Pretty Girls

These are more than just pretty girls. They’ll change the world and make it a better place.

Marit Larsen – Don’t Save Me
This is a really, really good song. This is ABBA-esque, but not in the Erasure or Madonna ways. It’s not rehashed, refried ABBA. This is ABBA if they’d continued as a band. Yet it’s got Marit’s own touch and style at the same time. Marit was previously in a band called M2M (yah, totally sounds like some kind of gay chat room), made up of two 16-year-old singer/songwriter girls from Norway who sold a few million records worldwide. Then after two albums their record label decided Marion (the other less talented of the duo) was prettier and they could make more money by recreating her as some pop monster. A couple of years later, Marion’s Frankenstein studio creation has really gone nowhere on the charts and Marit has just released a single from her upcoming album and already its #1 on the Norwegian charts this week. Go Marit!

Other Marit Larsen Songs to check out: This Time Tomorrow, October Month, Walls, Recent Illusion

Regina Spektor – Poor Little Rich Boy
Regina Spektor is one of those amazingly original artists who, although you can hear some traces of influence from the likes of the Beatles, Nirvana, Dylan and Tori Amos, is really unique. She was born and raised in the Soviet Union until she was around 11 years old. So, that combination of living in Moscow and then being a teenager in New York City certainly had an amazing impact on her. I especially like her unique percussions, syncopation and phrasing.

Other Regina Spektor Songs to Check Out: Chemo Limo, The Ghost of Corporate Future, The Flowers, Sailor Song, Love Affair, Braille, Sunshine

Carmen Rasmusen – Be With You
For folks who’ve seen American Idol, you may think you know this singer and her voice, but Carmen really got short-shrifted on that show. I always felt she was a much better singer than people gave her credit for. This song and her 4-song EP which she released last year prove that. “Be With You” is from the soundtrack of a hilarious, modern romantic comedy retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. You should check out the movie, too. Carmen has a couple of cameo appearances in the film as well.

Other Carmen Rasmusen Songs to Check Out: Photograph, Crazy In Love, I’ve Just Seen A Face, The One After 9:09

Ding Dong – Nellie McKay
I’m not really sure if Nellie McKay is a comedian or a singer. If she wasn’t such a good singer and her lyrics weren’t so witty, I’d think she was more of a comedian who also sings, like Sarah Silverman, but Nellie is better than that. But Nellie is definitely a funny and sarcastic performer.

Other Nellie McKay Songs to Check Out: Change The World, David

Neko Case – Pretty Girls
Patsy Clines meets Cowboy Junkies and the result is Neko Case. Neko has a stellar, soulful voice not unlike Patsy Cline, but the moody, atmospheric soundscape of her songs is more like Cowboy Junkies, modern arrangements and sensibilities that didn’t exist in Patsy’s day. This confident, poetic music is some of the best in alternative country today.

Other Neko Case Songs to Check Out: Deep Red Bells, I Wish I Was The Moon, Ghost Writing