Request for favorite non-English and/or non-French songs
June 5, 2007 3:35 PM Subscribe
Allophone music: A request for your favourite non-English and/or non-French pop/rock/folk songs.
I'm interested in both making a mix of pop/rock/folk music in languages other than English and French. My goal is to make a mix with as many languages as possible. So far, I have picked songs songs in Turkish and Gaelic, but I would love to have more recommendations. It's okay if part of the song is in English/French, but even better if the whole is in another language.
Why allophone? Because I'm Canadian, and our country is divided between anglophone, francophone and allophone (everyone whose first language isn't English or French). And because I'm a horrible monolingual anglophone who would like to discover more of the pop world beyond English and French. (I would include French, but then I can't call it "allophone", and I'm actually including a French song in "Franglish" as my English/French entry).
(please specify the language and band if you know them - thanks!)
I'm interested in both making a mix of pop/rock/folk music in languages other than English and French. My goal is to make a mix with as many languages as possible. So far, I have picked songs songs in Turkish and Gaelic, but I would love to have more recommendations. It's okay if part of the song is in English/French, but even better if the whole is in another language.
Why allophone? Because I'm Canadian, and our country is divided between anglophone, francophone and allophone (everyone whose first language isn't English or French). And because I'm a horrible monolingual anglophone who would like to discover more of the pop world beyond English and French. (I would include French, but then I can't call it "allophone", and I'm actually including a French song in "Franglish" as my English/French entry).
(please specify the language and band if you know them - thanks!)
I love Zemfira, from Russia, who sings very popular pop songs these days. Her album "14 weeks of silence" (14 Недель Тишины) was a monster hit and has some great songs.
posted by ORthey at 3:49 PM on June 5, 2007
posted by ORthey at 3:49 PM on June 5, 2007
I've ended up with songs in something like 30 languages, if you want some of them, please email me. This is through speaking, traveling, and also metafilter CD swaps. Some of my favoritest:
-Balkanarama does roms and other eastern European type songs. Several languages.
-A Naifa is one of my favorite Portuguese groups. I love fado, too, but will spare you the details. Queixas de um etente is one of my favorite songs, but they're all good.
-In Brazilian Portuguese, I have to recommend the pop of Adriana Calcanhoto (recentish sigle Fico Assim Sem Você) and Aviões do Forró (Try Tô sozinho).
-Chava Alberstein sings wondefully in Hebrew (e.g. Adaber Itcha) and Yiddish (Di Krenitse).
-Have you seen www.iraqimusic.com? It was on metafilter ages ago, and there are some amazing old recordings there. Look for Ra'ed George, for one.
I've done some all-over mixes for the CD swaps, the track lists are here,
here (Cuba only), and
here.
posted by whatzit at 3:52 PM on June 5, 2007
-Balkanarama does roms and other eastern European type songs. Several languages.
-A Naifa is one of my favorite Portuguese groups. I love fado, too, but will spare you the details. Queixas de um etente is one of my favorite songs, but they're all good.
-In Brazilian Portuguese, I have to recommend the pop of Adriana Calcanhoto (recentish sigle Fico Assim Sem Você) and Aviões do Forró (Try Tô sozinho).
-Chava Alberstein sings wondefully in Hebrew (e.g. Adaber Itcha) and Yiddish (Di Krenitse).
-Have you seen www.iraqimusic.com? It was on metafilter ages ago, and there are some amazing old recordings there. Look for Ra'ed George, for one.
I've done some all-over mixes for the CD swaps, the track lists are here,
here (Cuba only), and
here.
posted by whatzit at 3:52 PM on June 5, 2007
Japanese Pop:
Mika Nakashima (for Nana)
- Glamorous Sky
- Hitoiro
Gypsy Kings
- Volare
- Baila Me
- Djobi Djoba
posted by eatdonuts at 4:14 PM on June 5, 2007
Mika Nakashima (for Nana)
- Glamorous Sky
- Hitoiro
Gypsy Kings
- Volare
- Baila Me
- Djobi Djoba
posted by eatdonuts at 4:14 PM on June 5, 2007
Check out the AskMefi thread on Phygrian Domination for some ideas.
posted by divabat at 4:14 PM on June 5, 2007
posted by divabat at 4:14 PM on June 5, 2007
Fettes Brot sing in German and sometimes in Plattdeutsch (Low German), a separate language that is spoken in Northern Germany. I like their song Nordisch by Nature (released as a single). However, the lyrics contains both plattdeutsche and hochdeutsche ("normal" German) parts, so I don't know if that counts in your book.
posted by amf at 4:16 PM on June 5, 2007
posted by amf at 4:16 PM on June 5, 2007
Check out No Fun Records for Spanish, the Nao Wave comp for Brazillian/Portuguese, Die Hamburg Schule bands (like The Notwist and Blumfeld) for German language stuff, Tokyo Kid Brother for Japanese (along with maybe Afrirampo and The Boredoms), Sigur Ros for their made-up language (Talking Heads could fit there too), Erkin Koray for Turkish, Nusrat Fati Khan for Urdu, April Winchill's blog has Abba songs done in Hindi...
posted by klangklangston at 4:45 PM on June 5, 2007
posted by klangklangston at 4:45 PM on June 5, 2007
Kent in Swedish, if you like earnest rock. Pape & Cheikh sing the most wonderful uplifting songs in Senegalese.
posted by patricio at 5:23 PM on June 5, 2007
posted by patricio at 5:23 PM on June 5, 2007
I'm a fan/missionary for these two great Brazilian bands:
Cordel do Fogo Encantado These guys are indescribable. They're an absorbing band with the dramatic, brooding intensity of Nick Cave.
Mombojó Mombojó is an interesting band that shape-shifts between indie rock and bossa nova-influenced MPB (Brazilian Popular Music).
posted by umbú at 6:11 PM on June 5, 2007
Cordel do Fogo Encantado These guys are indescribable. They're an absorbing band with the dramatic, brooding intensity of Nick Cave.
Mombojó Mombojó is an interesting band that shape-shifts between indie rock and bossa nova-influenced MPB (Brazilian Popular Music).
posted by umbú at 6:11 PM on June 5, 2007
Swedish:
Kent - FF
Kent - Musik non stop
Lustans Lakejer - Vackra djur gör fula saker
Estonian:
Sõpruse Puiestee - 1905
Metro Luminal - Sulle
Icelandic:
Tappi Tikarrass - Krid
Björk - Arabadrengurinn
Italian:
Nek - Sul Treno
posted by martinrebas at 6:12 PM on June 5, 2007
Kent - FF
Kent - Musik non stop
Lustans Lakejer - Vackra djur gör fula saker
Estonian:
Sõpruse Puiestee - 1905
Metro Luminal - Sulle
Icelandic:
Tappi Tikarrass - Krid
Björk - Arabadrengurinn
Italian:
Nek - Sul Treno
posted by martinrebas at 6:12 PM on June 5, 2007
Too many options to list, so i'll mention a few random favorites (if you can provide specific examples of music you like I might have better suggestions):
Adriano Celentano - 24,000 Baci (60s Italian rock)
George Wassouf - El Hawa Sultan (80s Arabic music)
Jorge Ben - Bebete Vaobora (60s/70s Brazilian folk/rock)
Sharif - Basbusa (80s Israeli pop)
Hepsi - Olmaz Olgun (Turkish pop group)
You might also be interested in a couple of my answers (1, 2) to somewhat related questions.
posted by ciocarlia at 6:39 PM on June 5, 2007
Adriano Celentano - 24,000 Baci (60s Italian rock)
George Wassouf - El Hawa Sultan (80s Arabic music)
Jorge Ben - Bebete Vaobora (60s/70s Brazilian folk/rock)
Sharif - Basbusa (80s Israeli pop)
Hepsi - Olmaz Olgun (Turkish pop group)
You might also be interested in a couple of my answers (1, 2) to somewhat related questions.
posted by ciocarlia at 6:39 PM on June 5, 2007
No snark intended, but your question is waaaaaay too vague... Even just the Japanese recommendations you're getting already range from "noise" to "idol" pop (come on... The Boredoms and Orange Range on the same tape?!). If you don't specify what kind of music you're after, you're just going to get a whole mess of "ooh, I like THIS!" that'll just take forever to sort through.
Here's a previous thread that might be helpful.
posted by misozaki at 6:55 PM on June 5, 2007
Here's a previous thread that might be helpful.
posted by misozaki at 6:55 PM on June 5, 2007
On preview: my selections are all over the map. I jump from genre to genre. Take that with a grain of salt.
For Spanish-language music, I recommend Cafe Tacuba. My favorite song from them is "La Locomotora." It's incredibly catchy, with pianos and guitars set up against a chugging, train-like percussion. Seriously, I would dance around to this song in my dorm to wake myself up for class.
For Japanese music, I'd second Porno Graffitti. I first heard their song "Century Lovers" and thought it was amazing. "Melissa" has an amazing opening riff, while "Mugen" is brassy and sort of swingy. This band is infectious overall.
Some other Japanese recommendations (I dig Japanese music quite a bit):
-"HEAVEN'S DRIVE" -- L'arc~en~Ciel (nice guitar, excellent lyrical chorus; L'arc does lots of rockin' music)
-"LOVE PHANTOM" -- B'z (again, great chorus; very dramatic build-up; I can't vouch for this band, but I love the song!)
-"TSUNAMI" -- Southern All Stars (a little cheesy, maybe, but very emotional; this band has lots of great music)
Um. Kinki Kids is a total boy band, but I find their music fun. Mr. Children has good, soulful rock ("Hallelujah" is fantastic; "Kurumi" is good).
For Chinese music, I can't give you much. I will say that you should at least give "Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin" a go. It's a famous Chinese folk song--a bit cheesy, but very nice. The key is to find a version you like: 1, 2, 3. This site offers up some great information.
I love "Bu De Bu Ai" by Pan Wei Bo. It's a total pop song. It has flowy acoustic guitars, a pair of smooth-singing lovers, and a poppy backbeat: what's not to love?
As for German: this is really, really horrible, but... I like Heino. I can't help it! His ridiculously bass singing voice! The bouncy oompah music! The women "aah"-ing in the background! Honestly, the man may be terrifying but his music is happy. I love "Die Schwarze Barbara."
As for Indian music, I like "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai." It's from the Bollywood movie of the same name. It's sweeping and orchestral. I'm not actually sure what language it's in--maybe Urdu? Anyone?
That's all I can think of for now. Sorry for some of my cheesy selections. :)
posted by ElectricBlue at 7:31 PM on June 5, 2007
For Spanish-language music, I recommend Cafe Tacuba. My favorite song from them is "La Locomotora." It's incredibly catchy, with pianos and guitars set up against a chugging, train-like percussion. Seriously, I would dance around to this song in my dorm to wake myself up for class.
For Japanese music, I'd second Porno Graffitti. I first heard their song "Century Lovers" and thought it was amazing. "Melissa" has an amazing opening riff, while "Mugen" is brassy and sort of swingy. This band is infectious overall.
Some other Japanese recommendations (I dig Japanese music quite a bit):
-"HEAVEN'S DRIVE" -- L'arc~en~Ciel (nice guitar, excellent lyrical chorus; L'arc does lots of rockin' music)
-"LOVE PHANTOM" -- B'z (again, great chorus; very dramatic build-up; I can't vouch for this band, but I love the song!)
-"TSUNAMI" -- Southern All Stars (a little cheesy, maybe, but very emotional; this band has lots of great music)
Um. Kinki Kids is a total boy band, but I find their music fun. Mr. Children has good, soulful rock ("Hallelujah" is fantastic; "Kurumi" is good).
For Chinese music, I can't give you much. I will say that you should at least give "Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin" a go. It's a famous Chinese folk song--a bit cheesy, but very nice. The key is to find a version you like: 1, 2, 3. This site offers up some great information.
I love "Bu De Bu Ai" by Pan Wei Bo. It's a total pop song. It has flowy acoustic guitars, a pair of smooth-singing lovers, and a poppy backbeat: what's not to love?
As for German: this is really, really horrible, but... I like Heino. I can't help it! His ridiculously bass singing voice! The bouncy oompah music! The women "aah"-ing in the background! Honestly, the man may be terrifying but his music is happy. I love "Die Schwarze Barbara."
As for Indian music, I like "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai." It's from the Bollywood movie of the same name. It's sweeping and orchestral. I'm not actually sure what language it's in--maybe Urdu? Anyone?
That's all I can think of for now. Sorry for some of my cheesy selections. :)
posted by ElectricBlue at 7:31 PM on June 5, 2007
Occitan : cor de la plana (southern France).
Spanish : Ketama is good flamenco oriented pop music.
posted by nicolin at 1:02 AM on June 6, 2007
Spanish : Ketama is good flamenco oriented pop music.
posted by nicolin at 1:02 AM on June 6, 2007
Swedish:
n'thing the suggestion of Kent
Bo Kaspers Orkester (jazzy pop wiki link)
Norwegian:
Gåte (Norwegian folk rock wiki link) - Jygri
Seigmen (rock/alternative wiki link) - Total (preferably) or Metropolis (the Norwegian version)
Madrugada (rock wiki link)
posted by esilenna at 2:40 AM on June 6, 2007
n'thing the suggestion of Kent
Bo Kaspers Orkester (jazzy pop wiki link)
Norwegian:
Gåte (Norwegian folk rock wiki link) - Jygri
Seigmen (rock/alternative wiki link) - Total (preferably) or Metropolis (the Norwegian version)
Madrugada (rock wiki link)
posted by esilenna at 2:40 AM on June 6, 2007
Response by poster: I know that I have been vague as to genre, but I actually was intentionally so. I was thinking of saying that I don't usually care for hard rock (except when sometimes I do) or pop idol stuff (except again sometimes I do) or rap (and then I think about the cool french rap I've heard)...
I didn't want to be close minded, so I didn't make any restriction. I will go and try to find samples of these and listen, and get what I like. But I also like to have genre defying mix-tapes - I will mix dance music with hard rock and classical happily. If they are good songs and they flow from each other well. But this excercise is about diversity.
---
Oooh - I'm liking the Fettes Brot - and any kind of German counts. I only took out French because then it wouldn't be allophone, but then I've decided I must include France's most recent Eurovision entry, which is a delightful song in Franglais.
Thanks to everyone so far!
posted by jb at 3:24 AM on June 6, 2007
I didn't want to be close minded, so I didn't make any restriction. I will go and try to find samples of these and listen, and get what I like. But I also like to have genre defying mix-tapes - I will mix dance music with hard rock and classical happily. If they are good songs and they flow from each other well. But this excercise is about diversity.
---
Oooh - I'm liking the Fettes Brot - and any kind of German counts. I only took out French because then it wouldn't be allophone, but then I've decided I must include France's most recent Eurovision entry, which is a delightful song in Franglais.
Thanks to everyone so far!
posted by jb at 3:24 AM on June 6, 2007
For more German pop / rock / punk, check out Sportfreunde Stiller, Die Ärzte and Die Toten Hosen.
posted by syzygy at 4:20 AM on June 6, 2007
posted by syzygy at 4:20 AM on June 6, 2007
Los Super Seven: First album (my favorite) has a lot of Mexican classics, second one more Brazilian/Cuban stuff.
In Hawaiian, The Pahinui Brothers.
posted by Killick at 4:44 AM on June 6, 2007
In Hawaiian, The Pahinui Brothers.
posted by Killick at 4:44 AM on June 6, 2007
Ah, well, in that case, then here are some from a Japanese pop junkie. These are all pretty much mainstream pop/rock.
Definitely some Quruli for your mix.
Rip Slyme and Quruli. Pop hip hop.
Ketsumeishi. Pop hip hop.
Bump of Chicken. Stupid band name, but great pop rock songs.
Kirinji. Pop.
Sambomaster. Just because I like this video. Nerdy goodness.
Going Under Ground. The guy on vocals is not the same person as the guy in Sambomaster!
Spitz. Pop pop.
Seconding Mr. Children's "Kurumi".
posted by misozaki at 4:59 AM on June 6, 2007
Definitely some Quruli for your mix.
Rip Slyme and Quruli. Pop hip hop.
Ketsumeishi. Pop hip hop.
Bump of Chicken. Stupid band name, but great pop rock songs.
Kirinji. Pop.
Sambomaster. Just because I like this video. Nerdy goodness.
Going Under Ground. The guy on vocals is not the same person as the guy in Sambomaster!
Spitz. Pop pop.
Seconding Mr. Children's "Kurumi".
posted by misozaki at 4:59 AM on June 6, 2007
Gorky's Zygotic Mynci for all your Welsh language needs
posted by handybitesize at 5:39 AM on June 6, 2007
posted by handybitesize at 5:39 AM on June 6, 2007
(Sweden)
Track 7 "Brinna inga hjärten" on Ranarim's Morning Star. A perfect acoustic pop song (to my ears, anyway.)
posted by omnidrew at 11:09 AM on June 6, 2007
Track 7 "Brinna inga hjärten" on Ranarim's Morning Star. A perfect acoustic pop song (to my ears, anyway.)
posted by omnidrew at 11:09 AM on June 6, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
For Mandarin Chinese music, Jay Chou is big right now. His newest album is actually really good, surprisingly. His style is a bit repetitive, but there are definitely some gold nuggets in there.
For Japanese music, Porno Graffitti and Asian Kung-Fu Generation are kickass rock-ish bands. Orange Range has, IMO, totally unique and totally awesome rap-styled songs, and they're currently my favourite. I don't really like the Heavy Metal/Visual Kei scene, so I can't personally recommend anything, but my friends are all going insane over Miyavi and Gackt.
If you want samples of any of these, feel free to email me (email in profile). :) I personally adore foreign language songs, since I don't have to concentrate on the meaning and can just go with the sound, but the occasional word recognized sends me into total glee anyway. Happy listening!
posted by Phire at 3:42 PM on June 5, 2007