. His music has encompassed a lot of genres over the years, but he's been predominantly in the R&B scene. Words can't describe how much I love him. His fanbase has dwindled extremely in recent years, but that doesn't make him any less awesome.
Download: 6 of 1 Thing, All The Way (featuring Bonnie Pink)
Matt Dusk
Matt Dusk. Where do I begin about Matt Dusk. You know people like Michael Buble and all of them? Well, he's similar in kind, but, um. Awesome. Don't get me wrong, Michael is fantastic, but there's just something about Matt. Matt's from Toronto and according to Wikipedia, he's a jazz musician and vocalist. He's released a few albums and is going to be coming out with a new one some time this year. I LOVE HIM. He's fucking fabulous. I can't wait for his next album. :)
Download: All About Me, Don't Go Looking
Megan McCauley
Megan is terrifying. No, trust me, I mean that in a great way, but for a girl who is so young (she's only 20), the lyrics on her album Better Than Blood are intense. She must have led a tough life so far, but don't let the deep lyrics in most of her songs turn you away. She's a rock singer-songwriter with a bad ass attitude (and really hot too). The songs I chose are polar opposites, but I really suggest for you to give Tap That a chance. It's... ten kinds of awesome, despite being a joke song.
Download: Reverie, Tap That
Anberlin
Oh, Anberlin. I remember when I finally got their albums. I was with my dad (it was one of the last good moments I had with him) and we were in FYE. He bought me Anberlin's first two releases. It was a silly way to try to buy my love. Ah. I don't know why I shared that. Anyway. They're awesome. Their most recent album New Surrender is decent, but falls short in comparison to their older albums. Still awesome. Still great. Give them a listen, if you haven't already. They're going to be in Billings at the end of January, I hope I get to go.
Download: Never Take Friendship Personal, Adelaide
Ben Harper
Ben Harper is a phenomenal singer-songwriter from California. He does a lot of alt-rock, but has gone into folk, gospel, and blues. He's one of my favorite artists of all time, simply because he could do any genre of music and be a pro at it, I'm sure. No words, just download him right now.
Download: Diamonds on the Inside, Black Rain
Sugarcult
Oh my good Lord. I have a lot of good memories with Sugarcult. One of the first groups that brought me some of the best memories and great relationships with people. So many good memories with these guys. They're some of the nicest, friendliest guys. They've had their ups and downs and issues with band mates, but they've always come out on top. I've offered a new school and old school song. Yet another California group (are we sensing another trend?).
Download: Los Angeles, Pretty Girl (The Way)
Mêlée
Mêlée is one of those groups that I saw live and fell in love. Some of the nicest guys I've met at a concert, they were really awesome and just.. genuine. Another group from California, they have a really unique sound, mixing a bunch of different instruments together to create musical bliss, but if I had to assign them a real genre, I guess it would be Pop Rock.
Download: Perfect Mess, Rhythm of Rain
Josh Pyke
Josh Pyke is one of those people I had heard about in passing, but didn't actually sit down and listen to until I snagged the music from Tessa. He's a fantastic singer-songwriter from Australia. I really dig the honesty in his lyrics. I want more of his music. MORE MORE MORE. Haha!
Download: Memories & Dust, Middle of the Hill, Feeding the Wolves
Flight of the Conchords
...funny how these guys were right after Josh Pyke. From New Zealand, these guys are a mix of comedy with some folk and indie rock sound. They're absolutely hilarious and whenever their music comes on shuffle, I can't help but listen and laugh. Listen listen listen and laugh. :)
Download: Business Time, Albi
Freezepop
Freezepop is a synthpop group from Boston. Featured on Guitar Hero, most people know about them from their songs Get Ready 2 Rokk or Less Talk More Rokk that were both featured on Guitar Hero. Their music is really sugary sweet, but sometimes hilarious. I don't know, it's good happy time fun music.
Download: Do You Like My Wang, Get Ready 2 Rokk
Sufjan Stevens
Not too terribly widely known, this singer-songwriter from Detroit holds a special place in my heart. One of the few artists that can always make me cry when I hear certain tracks, Sufjan Stevens is simply amazing. Not only is he capable of playing so many instruments, his take on music is insanely creative and genius. His song titles are just as epic as his music. He's mostly folk sounding and does some of the best Christmas music money can buy (or the internet can find). I used to have his entire discography, but due to new computers and losing the information on old ones, it's dwindled quite a bit. Regardless, give these songs a listen, I hope you won't regret it.
Download: For The Widows In Paradise, For The Fatherless In Ypsilanti, Redford (For Yia-Yia & Pappou) - also known as the song that can always make me cry.
Phantom Planet
YET ANOTHER GROUP FROM CALIFORNIA. Oh me. :') I love these guys. More often than not, known as the group who "sang the theme song to The OC," Phantom Planet has gone through a lot of overhauls in terms of the group lineup and the music they've made together. I really admire and respect these guys simply because of the fact that they're able to do music that they like and love and do it because they can. They also put on a fantastic live show that I wouldn't mind seeing again. Trying to pin point them into a genre is somewhat difficult, so have some music during various points during their career.
Download: Lonely Day, Badd Business, Ship Lost at Sea
Hellogoodbye
Okay, I know you're probably tired of the California artists. XD; These guys are a group similar in kind to Freezepop as they're synthpop, or according to some power pop. The music is addicting and easy to listen to. They write generally happy and upbeat songs, or at least they sound upbeat. The few times I've seen them live haven't been their best work, but they've managed to put on a solid show.
Download: Call and Return (Say That You're Into Me), Stuck to You
Motion City Soundtrack
The shit that these guys from Minnesota have been through is astounding, but I'm happy to report that they've definitely come out on top. I love these guys so much. Terribly, terribly nice and amazing. I've been really lucky to see these guys multiple times in different cities and I've had so many good experiences when it comes to them. If you dig pop punk or indie rock, give them a listen, if you haven't already.
Download: Perfect Teeth, When "You're" Around
Lostprophets
A crazy Welsh group that has also undergone various sound changes throughout their career. There aren't many artists that you can claim are both alt-rock and nu metal. BUT THEY ARE. Typically I lean toward more of their alt-rock music, especially their album Liberation Transmission. I'm also happy to report that they're coming out with a new album at some point in the following year. Hopefully sooner than later, no?
Download: Can't Catch Tomorrow (Good Shoes Won't Save You This Time), Sway
Pete Yorn
This man has made me laugh. This man has made me cry. This man has made me think. This man. I love this man. From Jersey, Pete Yorn is just. Words can't describe. With music often called alt-country, it really isn't your typical country. I don't know. He's fantastic, okay? odisfjoisj OKAY? He's my favorite. MY FAVORITE and I could capslock all day about this man and how amazing and wonderful and phenomenal and talented he is, but instead I just force you to listen to my two favorite songs of his. Okay. Go!
Download: Undercover, Crystal Village (My mom told me that if a song could encompass who I am as a person, it would be this one. I cried.)
Frank Turner
Frank Turner is someone I've recently found. Mentioned somewhere in a blog or a music post, I downloaded him on a whim and fell in love. A London based singer-songwriter, his music is really unique. His second album Love, Ire, and Song is a great hybrid of amazing folk sounds and a wide variety of instruments. I'm really glad I found out about this guy, I'm just sad it took me so long to discover him.
Download: Better Half, A Love Worth Keeping
Aqualung
The first time I saw Aqualung, I had been a fan of them for... I don't even know, but he opened for Pete Yorn. Another artist that I lost most of the music in my computer trials. Aqualung is also known as Matthew Hales and is from England. There's just something about his style of music that is really captivating. I love it a lot. Piano rock, for the win.
Download: Something to Believe In
Blvd
If I could describe this San Francisco based group (with a dude from Colorado), it would be the English version of Epik High. Words can't describe how amazing I think these guys are and I highly recommend going to see them if you ever get the chance.
Download: Music is a Medicine, 108 Rose Petals
The Feeling
The Feeling is a British pop-soft rock group that I was formally introduced to by Kate (who is one of the coolest girls I have ever known, hands down). I had heard about them before, but it wasn't until she was like "LISTEN TO THEM NOW DAMMIT" that I did and I fell in love. Their lyrics are incredibly witty and the music is horribly catchy. Sadly, another group where I lost most of the music of theirs I had, but that doesn't make them any less awesome. I love this song so hard.
Download: Don't Make Me Sad
Korean
Heritage
I really have a lot of Christian groups on here and Heritage really isn't an exception. A fantastic gospel-esque trio, these guys are really amazing. There isn't much else to say except that I wish I could see these guys live. Give them a listen if you dig that type of sound. I promise you won't regret it.
Download: Grateful, Victory is Mine (featuring the Heritage Mass Choir)
Humming Urban Stereo
Humming Urban Stereo was discovered when I was listening to some of my other artists of this indie music genre and Last.fm was like, "O hay, Lauren, you like Clazziquai? Have you tried out Humming Urban Stereo?" And I was like, "No, I haven't, but here I go downloading their entire discography in one go!" Their music is pretty eclectic and covers a wide variety of styles. To be honest, it took me a little bit to get used to the sound and sometimes I'll listen to them and just be really... baffled? I'm not sure. ANYWAY. I really dig them. If you listen to stuff like Clazziquai, I'd suggest to give them a listen. Goldie is probably my favorite song of theirs.
Download: Baby Love, Goldie
Dear Cloud
dsfiasfsoij DEAR CLOUD. God. I can't. I love them. Most of the Korean music I listen to is this indie mellow music sort. I don't know. I'm a huge sap and, yeah. So. Anyway. The vocals are astounding. The sound is breathtaking, in a way, because of how everything is arraigned. I can't get enough of them. 가시 is my favorite song of theirs and actually one of my top songs of all time. Again, they're pretty mellow so if you listen to any sort of pop soft-rock, I'd give them a shot. :) Their first album is amazing. I'd really recommend getting it.
Download: 가시, 같은 사람, Lip
S [upreme]
I probably should have talked about Kangta first, but here is where I'll just ramble about this side project. S consisted of Kangta, Lee Ji Hoon, and Shin Hye Sung who were really close friends. Their music is pretty crooner-ish, if I do say so myself. I don't know. It's hard for me to say anything coherent about these guys because I love them so much.
Download: I Swear, 몰랐죠
Kangta
...LOL. I don't even know. Where to begin. Kangta (next to Pete Yorn and a few others) is it for me. I love this man more than my life itself (in that completely not creeptastic way, I promise you) and his music is just amazing. He was originally in the group H.O.T. and then went solo. God, if I could, I would make you all get his entire discography. But for now, just have a few songs of his that I adore.
Download: Seom, Persona, 가슴에 남아, JUST DOWNLOAD EVERYTHING OK? XD;
Love & Pop
Love & Pop is another Last.fm find. Indie music at its best, Love & Pop's lyrics are really... depressing. The songs are haunting and simplistic, but there's just something overly melancholy about their music. I really, really dig the entire album. I would imagine that the woman's voice could take some time to get used to, but I loved it from the start.
Download: Falling in love, farewell love, Would You Rather Forget?
Mystic Puzzle
Mystic Puzzle was a random chance download from one of those communities because I saw that they had done a song with Epik High, plus I was still on that mellow indie music kick. The mixture of voices and harmony mixed with the mellow beats, I just. I can't get enough of it. Please try them out. They're really dear to my heart.
Download: A Fairy Tale (featuring Epik High), Flight Voyage
SG Wannabe
God, where do I begin with SG Wannabe? A Korean group doing music like Simon and Garfunkel, you can't go wrong, especially if you dig both. They've undergone some member changes, but that doesn't make them any less awesome. Arguably one of the most solid performers I've seen period. Utilizing the sound of S&G, they're pretty folk rock sounding, but no less fantastic.
Download: Untouchable (feat. 김종국 & M to M), Timeless (Unplugged 2007 Real-Session), Lalala (live version)
Roller Coaster
Yet again another group found through Last.fm. I'm really glad I took a chance (and the time to find these guys) because the woman's vocals are just astounding. They're a bit rough around the edges, but so good. It reminds me of someone who would sing Trot music, but it's jazzy. I'd consider them to be more on the jazz side of the music spectrum. Triangle, on a whole, is just a really solid album. I love love love it.
Download: After the Tone, Triangle
Loveholic
Most people have probably heard of Loveholic one way or another. Their music has been featured in countless numbers of places and like groups like Clazziquai and others, they're pretty much everywhere. Definitely indie soft rock again, Loveholic is an icon in the Korean music industry. The vocals are so soothing. YOU CAN'T GO WRONG. JUST LISTEN. With the departure of Ji Sun, I'm not sure where they're going to go from there, but they are one of my favorite groups that hail from Korea.
Download: Flowerpot, 신기루 (Black Blood Brothers)
Sogyumo Acacia Band
Okay. This group. I don't even know where to begin because they're so... bizarre. I... don't remember how I came across them, I think they were featured or playing in the background of some show and I looked up the lyrics? Anyway. Despite them being one of the weirdest artists in my music library, I do find them enjoyable. Again, another indie pop-rock band, they're pretty good. So Good Bye is a really sad Engrish song. I won't lie, I've cried while listening to it.
Download: ㄱ ㅣ ㅅ ㅣ ㄱ ㅛ ㅍ, So Good Bye
Yozoh
Yozoh is similar in kind sound-wise with Sogyumo Acacia Band. Her voice is quiet, but strong in that it's passionate. I don't know. I really dig the mellow sound to her stuff. Not much more to say, except you should listen. "Hey, I'm in love with you. My love is you." Simple and to the point. Love love love. Korea has such a way with the indie rock scene.
Download: 하모니카 소리
Jang Yoon Jeong
TROT TROT TROT. I LOVE TROT. Oh my god. XD This woman. I don't know. She's bringing trot back in style and I love her for it. Trot reminds me of pop music mixed with big band style. I don't. It's great to dance to. Jang Yoon Jeong mixes more pop music into her trot-esque songs, but you seriously can't go wrong with her. Give her a listen.
Download: 와락 부비부비, 나 잡아봐라
Instant Romantic Floor
Oh? What's this? Another group discovered because of Last.FM? Why yes. :) I'm not sure what captivates me the most about Instant Romantic Floor - their name, their music, or the astounding vocals. A funky indie rock group that mixes a variety of other styles (primarily jazz), I really can't get enough of them.
Download: The Last Waltz, Love Punch (Uppercut Mix)
Son Ho Young
Son Ho Young was originally in G.O.D. (who surprisingly was almost forgotten in this list. WTF IS WRONG WITH ME?!) and then when he went solo, he turned even more awesome. God, his latest album Returns rocks me so hard. osdfjsdoisjd G.O.D. is also just as good, so I've put a few of their songs to take too.
Download: Call Me 5500, 똑같은 사람, I know (solo); Friday Night, Change (g.o.d.)
Jung Yup
Jung Yup is from Brown Eyed Soul (who is also a fantastic group that I highly recommend. If I had more of their music, I'd link to it too, but.) and released a solo album that is fantastic. Typical smooth R&B goodness, Jung Yup is just... amazing. His voice is silky smooth like your best sheets. No matter where in his range he's singing, he's just perfect.
Download: Nothing Better, Get You
Soulciety
Soulciety is a great group with a jazzy R&B feel. I love listening to this album while I'm sleeping or if I just need to relax. The lyrics are a bit more raw sounding and took me a few listens to appreciate, but now I really dig it. This is worth a few listens before you give up on them.
Download: Never Gonna
Oldfish
Don't let the name steer you away, Oldfish is probably one of my favorite indie electronica groups despite the language barrier. The blend of male and female vocals always gets me, I HAVE A FETISH OKAY? But really. They're fantastic. I miss their older albums and this is a great reminder that I have to get them again, but have my favorite song from their third release.
Download: DA E JO BOO
T
T is one of the few strictly R&B Korean artists that I have. Her voice is simply to die for. Full of soul, T's vocal range is also something that's amazing. There are few female R&B artists that can keep my interest for as long as she has and she's at the top.
Download: 잊었니..., Baby Bye Bye
Shinhwa
Shinhwa. Where to begin? These guys have been around for what feels like forever. They're your typical k-pop, a great mix of R&B, pop, a rapper and just. Mm. Not to mention, they're fucking hot as hell. (Come on, Minwoo? Hells yes, plz.) If you listen to any of the dance-y genres of music, I definitely recommend giving them a listen.
Download: brand new, Throw My Fist
TVXQ
sdoihjaodisfodsoifdso The group of many names. Famous world-wide and known to most as Dong Bang Shin Ki, these guys are truly living up to the meaning of their name right now. They've been through a lot of ups and downs, but that hasn't stopped them one bit. I have known about these guys for longer than most of the other stuff I listen to and I'm really happy for them. God, I just. I love them. And I'm so fucking proud. Most of you, well, no, all of you have heard of them. No doubt. I don't even know why I'm linking to this shit.
Download: Dong Bang Shin Ki: Love Bye Love, Your Love is All I Need, Rising Sun, TRI-ANGLE; Tohoshinki: Ride On, ZION, Step By Step, Choosey Lover, Maze (Jae's solo - Typically I wouldn't have put just a song by one of them, but goddamnit I love this song. ._.)
Epik High
God. Epik High is just... I hate sounding cheesy, but epic. This hip hop group is arguably one of the best in the world period. They aren't the darker side of the hip hop scene, but that shouldn't stop you from giving them a listen. These guys have great rhythms, rhymes, everything. They're phenomenal. Epic. They're epic.
Download: Follow The Flow, Breakdown, Love Love Love
Clazziquai / Alex
Clazziquai is one of my favorite groups of all time. It took me a little while to actually get interested in them completely, but now I can't imagine not having their discography as a part of my music collection. PS. Alex's solo album is in my top 5 album - no lie. I've included my two favorite songs from that too. :)
Download: Fill This Night, Flea (Clazziquai); Miss Understand, Feel Like Making Sunshine
Japanese
FLOW
One of the few rock groups that I still frequently listen to. These days, I've moved into more mellow music, but I really dig them. They've been featured as theme songs and insert songs for a lot of various shows and dramas. CLEARLY THIS MEANS THEY ARE AWESOME. Clearly, this means you must listen to them.
Download: Answer
Spontania
Oh my GOD. I adore these guys. I first heard about them with their song Positivity. They're a great hip hop group with an interesting mellow sound. I don't know. I love them. JUST LISTEN. I'm nearing the end of this and running out of things to say. All the music I listen to is good, dammit. LOL.
Download: 君のすべてに (featuring JuJu), 「サヨナラ…」
FreeTempo
FreeTEMPO is a great fusion-jazz artist. Using various vocalists for the tracks, each song has its own special flair. I don't know, I feel like I could listen to some of this stuff on a smooth jazz station or just some sort of acid jazz station (if those even exist anymore). But yeah, his sound is really smooth. Give it a try if you dig jazz. :)
Download: Etude
Naoto
I only have one song by this fantastic guy and I've searched high and low for his full albums to no success. This man... I don't know if this song is anything like his other stuff, but I love this song so hard. SO HARD. sdofioiaffffff violins. *___*
Download: Twin Dragon
Jazztronik
Jazztronik is another great dance jazz artist. I don't know. The vocals on this track I've uploaded for you guys are also so stellar. But yeah. I don't know. It reminds me of good dance 70s dance music. I just feel like getting my groove on. "Take my hand and never let it go." For some reason I really think this song encompasses me too.
Download: Sweet Rain
MAKAI
DJ MAKAI is one of the best DJs, I could argue. There are a lot of good ones, don't get me wrong, but there's just something he has. I'm not sure. Maybe it's because of his choice of artists that he works with, but you cannot go wrong with Yoochun featured on a track. Your typical electronica music, MAKAI would do amazing in the scene here in the US and likely the rest of the world, if just given the chance.
Download: Tokyo Lovelight (featuring Yoochun from TVXQ)
Superfly
Superfly is a group that really formed in the wrong era. A perfect throwback to the music of the late 1960s and early 1970s, there is something that's truly genuine about Superfly. They're just your typical rock of that era. I really recommend the entire album, if you get a chance to snag their self-titled CD, do it. Even the vocals are a perfect reproduction of so many female artists of the time. I just. I'm in love.
Download: 1969, Ain't No Crybaby
Monkey Majik
What do you get when you have two Canadian guys who made a band with two Japanese guys? Monkey Majik, that's who! I don't even know how to classify these guys other than under the genre of AWESOME. A lot of their music is upbeat and this perfect hybrid of Japanese and English, their more melancholy songs even have a twinge of happiness behind them. Monkey Majik is what I listen to when I need to take a break from listening to depressing music. LOL. :')
Download: between the lines, Picture Perfect Love
Lecca
Lecca is a fantastic j-reggae artist. When I first heard her, I wasn't sure what to make of it but now I have grown to love it. Every once in awhile I'll remind myself that she's singing in Japanese and that confuses me for a bit, but she's still amazing.
Download: Vallya
YMCK
YMCK is an 8-bit group with a lot of amazingness behind them. I used to have most of their music (that was overly addicting to say the least), but it's mostly all gone now. They remind me of Katamari music. AND YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH KATAMARI. Their most recent release is just as fantastic as their past. They're great musicians for coming up with such a unique sound.
Download: Go. YMCK, Go!
Other
Superbus (French)
The only good thing to come out of France, no no, I'm kidding. Superbus is a rarity in my music collection. Pop-punk would be the best way to describe this group. They sing in a mishmash of French and English. Radio Song is one of my favorite songs of theirs of all time.
Download: Tokyo Montana (I would upload some of their things from Pop'n'gum, but that was downloaded from iTunes.)
Di-Rect (Dutch)
How I actually found out about Di-rect was that I was watching the European Music Awards and they were nominated for some random award. The song caught my ears and I felt really inclined to find out more about these guys. They sing in English and are really fucking fabulous. NO WORDS. They're mostly just pop-alt-rock, but occasionally change up their sound a bit for random tracks. One of my favorites. :)
Download: Noir, Back to Life, Bring Down Tomorrow
mas4
Mas4, also known as Carlos, is a fanmixer from Brazil. He typically mixes music of the Asian persuasion and is really really amazing. I adore this guy. Not much more to say except that his J-Bootie vol. 2 should be coming out and I can promise you that it'll be just as awesome as his previous works. There are a lot of other great fanmixers out there, but this guy. He's just awesome.
Download: Missing Taboo, 10-10 Love
Miri Ben-Ari
... I originally had her in English, but that was only because of her album that included plenty of delicious collaborations with various artists. Miri Ben-Ari is a violinist from Israel who is simply AMAZING. I adore her so much that it HURTS. The Hip-Hop Violinist is one of my favorite albums. If you dig violins, give her a shot. You won't regret it.
Download: Hold Your Head Up High, Chillin' in the Key of E
Esau Mwamwaya & Radioclit
...I don't even know what the appropriate artist thing would be for this, but I downloaded this album off of one of one of the music blogs that I read. I'll be honest, the name Radioclit got to me and I had to download. Anyway. The music is African and amazing. It seems to cover a lot of variety with some traditional and current styles of music.
Download: Sister Betina