Best New Music from Around the World

1. “1901” – Phoenix [3-31-09]. FRANCE. An easy indie-rock track from their new E.P. of 80’s-inspired synth-pop.

2. “Liberta” – Pep’s [2008, Europe]. FRANCE. A mellow, pop, harmonious track, sung in lovely french with female backup vocals.

3. “Back to Life” – Corneille [2009]. RWANDA-CANADA. Used to releasing music in French, singing neo-soul in English is a change, as are the upbeat lyrics – moving away from the subject matter of his parents being murdered by Rwandan death squads. Here, he is “loved back to life.”

4. “Jailer” -- Asa [1-27-09]. NIGERIA. A smooth and modern fusion of R&B, soul and African jazz.

5. “ABC’s” – K’naan [1-27-09]. SOMALIA. Punchy and aware, this hip-hop track by rising Somalia-born star is filled with old school backbeat -- raps traded with Chubb Rock -- and a big back-up chorus.

6. “Sanctuary” – Gabriella Cilmi [1-27-09]. AUSTRALIA. 17-year old siren from Australia takes up a bluesy note in this appealing single track.

7. “Black Velvet” – Ferry Corsten [1-27-09]. NETHERLANDS. One of the founding fathers of Dutch trance launches this clubby melodramatic electro-dance track.

8. “Those Girls” – Kinky [2-24-09]. MEXICO. A slickly produced 80’s-new-wave-sounding track from hipsters out of Monterrey, Mexico.

9. “En Dessous de Zero” – Axelle Red [un-released in U.S.]. BELGIUM. A sexy, whispery feminine mystique vocal against smoky guitar and boards background.

10. “Sabali” -- Amadou and Miriam [3-24-09]. MALI. A musical husband and wife duo from Mali offer their distinct(French) vocals against a synthed bakcground.

11. “I’ll Eat You Up” – BoA [3-17-09]. SOUTH KOREA. Asian teen- phenom churns out a super-sized, American-sounding pop track on this lead single from her latest album.

12. “Serious Japanese” -- Teriyaki Boyz [late-spring release in U.S.). JAPAN. Hip-hop sound from Japanese rap supergroup combines familiar with exotic.

13. “You Say Yes, I Say Yes” – VETO [unreleased in US]. DENMARK . Clubby, Cure-like dance track from Danish quintet who are widely praised in their home country.

14. “Advent in Ives Garden – Sin Fang Bous. ICELAND. A punchy, high-energy synth pop track.

15. “Wake Up – It’s Africa Calling” – Youssou N’Dour [2-11-09]. SENEGAL. A sweeping, smooth remix with big percussion, horns and synthy sounds from the OPEN REMIX, a consciousness-raising track regarding the plights of Africa, benefitting IntraHealth.

16. “Jai Ho” – Feauturing Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah and Mahalaxmi from MUSIC FROM the MOTION PICTURE SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE [11-24-08]. INDIA. A throbbing and soaring and inspirational electro-combo of sounds and voices overseen by A.R. Rahman, the Indian film composer who wrote 11 of the 13 tracks on this soundtrack (including this one).

17. “Walking on a Dream” – Empire of the Sun [2-16-09]. AUSTRALIA. Aussie duo pumps out an upbeat electro-charged pop dance tune.

18. “Conchaperla” – Novalima [1-13-09]. PERU. Showcasing their Afro-Peruvian groove, this quartet rings in soul and groove on this lead track from their most recent album.

19. “Beijo De Saudade” – Mariza [1-27-09]. MOZAMBIQUE/PORTUGAL. A duet featuring the sultry alto, empress of old school fado, born in Mozambique and raised in Lisbon, which is often considered the birthplace of dado.

20. “Walking on Air” – Kerli [7-8-08]. ESTONIA. On her debut album, this blonde bombshell from Estonia churns out a pop tune that combines dance beats with stints of creepy emo disharmony.

21. “Tuve un sueno” – R.K.M. & Ken-Y [9-9-08]. PUERTO RICO. A reggaetón hit from hip-hop duo out of Puerto Rico.

22. “El Vestido” – Juana Molina [10-07-08]. ARGENTINA. With its soft percussions and ethereal, atmospheric presentation, one gets lost in the whimsy of this Argentine’s artist’s musical re”rendering.

23. “The Show” – Lenka [9-9-08]. AUSTRALIA. Sweet, whimsical, crème pouf-of-an-indie female vocalist.

24. “Luna” – Eddy Lover [8-12-08]. COLUMBIA A smooth and happy dance track with a saucy south of the border sound from reggaeton Columbian cowboy.

25. “Chan Chan” -- BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB (Live @ CARNEGIE HALL) [10-14-08]. CUBA. A powerful landmark performance, particularly the kick-off treasure of a track from this old school Cuban band guided by Ry Cooder.

26. “Entoto Dub” – Dub Colossus [10-7-08]. ETHIOPIA. Co-founder of Transglobal Underground, Nick Page teams up with Ethiopian and English artists to create intriguing, atmospheric and exotic groove dubs.

27. “Na Hay Nadie Como Tu” – Calle 13 feat. Cafa Tacuba [10-7-08}. PUERTO RICO. Reggaeton group featuring two brothers rips out a danceable track with traditional instruments.

28. “Ha Ha” – Emiliano Torrini [9-9-08]. ICELAND. This Singer-songwriter, a more mainstream Bjork, uses simple melody as a showcase for her almost child-like voice.

29. “Little Bit” – Lykke Li [8-19-08]. SWEDEN. The EP hit her debut album, minimalist arrangement coupled with a pixie voice makes for an appealing pop tune.

30. “La Paloma” – Sidestepper from THE BUENA VIBRA SOUND SYSTEM [8-5-08]. COLUMBIA. Free form jazz track from a blend of Afro-Columbian tracks.