10 Great Songs In Other Languages

Music is the universal language. You don't need to understand something to enjoy it. That's why when I hear people putting down heavier music or even some rap music saying things like "If I can't understand what they're saying it's not music" I always ask them about songs in different languages. There's some good stuff all over the world...here's 10.

1. The Brilliant Green - "Ash Like Snow"

Hailing from Japan The Brilliant Green have modeled their craft after Western music which is why Tomoko Kawase sings almost half of the band's lyrics in English. "Ash Like Snow" is predominately in Japanese however and puts some of it's western inspirations to shame.

2. Noir Desir - "Le Vent Nous Portera"

The English translation is "The wind will carry us" and it's one of Noir Desir's biggest hits in the 21st century as this French band enjoyed the majority of their success in the 90's. Though they haven't been to widely known outside of France, Noir Desir are responsible for inspiring many young French groups. This song won them Album of the year and music video of the year (which left me quite sad, actually) in their native land.

3. Voodoo Glow Skulls - "El Coo Cooi"

Taken from their 1995 album Firme. The Voodoo Glow Skulls are from California and have a few members of Spanish decent. The term "El Coo Cooi" I believe is a term that Spanish people use to refer to monsters to scare kids into behaving. I could be wrong though.

4. Olivia - "A Little Pain"

I'm beginning to find that there are many songs by Japanese artists that not only have English titles, but are also sung partially in English. I suppose it has to do with the worldwide popularity of anime and Japanese culture. As it is it's almost impossible to find some of these Japanese songs that aren't mashed together with scenes from various Anime movies. Great song though....

5. Ashley MacIsaac - "Sleepy Maggie"

Looking back it was very impressive that MacIsaac's debut pop album Hi, How Are You Today was as successful as it was. Not surprising though, the songs were great. However, they were heavily influenced by East Coast celtic music and it's first single "Sleepy Maggie" had only Gaelic lyrics, sung by the talented Mary Jane Lamond. It's almost a shame he couldn't recapture the magic of it.

6. Hakan Hellstrom - "Kann Ingen Sorg For Mig Goteborg"

Sweden is generally known for giving the music world ABBA and Ace of Base, but it's also produced Hakan Hellstrom who sings in his native tongue. I'm not going to pretend I know what he's singing about, but I believe he is lamenting for his hometown of Gothenburg. More of this please

7. The Mars Volta - "L'Via L'Viaquez"

This song is one of the masterpiece opuses from The Mars Volta's album Frances The Mute. The album itself is extremely experimental, hypnotic and addicting. "L'Via "L'Viaquez" clocks in around the 12 minute mark, features RHCP's Jon Frusciante on solo duties and has singer Omar Rodriguez-Lopez wailing in Spanish.

8. Perfume - "Chocolate Disco"

I don't know if this song is actually called "Chocolate Disco" or that's just how it's known outside of Japan because thats what it sounds like they're saying. Either way you will listen to this song and you will watch it again...and it's not just because the girls are insanely cute. Ok, maybe it is....

9. Vanessa de Mata - "Boa Sorte" feat. Ben Harper

de Mata is a Brazilian singer with a slew of hits under her belt. "Boa Sorte" or "Good Luck" was introduced to me as I was heading to a Spanish speaking island for a relaxing vacation and I was in search of music to get me in the mood. It didn't take Ben Harper's contributions to get me hooked, de Mata's soulful voice and the songs peaceful cadence were more than enough...been a fan ever since

10. Sublime - "Caress Me Down"

Bradley Nowell had a one track mind...well ok, maybe a two track mind, but in this song he got into explicit detail about one of his favourite pass times. Check out the English translation for the song's Spanish finale to get what I mean

Merci mes amis!!

JZ

10 Creeper Songs

People these days throw the creeper moniker around a little too loosely. Someone shows some interest and pursues it a bit and they're immediately a creeper or being creepy if the feeling isn't mutual. Just take the fucking compliment and politely decline they're offer if you're not interested. Now if their name gets shaved into your household pet, then thats another issue. Here's 10 songs that touch on the creeper motif. Some that take it further than others.

1. "Eye In The Sky" - The Alan Parsons Project

Like many of the late 70's progressive/experimental rock groups The Alan Parsons Project made a slight switch to easy listening pop music in the 80's. "Eye In The Sky" is from the 1982 album of the same name and it talks about watching someone's moves and lies. Reading their mind. While it's not a ten on the creepy scale, someone believing they have that kind of influence on some one else definitely counts.

2. "I Will Possess Your Heart" - Death Cab For Cutie

Ben Gibbard says he based this song on something that happened to a friend of his. This guy was obsessing over a girl and even though she wasn't interested the guy maintained his position. They'd be together when she realized how good a guy he was and he'd just have to wait it out. The delusions of his belief that they were meant to be together and his persistence is what makes this song sort of creepy. Though it doesn't mention many boundaries being crossed.

3. "Cry Me A River" - Justin Timberlake

Yep. You're goddamn right I did. It's a great song...and while Justin claims it's fictional, c'mon we know what's up. It was released in the wake of his break up with Britney Spears, and while he's tapped some grade A ass since the dissolution, i'm sure it's good to have this bitter song to cling to sometimes. The video adds a little extra to the creep factor.

4. "Every Breath You Take" - The Police

On the surface this sounds like a pretty little love ditty, but Sting actually intended it to be a nasty little number aimed at his ex-wife. I've even heard this song used at weddings. I mean the lyrics are rather black and white, if you speak them, you see how obsessive and jealous they really are.

5. "Scared" - The Tragically Hip

This one isn't really about a fictional or true story about someone being creepy, but Gord Downie being weird as fuck. Telling us that he can make us scared if he wants us to. It's not about obsessive behaviour or stalking, it's rather about some bizarre scenarios that we can't really assign logic to at first, which yes makes me a little scared. Creepy Gord.....creepy.

6. "Lakini's Juice" - Live

Lakini is the Hindu god of destruction, a symbol of overindulgence. The song, like the previous, is less about a creepy act, but the thought of what one single emotion can turn someone into. Love or even it's crazier cousin, lust, has made humble men turn violent. Rational women become filled with fervor. Brought giants to their shattered knees. It's not creepy in a frightened for your life type of way, but creepy of what some people could be capable of.

7. "Private Eyes" - Hall & Oates

I fucking love Hall & Oates!! Another 80's song about watching someone while they don't know it. I guess it was the days before the internet when watching someone, following someone, required more involvement. A song about creeping someone's Facebook profile probably wouldn't be as timeless as this one was.

8. "I Never Knew You" - Cage

This one I think wins this list as "Creepiest song". It starts off innocent enough as a guy seeing a good looking girl, but he quickly gets uncontrollably infatuated with her. I think we've all been there, but pretty sure most of us cut it off before the going through her garbage and breaking into her home phase. It is a rather unique rap song, wish more rap was thought out like this one.

9. "Vermillion" - Slipknot

I knew when it seemed Slipknot had written a love song there would be more to it below the surface. Along with part 2, which I included in my Great Second Part Songs list, "Vermillion" is told through the eyes of a stalker who can't seem to get over her. Some great lines here "I get nervous; Perverse, when I see her it's worse" and "Hard to say what got my attention, fixed and crazy aphid attraction" That's Corey's strength.

10. "Possession" - Sarah MacLachlan

Uwe Vandrei was a Sarah MacLachlan fan. Like, big time. He would talk to anyone who would listen about her, at lengths. He was convinced they were meant for each other. He, of course, composed hundreds of letters and sent them to her. It was from those letters that Sarah came up with the lyrics for "Possession". Uwe attempted to sue Sarah for using his words in her song, but committed suicide before the verdict was decided. A terrible ending at the end of the day, but another testament at the true emotion that resides in us all. Sometimes all it takes to change who we are completely and all our big plans is one pretty girl.

Please send me creepy stalker letters

JZ

10 Great Songs With Numbers As Titles

Hmm not much padding really needed to introduce this one. Just a basic list today, by the numbers if you will.
Songs with Numbers for titles. 10 of 'em.

1. "30/30-150" - Stone Sour

If you ever wanted to see what's under Slipknot's masks here's your chance. Stone Sour's singer and lead guitarist also play in Slipknot. Many die hard metal fans give Stone Sour shit for released watered down rock and not being as hardcore as the 'Knot. "30/30-150", which is a reference to the dimensions of a shotgun's buckshot I believe, is an insanely metal track from their 2006 release Come What(ever) May. It's got great lyrics, great music and exceptional energy.

2. "2-15/16" - USS

USS is Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker, an electro/rock duo from Canada's east coast. They were both roofers before they hit it big in the music world and 2-15/16 is a common measurement in the framing/roofing inner circles. They're known for their quirky antics on stage which are also apparent in the lyrics and style of many of their songs. "2-15/16" is no exception.

3. "1234" - Feist

Though most people might of first heard of this song and perhaps Feist herself from a 2007 TV ad for the new iPod that was released that year, Leslie Feist has been involved in the Canadian music scene for many years. She got her first big break when she joined Indie group Broken Social Scene and then exploded with the release of her solo album Let It Die in 2004. "1234" was a release from her Grammy winning album The Reminder which is what got her notoriety around the world.

4. "25 or 6 to 4" - Chicago

It's kind of one of the great mysteries of the musical world, what does "25 or 6 to 4" mean? A time of day? A rhyme with no reason? Or some complex code for psychadelic drugs? The answer is known only to members of the great Chicago. It's a crowd pleaser and shows off the band's remarkable horn section wonderfully. For that reason it's a popular choice for college marching bands to play during sporting events.

5. "33" - Coheed & Cambria

One of my all time favourites, sometime soon i'm going to do an entire list on Coheed & Cambria. "33" was from their debut album Second Stage Turbine Blade. As for what the song is about, all of their songs follow the narrative of the same story. Without getting to detailed it's generally a love story taking place during an intergalactic war. Like I said...some time soon.

6. "33" - The Smashing Pumpkins

Hey another song named "33" but by a different artist! Hmm that gives Johnny Zhivago an idea.

This is perhaps my favourite Pumpkins tune. It's simplistic, moving and beautiful. Performed in a way that only Billy Corgan and company could perform it. Legendary video as well, it's actually a series of photographs edited together...except for one shot I believe...

7. "45" - Shinedown

Shinedown is one of those bands that has kind of flew under the radar for the majority of their existence. Boasting a loyal following and backing it up with some exceptional songs, but never relying heavily on mainstream exposure. "45" is a good song, but it's subject matter is defended as being more about living your life and having hope instead of suicide. Which I feel is unnecessary, write a song about whatever you want. If people don't like it fuck 'em. Let them riot.

8. "1985" - Bowling For Soup

There's an easy way to get a song with a number as your title...make it a year. Simple. I like Bowling For Soup. They write fun songs, nothing too heavy and don't take themselves too seriously. They didn't write this one though.....did I blow your mind? It was written by SR-71 and on their 2004 album Here We Go Again. I don't know all the details, but it seems like it was one of those scenarios where one band just hands one of their songs over to another and says "go for it". It worked.

9. "43" - Mushroomhead

Here's a great song from a great metal group. Now Mushroomhead may only be known to people as that group that claims Slipknot ripped off their gimmick. It's impossible to say who did what, though Mushroomhead have a good case, they were wearing masks and such a few years before Slipknot debuted. But then again so did Gwar, so did Mr. Bungle, so did Devo. It's one of those gray areas, so let's just all enjoy the music.

10. "198d" - At The Drive-In

I'm going to end this list on am obscure track from a fantastic group. If you've not heard of At The Drive-In I just did you a huge favour. You're welcome. This is from their early days, back in the 90's, but they really gained a following in the early 2000's and reaching their nadir in 2000 with the release of Relationship In Command. They would break up shortly after and form two other bands Sparta and The Mars Volta. Thankfully in 2009 there was a reunion of sorts, but nothing matches those magical years where songs like "198d" were being unleashed on our naive and unsuspecting ears. Seriously this song is creeping into my top 20 of all time. Fucking enjoy.

Hope that was all 6's and 7's for ya guys. Maybe a perfect 10.
Blowing off 15's...didn't take me 99

ok fine

JZ

10 Songs Inspired By Fiction

Musicians can get the material for their lyrics anywhere. Most commonly they derive inspiration from their own experiences and maybe even put a little spin on them. There are also times when one work of art can influence another. Movies based on books, video games based on tv shows, songs based on poems. Here are 10 songs that in one way or another were influenced by a work of fiction.

1. "Looking Glass" - Hypnogaja

I could do a whole list on songs about Lewis Carrol's Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, and maybe one day I will. One of my favourites is by LA alt-rock group Hypnogaja, "Looking Glass" captures the magic of the story perfectly and includes most of the characters. The White Rabbit, the Chersire Cat and of course the Red Queen.

2. "Between Angels & Insects" - Papa Roach

The themes in this song are quite similar to the themes of the Chuck Palahniuk novel Fight Club, though it's more likely the song was inspired by the movie. Some of the lyrics are taken directly from lines that Brad Pitt's Tyler Durden says in the film "Working jobs that you hate for shit you don't need". The video also uses some effects and angles that were used in the flick.

3. "For Whom The Bell Tolls" - Metallica

Metallica have many songs that are inspired by movies or novels "One", "Creeping Death" and "Where The Wild Things Are" are just a few. One of their most epic and popular songs is "For Whom The Bell Tolls" which is obviously based on the Ernest Hemingway novel of the same name. That opening riff is actually bass guitar played by the late Cliff Burton.

4. "Bat Country" - Avenged Sevenfold

"He who makes a beast out of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man" is a quote by 17th century author Dr. Samuel Johnson, which is not only the opening lyrics of this song, but is featured at the opening of Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas, which this song is based upon.

5. "Breakfast At Tiffany's" - Deep Blue Something

The biggest hit from this blink-and-you'll-miss-it 90's group was named after one the most popular movies of all time. Starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard the film was based on a novel by the great Truman Capote. Maybe Deep Blue Something hoped to latch on to the astronomical success by using the title. Probably unlikely as the song is more about a failing relationship than the movie.

6. "Mars Attacks!" - Misfits

Here's an interesting one...while this song was written for the soundtrack of the 1996 film Mars Attacks it was rejected by Tim Burton. Though it was the Misfits' hope that it would be included as the movie was based on a short lived series of collectible cards about Martians invading the earth. Parents hated the cards as they mainly featured scenes of violence and terror between Earth and Mars. The Misfits were obviously fans which is why the song seems to have more depth and humanity than the movie. Jerry Only and co. wrote it based on the folklore of their beloved childhood cult-classics. Not from pre-screenings of a movie whihc is normally how artists get new material on soundtracks

7. "Heartlight" - Neil Diamond

Neil Diamond fans kind of blasted him for this one saying it was the beginning of his decline, but I tend to give the guy the benefit of the doubt. It was written after Neil had seen E.T. the Extraterrestrial. The adorable little space monkey's glowing heart at the end of the film inspired the song. Many fans touted Diamond as a sell out and a corporate shill, but it's not like he was singing about E.T! Nothing in the lyrics promoted the movie, it was simply an idea that came to him after watching the film. Art inspiring art...I see no problem with that.

8. "Afternoons & Coffee Spoons" - Crash Test Dummies

This one didn't click for me until one day I was sitting in my OAC (grade 13 for all you non-Canadians) English class reading The Lovesong of J Alfred Prufrock by T.S Eliot. Therein is a line that says "... have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life in coffee spoons..." Great poem by the way. If you haven't read it check it out. It's full of teen agnst and the human condition but delivered in such a fresh way...even though it was written over 100 years ago.

9. "The Ghost Of Tom Joad" - Bruce Springsteen

Tom Joad is a character in John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes Of Wrath. Springsteen wrote this song for his 1995 Greatest Hits album, but didn't like the rock version, so he shelved it and released it acoustic on his next record, the acoustic Ghost Of Tom Joad. The novel shared many the same traits as Springsteen songs working class mentality, community and perserverance.

10. "Scentless Apprentice" - Nirvana

This song was inspired by the novel Perfume by Patrick Suskind, about a man born with an amazing sense of smell but no smell of his own. He was an apprentice in a perfume shop and becomes a murderer of young girls for their scent. Definitely one of the reasons I choose In Utero as my favourite Nirvana album.

JZ

10 Great Deep Tracks

This topic is almost lost with that state of the music world how it is. A deep track is a song that was never released as a single and therefore was pretty much only known to those who owned the album. With the instant availability of music nowadays it's pretty much just a free for all. So this list might have a tinge of nostalgia, but we're gonna do it anyway. 10 Great Deep Tracks.

1. "Shackled" - Vertical Horizon

One of the greatest deep tracks in my opinion. The last track on 1999's Everything You Want, "Shackled" was never released as a single and had a different almost darker feel than some of their poppier singles. When I was growing up everyone thought Vertical Horizon were Canadian...they aren't. They're from Washington, DC. I think they even taped a commercial poking fun at this misconception.

2. "Ophelia" - Moist

This one is on the verge of being a true deep track. It's from Moist's perfect 1996 album Creature, if you haven't heard it do it immediately. To us Canadians though it was also featured on Much Music's first Big Shiny Tunes. A yearly compilation CD put out by Canada's MTV. It's been getting shittier and shittier every year, the first one though had some great stuff on it. Including this gem.

3. "Mankind" - Pearl Jam

This one could be the king of this list. From one of their most obscure album's No Code comes one of their most bizarre tracks "Mankind. Most people couldn't even identify it as a Pearl Jam track unless they played the album. It's no surprise however, as Eddie Vedder doesn't sing on it, guitarist Stone Gossard does and the song plays like a throw-back to early 60's Beatlesesque rock n' roll. One of my faves.

4. "Nutshell" - Alice In Chains

Love this song off of Jar Of Flies Alice In Chain's legendary 1994 release. Although many bands have attempted the miserable, sombre vibe in their songs...like even some later Alice songs, they seem to fall short. In "Nutshell" you can almost feel Layne Staley's disdain...alomst like he's sitting next to you. This song has been covered numerous times, but never released as single.

5. "Manhattan" - Kings Of Leon

Kings Of Leon ruled the world in 2008. Their atmospheric rise to the top of the music world coincided with the release of Only By The Night, one of the few albums released in the 2000's that fuckin' everybody owns. Sadly subsequent albums failed to match that success, but atleast we'll always have this one to remember those brisk Autumn nights

6. "Thoughts Of A Dying Atheist" - Muse

When I first heard Muse's 2003 album Absolution it blew me away. Reminded me of Radiohead, just with a harder edge. "Thoughts Of A Dying Atheist" quickly caught my attention for it's energy and originality.

7. "Sulk" - Radiohead

Since I mentioned Radiohead I thought I should include them. Any song really from either The Bends or OK Computer could have been a part of this list, but "Sulk" from The Bends always stood out for me. It was inspired my the killing spree in Hungerford, UK by Michael Ryan which left 16 people dead. Some lyrics were changed after Kurt Cobain's suicide however so it wouldn't be misinterpreted as a song about that. "Just shoot your gun" became "you'll never change"

8. "Journey To The End Of East Bay" - Rancid

Written about their time as Punk/Ska band Operation Ivy, Rancid's "Journey To The End Of East Bay" was included on their breakthrough release ...And Out Come The Wolves. This album actually featured many deep tracks like "Lock, Step & Gone", "As Wicked" and "The Way I Feel". Perhaps one of my favourite basslines in song, by legendary bass man Matt Freeman

9. "Same In The End" - Sublime

Perhaps best known as being the song sandwiched between "Wrong Way" and "April 29,1992 (Miami)" "Same In The End" has long been my favourite track on Sublime's 1996 self-titled release. Sadly frontman Bradley Nowell would never see the fame it brought the group as he died before it was even released from a heroin overdose. Drugs suck.

10. "The Last Stop" - Dave Matthews Band

There's an episode of The Office (US) where Andy is by himself in a roller disco. He tells the dj to play some Dave Matthews Band "no singles! Deep tracks only!" it's kind of where I got the name for this list, so I felt I should honour it and include some DMB. Perhaps they're best known for their non-singles, as most hardcore DMB fans write the radio friendly tunes off and insist on drawn out versions of "Warehouse" and "Two Step" during their epic concerts anyway. I chose "The Last Stop" because it's a truly unique song, featuring some diverse instruments and some intense vocal work from Mr. Matthews. I've always had a soft spot for Before These Crowded Streets as well.

JZ

10 Great Whistling Songs

Whistling. It's one of those things that some people can do and some people can't. And some people it's all they do is whistle all day everyday...whether you want them to or not. Regardless, it was definitely one of the first ways humans communicated and even made music. The right kind of whistling can really make or break a song. Here are 10 Great Songs that feature whistling...and no there is no blowing of whistles....bitch.

1. "Young Folks" - Peter, Bjorn & John

There couldn't be a list without this one. It was everywhere in 2006 and 2007, in fact most people didn't even know it's title, simply referring to it as 'the whistle song'. Sweden's Peter, Bjorn & John (PB&J) were relatively unknown until this song blew up overseas. They initially wanted to replace the whistling with another instrument but realized the whistle was the song.

2. "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay" - Otis Redding

I know i've sung his praises on The Void before, but Otis deserves every ounce of credit he gets. This song is one of those liberating musical experiences. Enjoying life as you let it slowly pass you by. The whistle break conjures the image of a man happily being at peace with himself, not needing anything else but his own mind and soul.

3. "Don't Stop" - Foster The People

The newest song on the list. Foster The People's smash "Pumped Up Kicks" also had a whistling part, but this one features it right out of the gates! Also I used that other song on my best of 2011 list.

4. "Ganja Babe" - Michael Franti & Spearhead

Michael Franti is an American artist who sings lead and is the driving force behind Spearhead. His group mixes hip-hop with reggae, jazz, poetry and spoken word. "Ganja Babe" is a chill song about jammin' and having a good time. The occasional whistle almost sounds like that old sting frequently used in the shoot out scenes from old western movies.

5. "Games Without Frontiers" - Peter Gabriel

"..whistling tunes we hide in the dunes by the seaside..." such a great song that truly stands out among the typical riff raff one encounters on generic classic rock radio. Not only is there much debate about what this song is about (Olympics, global politics), but long before the internet people everywhere were trying to decipher what is being said in the refrain...of course we all know now that it is Jeux sans frontieres the french translation of the title...

6. "Home" - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes

Another song that practically blew up over night. It's got a great vibe and the whistling intro really suits the song well. This song has been used in television shows, movie trailers and covered in countless pubs and coffee shops all over the globe. It was released in 2009.

7. "Mr. Bojangles" - Sammy Davis Jr.

"Mr. Bojangles" is one of those songs that has been given a life of it's own through various recordings and versions. I liked Sammy Davis Jr.'s version...something about the way his voice goes with the song, he really capture's the pain expressed there in. Also the whistling breaks give you a sense of hope that Bojangles is going to be alright, despite all his troubles. The song starts around the 1 min mark in the video, but it's worth watching the whole thing. If you aren't familiar with why Davis Jr was so popular...a simple, propless performance like this can help with that.

8. "Jealous Guy" - John Lennon

If you haven't heard of John Lennon, first of all WHAT'S UP CAVE MAN????? Secondly, he was possibly the most important piece of one of rock and roll's greatest acts: The Beatles. After their split he enjoyed a successful solo career. Spawning many great hits like "Imagine", "Woman" and "Watching The Wheels". Most people forget about "Jealous Guy" but it gets a shot in the limelight here...because hey...whistle break!

9. "Engel" - Rammstein

Going to take a left turn right about here. Rammstein actually had 2 songs I could've included on this list, the other being the sombre "Roter Sand". "Engel" though had a different vibe. Instead of bringing the mood down or on the level with the whistling I feel in 'Engel" is offers an ethereal feel. Whistling in the middle of an industrial rock song is evidently awesome!

10. "Patience" - Guns 'n Roses

What better way to end than with a little "Patience"? Sure Guns 'n Roses have been somewhat of a punchline in the last few decades, but there was a time when they ruled the world. Axl and the boys were unstoppable with songs like this. Relatable, soothing and endlessly listenable "Patience" has that touch of magic that later GNR albums just didn't have. I will get to Chinese Democracy on another list. For now though, enjoy...

Whistle on friends

JZ

10 Great Acoustic Songs (Female Version)

As promised when I reported on great acoustic songs from the men's point of view, here are 10 Great Songs by the ladies who picked up that lonely guitar and strummed their fingers across it's solemn strings


1. Laura Marling - "New Romantic"

British singer/songtress Laura Marling got her start as part of Noah and The Whale. She soon found her own voice when she left the group for a solo career. "New Romantic" is a great love/hate song from the woman's side. Definitely an old soul in her 22 years on this planet, wisdom beyond her years is evident on this track.

2. Ingrid Michaelson - "Be OK"

It seems to be one of the best ways to get noticed these days is for your songs be featured in a popular TV show. Ingrid Michaelson has had several tracks used on Scrubs, Grey's Anatomy, & Bones among others. As well as had her songs covered and recorded by other popular artists. Not bad for a 32 year old from the New York indie scene

3. Tegan & Sara - "Call It Off"

Canada's twin sister group attack Tegan & Sara have been gaining momentum and a steady fan base since their 1999 debut Under Feet Like Ours. "Call It Off" is a stripped down, bare bones, heart on the sleeve song that really exemplifies the way the sisters are able to play off each other and create something wonderful like only they can.

4. Ani DiFranco - "Anticipate"

Ani DiFranco is a great example of someone finding success on their own terms. It's possible she has released more albums than many major record label acts, but she has never signed with one.  Instead all her albums are released by her own label Righteous Babe . Ask any DiFranco fan to name their favourite song and it's damn near impossible. "Anticipate" is one of mine because it doesn't sound like any acoustic song i've heard before....love her vibe.

5. Schuyler Fisk - "Hello"

I like the name Schuyler for a girl...though i've never seen it spelled as such before. "Hello" is one of those stripped down, straight forward songs that the acoustic guitar was created for. Playing for a household pet or an army of stuffed animals instead of the one the song was written for. Fun fact! Fisk is the daughter of popular actress Sissy Spacek.

6. Priscilla Ahn - "Dream"

Another one of those artists who people might recognize from hearing her songs in TV shows, but are arsed if they can put a name to them. This is one of those songs I can just put on, lay back and forget about everything else. So soothing. So comforting.

7. Meiko - "Boys With Girlfriends"

Here's another sweet little ditty from a little known songwriter who goes by the moniker Meiko. There is a few songs done by ladies with this vibe. Meet a great guy, but then also meet their wonderful significant other whom they're crazy for. Odd seeing the 'friendzone' from the other side I suppose.

8. Joni Mitchell - "Both Sides Now"

How could I do a list like this without Joni Mitchell? Canada's first lady of great music. This one goes all the way back to 1967, long before anyone else on this list was even considered. Rolling Stone plugged this song into #170 on their Top 500 Songs Of All Time list...quite a hallmark. It's been covered multiple times over the past 5 decades since it's release. Just take a listen and enjoy. Joni!

9. Tristan Prettyman - "Madly"

Prettyman got her start in the club scene in San Diego where she met Jason Mraz and a union of music and love was ignited. Sadly their relationship didn't last but her music has continued to impress and inspire fans and critics alike.  Expect a new album from Tristan this year.

10. Holly Brook - "Saturdays"

Holly has since changed her name to Skylar Grey (thats more like it!) and has been nominated for multiple grammys in her career. "Saturdays" is a fun quirky song that digs a hole into your head and builds a nice little nest there. All that is intended in a good way...she's got a very sexy voice too...doesn't hurt.

All done

JZ out