MUSIC TIPS

We do have mainstream music, but I'd like to introduce you to some off-the-beaten-track artists (at least in this part of the world) whom we enjoy immensely even after repeated listening. Where possible, I included links to sound samples.

(Continental) American: Natalie Merchant: Her music is in typical singer-songwriter style while somewhat on the jazzy side, though it not as apparent in "Ophelia" as in her album "Motherland". Lynda Lemay: The wide range of styles, the pleasant compositions, and the witty lyrics made this French-Canadian singer one of our favorites. African: Assia: The Maroccan singer sings mainly in French, subtly incorporating Middle Eastern music elements into mainstream pop music -- a welcome break from the "same-old" diet we are fed by the radio stations. Souad Massi: Souad Massi sings about the tortured politics of Algeria and the pain of exile. Her songs, according to the BBC -- where we discovered her, are selling like hot cakes and at last bringing French music to a worldwide commercial audience. Asian: Grace Deeb: A Lebanese singer who combines Arabic style and Western instruments into catchy cross-over songs. Chyi Yu: "Enya of Taiwan". Unlike Enya, who has become somewhat flat and boring lately, Chyi Yu's music has depth and character, still it is hauntingly beautiful and easy to listen to. Li Na: Li Na has studied the singing style used in Tibetan folk songs carefully, and has successfully interpreted many songs from the region. The most famous example is called "Tibetan Plateau" (Qing Zang Gao Yuan), in which modern elements are combined with a typically Tibetan singing style. European: Gerald DePalmas: Not too many male singers we came across impressed us even marginally. This French singer is the exception. Patricia Kaas: Part chanson, part blues. Natasha St. Pier: A bit more fluffy than the others, but still pleasant easy-listening. Zazie: Picture Suzan Vega singing French chansons... Laura Pausini: An Italian singer with tons of albums: She must be a Big Shot on the Boot! Rosana: A Spanish singer having a lot more to offer than Latino pop one-hit wonders this side of the pond.