That International Flair

Hello my lovely LivLux people! I hope your weekend is going splendidly. Considering its music week, I thought I might add a little international flair to it. So here is some of my personal favorites from across the world, from Africa to France, you’re sure to enjoy some of these excellent artists.

When I think of “soulful” music my mind turns to the one and only Nina Simone, but there is someone who is just as powerful, and yet completely different, I would like to introduce you to LadySmith Black Mambazo. Enjoy.

Homeless (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) - Sarah McLachlan with Ladysmith Black Mambazo

The French are known for quitting, delicious food, and a lovely snobby additute, not to mention unbelievable style, but when it comes to music there isn’t really anything that comes with a “Pop,” that was until Yelle came headfirst into the business of performing. Yelle (Julie Budet) is a French electro/electropop singer who is taking the charts across the world. She is in the soundtrack for Entourage, has remixed with Katy Perry, and is on H&M’s shop soundtrack. Lets just say she gets around. Here is a great one entitled “Je Veux Te Voir,” I’m not sure what it means, but I get a dirty feeling from it (lol).

Je Veux Te Voir - YELLE

You may have heard of her, but if you haven’t then get ready to hear something that will call for a ear-gasm! Robyn has been around for quite awhile, but it isn’t until now where she is finally getting some well deserved fame, a true testament to how perseverance is the best quality to getting your dreams! Please listen, because she truly is something speical. Here is “Cobrastyle” by Robyn!

Cobrastyle - Robyn

I would like to end this with Esperanza Spalding, a women who invokes such passion and soul in her music that you can literally feel her soothing voice, as if she was there with you, sharing her stories. She is perceptive, interpretive, and simply irresistible. With a Jazz like quality that makes you want to curl up with a great novel, and glass of Merlot (or if you’re under 21 Coke). I'll shut up and let her do the talking. :-)

I Know You Know - Esperanza Spalding


-Z