Canzoni libere! Comincate la rivoluzione!

The crowded bus drove up the steep mountain road, its diesel engine busily panting out fumes. In the back a traveler named Gary sat, his head leaning against the window. With his eyes half-closed, he was day-dreaming and thoughtfully absorbing the unfamiliar scenery outside. Three girls next to him were chattering energetically in their own language. They were talking so quickly that he could not understand what they were saying. But Gary was happy. He had finally escaped the smothering comfort zone of the capital city overrun by boisterous tourists. Besides, not being forced to comprehend every conversation around him made the long ride peaceful and relaxing.

One of the girls reached into a backpack and pulled out a battery-powered radio. She turned the switch and adjusted the volume. Immediately, the back of the bus was filled with loud music. It was slightly static but clearly recognizable as the worse American pop song Gary had ever heard. Gary curled into the fetal position and silently howled in agony.

Over the next few hours, poor Gary valiantly tried to ignore the words and music buzzing in his ears. He fiercely kicked himself because he had forgotten to bring ear plugs. When the batteries in the girl's radio finally ran out after eight hours, Gary almost cried with happiness...

Sure, pop music from the US isn't all that bad. But, it's unfortunate that most mainstream music around the world is dominated by American artists, especially manufactured artists that aren't exactly too talented or original.

Well, to help the situation, here are some good songs by international artists. Since the songs are international, most of the lyrics aren't in English. But that adds a certain je ne sais quoi that makes them even better. Yes? Claro que si!

:: Canzoni Libere :: [zip, 188MB]

Details:
Brasilian
Skank - É Uma Partida De Futebol
Bebel Gilberto - Aganjú
Bebel Gilberto - Um Segundo
João Gilberto - La Garota de Ipanema
MC Marcinho - Rap Glamourosa
Sergio Mendes - Berimbau/Consolacao
Sergio Mendes - Magalenha
Sergio Mendes - Mas Que Nada ft. Black Eyed Peas
Seu Jorge - Carolina
Seu Jorge - Convite para Vida
Vanessa da Mata - Ai ai ai...
Vanessa da Mata - Não Me Deixe Só
Wonkavision - O Ímpar Perfeito

Colombian
Sonora Carruseles – Micaela

Danish
Alphabeat - Fascination
Mew - 156

Eire (Irish)
Lasairfhíona - Bímse Féin Ag Iascaireacht
Lasairfhíona - Damhsa na gCoiníní

Español
Antonio Carmona - Ay De Ti
Astrud - El Vertedero De Sâo Paulo
La Buena Vida - En Bicicleta
Mala Rodriguez - Nanai
Mala Rodriguez - Yo Marco El Minuto

Français
Indochine - Electrastar
Indochine - Popstitute

日本 (Japanese)
Puffy AmiYumi - Tokyo I'm On My Way
TM Revolution - Heart of Sword

Русские (Russian)
Glukoza Nostra - Schweine
Катя Чехова - Я робот
Ленинград - Nikogo ne zhalko

Scottish
Julie Fowlis - Hùg Air A' Bhonaid Mhòir

And... if you've got any international song favorites, let me know!