Helly Luv "Revolution"

Ironically, ISIS put a price on Helly Luv's head (ostensibly), not for her support of the Peshmerga and Kurdish independence, but because she wore a miniskirt.  Helly Luv is a Kurdish nationalist pop star based in Los Angeles who has done crazy stuff like shooting at ISIS and raising money to feed Kurdish soldiers.  Even though her pop isn't something to write home about lyrically or musically, (One wishes MIA would write about something different) the fact is she's using Pop music in a way that is politically relevant and revolutionary in multiple senses of the word.  Disturbing?  Chilling?  Beautiful?  Awesome?  I'll let you decide, but I bet it gives you goosebumps somewhere in there.  (Risk it all is a better song, but Revolution is newer and more interesting, filmed just a few miles from the front lines.)  

Lindforest "Den Dag Du Faller Ner"

Blindside's Christian Lindskog has always had one of the most emotive and beautiful voices in the world.  The combination here of his native Swedish with gorgeous lyrics and a quiet acoustic sound is devastating.  Makes me cry almost every time.  :) 

Sufjan Stevens "Fourth of July"

If you missed Sufjan Steven's haunting comeback album Carrie and Lowell, you missed out.  The haunting personal and ethereal lyrics and music come back together in a powerful way.  "Fourth of July," with its little birds and simple images and synth grabs my heart like nothing else. 

Stavesacre "Gold and Silver"

California Alternative Rock outfit may be done making music, but they're my favorite band nobody's ever heard of, and "Gold and Silver" is one of the most powerful songs I've ever heart.  Stavesacre's unique vocals, real lyrics, and raw emotion set them apart from anoyone else. 

Jennifer Knapp "Neosho"

After coming out and coming back with a fairly mediocre, almost inhibited, Letting Go, Jennifer Knapp seems to have hit her stride again with her new album Set Me Free.   There's a little something for everyone who's been a fan, but so far this Blues track "Neosho" seems to be the best, a perfect little blend of Plains singer-songwriting and soul. 

Son Pascal and Anuar Nurpeisov "Englishman in Shymkent"

This went viral in Central Asia a couple years ago, it's a lighthearted expat love song to his new city and language...it's not every day you hear an Englishman singing in Kazakh.  Of course, the real reason this is on the blog is because, if you've listened to the song through, I know you're smiling.  :) 

Marcelina featuring Piotr Rogucki "Karmelove"

I hope Polish artist Marcelina does more music like this sad sensual acoustic love song.  It's simple, poetic, heartfelt, and lovely.