mus552eng

1. OZ I - 100s - Japan - Japanese An edited version of the intro to 100's album "OZ". I like the white noise of
       activity with the traditional song that floats in the background. Evocative of "Blade Runner" modern Japan.

   2. A - 100s - Japan - Japanese I heard this cool rock song in Kurashiki, Japan during a business trip, in the
      modern shopping mall that makes big money for my company by sitting on its leased land. A young rock sound that
       reminds me of local bands growing up in Seattle. You have to listen closely to realise it's in Japanese. Check out
       their website here.

3. Geo - Ivan Kupala - Russia I first heard this song on the BBC world service and tracked it down. Ivan Kupala
       is a group of DJs from St Petersburg who first started putting traditional Russian folksongs in new settings. This
       song casts the net a bit wider, with elements from all over the world mixed in a quirky driving ensemble. Link.

4. Belsalama Belsalama - Samira Saeed - Egypt - Arabic What a babe! Born in Morocco, she since moved to
      Cairo (where the action is in the Arabic music world along with Beirut) and became an international star. I first heard it
      in a taxi in Brussels, and bought the CD in Dubai. One of my favourite songs of 2005-2006.

   5. La Tortura - Shakira/Alejandro Sanz - Colombia/Spain - Spanish
       The belly dancing goddess of South America covers herself in motor oil and captures the attention of Spanish
       singer Alejandro Sanz. At least that's what happens in the video. A great song that demonstrates Spain's
       "special relationship", both cultural and economic, with its former empire.

   6. Swaliti - Kanda Bongo Man - Congo - Lingala Born in (colonial) Belgium, like many other Belgians he had
         to move to Paris to hit it big. A nice laid back African song that strangely reminds me of South African music.

   7. Beyrouth Ecoeurée - Clotaire K - Lebanon - French & Arabic A song that takes advantage of the
        strength and violence of rap and the emotion of Arabic music to send a strong message. A lamentation for the
        loss of Beirut, the Paris of the Middle East that was torn and tore itself apart for thirty years. Beirut is still
        struggling to come back, only to see itself surpassed by Dubai and other new centres in the Gulf. Website

   8. Nijenge - Nairobi Yetu - Kenya - Swahili Rap and Hip-Hop have come out of the African American community
        and taken on the world. As with Jazz, Blues and Funk, sometimes the world strikes back. Here is an interesting
        song from a group of youths from the 'hood, only the 'hood is in question is the desperate east section of Nairobi
       and the rapping is in Swahili.

   9. Au Port - Camille - France - French A very unusual but beautifully haunting song, with lyrics that fit very
        well to the style she invokes.

10. Mania de Peitao - Seu Jorge - Brazil - Portuguese A strong and beautiful voice set to the rythems and
        instruments that instantly conjure memories of summer (February) in Rio De Janeiro a week before carnival
        in 2003. Check out his cool website here.

11. Parti Lany - Amorf Ördögök - Hungary - Hungarian Another quirky European track that mixes styles and
       jumps around playfully.   Check out his equally unusal website here.

12. Oudaïwa - Aïwa - Iraq/France - Arabic Cool track that also successfully blends different sounds and ideas
        into a fun new ensemble. Not sure what the original connection with Iraq is since the group seems to be based
        in the university town of Rennes, France.

13. Love at First Bite - Vampire! - Japan - Japanese/English   In my home town of Bellingham, WA, USA I
        discovered the fun Japanese girls group "Shonen Knife", and added their CD to my small but well-loved
        collection of Japanese New Wave/Punk. Imagine my surprise when about 15 years later I received this CD,
        of a trio including Shonen Knife's bass guitarist and on lead guitar and vocals...one of my colleagues from work.
        I knew he had a past as a part-time rocker but I had no idea how good he was. I was (and am) under strict
        instructions not to show it to anyone else in the office. But I am so impressed by the music (and the surprising
        way that different experiences of mine were unexpectedly tied together) that I have no choice but to include it
        in "My Planet". Too too amazing.

14. Nuit Blanche - Vive La Fête - Belgium - French Wild party group from Antwerp with a reputation for concerts
        that quickly get out of control. Even though I work in Antwerp every day, these people are so hip that I first heard
        of them from my friend Antonio in New York City. Check out their groovy website here.

15. Ofreg - The R.E.G. Project - Lebanon A compilation of works by three Lebanese DJs that has been very
        popular in the Middle East. Purchased at Virgin Megastore Dubai.

16. Tijaniyya - Youssou N'Dour - Senegal - Wolof He became famous for his duet with Neneh Cherry. Local song.

17. Madre - Khaled - Algeria - Arabic I haven't heard much from him lately, but a strong song to suit his voice.

18. One Mint Julep - Xavier Cugat - USA Groovy. A great song for the Austin Powers in us all.

19. Tu Veux ou Tu Veux Pas - Brigitte Bardot - France - French The girl can't help it! Cheeky song that was
      seared into my conscience by watching our friend Danny perform it at Alouis' 50th birthday party. See the pictures.

20. Mafeesh Marra - Shereen - Egypt - Arabic This girl has an amazing voice. From her 2nd album, bought in
      Dubai. Download a poster picture for your bedroom wall from this site .

21. Midnight Marauders - DJ Fitchie - New Zealand - Things slow down and truly move to the opposite side of
       the planet from Belgium - New Zealand. See the men in action (or see their tour dates in Europe) here.

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