Papel Maché "Hay Tiempo"

Spanish indie-folk group Papel Maché mixes positivity with beautiful music and whimsical vocals.  Sometimes their lyrics (they sing in Spanish and English) are about morning coffee, and sometimes they're straight from the Bible, but they tend to have a balance that comes off as whimsy where others would just sound cheesy.  One of the groups I was most excited to find this year, ¡check out Papel Maché!

Kalben "Sadece"

Kalben's voice is perfect:  a haunting mix that sounds something between French Jazz and Spanish Pop with a backdrop of nice acousticish rock, this song about the complicated love straight gives me goosebumps.  There is some awesome Turkish music out there, and Kalben is probably a great place to start, especially if you're a fan of soulful voices like Lissie or Fleetwood Mac.  

Zuzana Smatanová and Adam Ďurica "Miesta"

Slovakian indie pop rockster Zuzana Smatanová is one of the nicest sounds out of Eastern Europe I've heard, but this combo with pop-folk Adam Ďurica (his soaring but somewhat cheesy pop is somewhere between Kongos and Colbie Caillat) is the most memorable piece I've come across.  It's a song about loss and losing your safe place (presumably a relationship).   Enjoy!  

Mbongwana Star "Malukayi"

So these guys in wheelchairs from the DRC...can say I know much about them, but this jam is a jam.  Chill and dancing on and on.  Thanks to Paste for the rec.

MaNNazz "Mozzarella"

So if you're a fan of Abba or Europop, this song by Lithuanian-based MaNNazz could be your jam.

Chef' Special "In Your Arms"

Dutch group Chef' Special delves into rap, indie, pop, and rock across the spectrum of their broad sounds.  However, like most of the artists on Fueled by Ramen, what sets them apart are heartfelt, thoughtful, honest lyrics.  Check this love song with a twist, "In Your Arms."

絢香 - 手をつなごう Ayaka "Let's Hold Hands"

Ayaka's a gutsy Japanese singer-songwriter who does things like releases songs a capella.  Positive, simple, hopeful, and yearning songs about love and life and being strong that are pop without too much lip gloss.

M.I.A. "Borders"

M.I.A.'s usual style blends the profound, profane, revolutionary, and childish simplicity that could be accused of being the weakest writing anywhere.  However, her work is always controversial, in your face, and thought-provoking.  And of course, the sound is unlike anything else.

Bump of Chicken "Hello World"

So, if you get the feeling that Coldplay's new work is interesting but not quite making the cut, Japanese Pop-Rock group Bump of Chicken is rocking the same tone and doing it much better.  Unfortunately, their producers haven't figured out how to get the lead singer's vocal to sit in the mix, however, if you're into stuff like the Killers, Fallout Boy, and Owl City, the band's blend of rock and synth is a joy, and the unexpected transitions on tracks like "Hello World" should expand the ear of any rock fan.

Julien Baker "Something"

Julien Baker's simple sounds of heartbreak are reminiscent of Birdie, but she's definitely got her own thing going on.  The 21-year old from Memphis has got something special.

Astrid S "Paper Thin"

While some of her other songs suffer from "Europop" cliché syndrome, this stripped down song showcases the young Norwegian's gorgeous voice.  She's going places.

Kenta Kiritani "Taro Urashima: Uminokoe"

So this looks like a song from a Japanese TV show and Kenta Kiritani is an actor.  I'm out of my depth here, and I have NO idea what's he's singing, but especially the beginning of the song with the acoustic and vocals gave me goosebumps, and while the cheese gets laid on towards the end, I'll bet this one makes you smile.     :)