Onda Vaga

Going back a couple of years for this one, but I was just reminded of this Argentine band and their easy going Latin-Surfer-chic. Off their 2008 effort Fuerte y Caliente. You'll enjoy this entertaining "take away show."

Ballake Sissoko & Vincent Segal

Off the 2009 album, Chamber Music, which I think melds theses artists musical traditions very well. Sissoko hails from Mali and is from a musical family, while the French cellist Segal is a former member of the French National Orchestra.

Rana Santacruz

From this artist's website, which you can find here: "As the ethnic make-up of America changes, so does its music. And with a passel of influences under his belt, Rana Santacruz makes music for that new America."

Astrid Hadad

Fun song and incredible video. This Mexican artist combines music and theater in a wonderful way.

Lengualerta: True Love

Off the 2010 album, Resonante.

Maurice El Medioni and Roberto Rodriguez

This is a long track, but take the time to listen to this instrumental jam by the Algerian pianist Medioni and Cuban percussionist Rodriguez. Their album, Descarga Oriental, was released in 2006.

Housse de Racket: Roman

I really like this French duo's sound. Qu'est-ce que tu en penses?

Hollie Cook

Here's a laid back reggae piece from this English artist. Learn more about her here.

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour: Major

Off this Danish band's forthcoming album Out of Frequency slated to be released in January.

Yelle: Safari Disco Club

The Independent summed this French band's 2011 album up the best when it said it was "essential for anyone who appreciates dancefloor-friendly European synth pop."

Myslovitz: Art Brut

Polish pop / rock.

Thiago Pethit: Nightwalker

Pethit is often described as a Brazilian folk singer, but that is a tremendous injustice. The song and video below are both simple, yet fantastically dynamic and satisfying. Well, I could go on, but why don't you decide for yourself.



Buy it on Amazon: Berlim, Texas

Madita: Karma

Here's a sweet and catchy song by this Austrian artist.



Buy it on Amazon: Too

Elena: L'amor es ah

Here is a sweet sounding bit of pop off the 2009 album, Un Cafe Setanta Matins.

Bomba Estereo: Ponte Bomb

This is so over-the-top I couldn't help posting it. This Columbian band has a great idea of combining Cumbia with electronica, but they might have missed the mark a bit here. On the other hand, I've listened to this about 100 times now . . .



Buy it on Amazon: Ponte Bomb EP

Quizas, Quizas, Quizas

No matter what kind of day your having, this brilliant recording will make it slightly more relaxed. Both vocalists shine on this track, but Ibrahim Ferrer was an incredible talent.

Bombino: Agadez, the Music and the Rebellion

Check out the film, enjoy the music. Learn more here.



Buy it here: Agadez

Arthur Verocai: Pela Sombras

Enjoy this excellent live performance by this venerable Brazilian artist.

Jana Hermann: Saules Griezi

This Latvian artist's song below, Solstice, has a quirky, retro sound to it.



What do you think?

Jovens Do Prenda: Ilha Virgem

Your weekend needs this Angolan musician's totally relaxed music in a bad way. In fact, if you are reading this and it's not the weekend, play this song, close your eyes, and you'll think it is.



Buy it here: Ilha Virgem