Regina Spektor and Amy Milan

Here are two beautiful soothing songs both sung by notable indie/folk women who are impressively talented. If you want something more wacky, try Cansei de Ser Sexy - Let's Make Love Death From Above straight from São Paulo.

:: Regina Spektor - Samson :: This version is from Regina's album Songs. It is spectacular and simple, like a smooth, pre-dawn breeze hitting chimes on porches all along a neighborhood block. The version on the Starbucks-friendly Begin To Hope is lovely but, alas, it thoughtlessly rushes through the poignant melody and tosses in some cello that serves only to detract from the main attraction—Regina's mesmerizing voice that cries "I loved you first."

:: Amy Millian - Skinny Boy :: I know everyone is doing the obligatory alt-folk bluegrass-influenced acoustic solo side project, but I am slightly biased in favor of Amy Millan. Not only do I love Amy's singing ability, but also the passionate energy she projects about her. This energy is made more evident through this song which is part of her folk solo project Honey from the Tombs. You had better remember her from her regular electro-pop band Stars.

time for naked pushups with Broken Social Scene

   This music video is entertaining. :: Broken Social Scene - Fire-Eyed Boy :: I wonder what camp they attend in the video. It seems to be on the one hand a fitness camp complete with bearded men, 80s jogging shorts, and a skeptical drill instructor, and, on the other hand a music training camp, spoofing the democratised spectacle of American Idol. However, instead of Simon as judge, there is Geddy Lee. Yep, the guy from Rush.