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.