The Books - Cello Song

Artist: The Books ft. José González Track: Cell Song Album: Dark Was The Night Year: 2009
I've loved this song ever since I first heard it in the move, The Blind Side. This is actually a cover of a song by Nick Drake and I didn't know that until I was looking up information on it just now. 
It's such a mellow, calming song and José González's voice perfectly fits the feel of the song. I've always been a fan of his music and was more than a little excited when I saw that he was the featured vocals. (Actually, one of his songs is on my list of music to feature at some point in the future, so keep an eye out for it!) The intro of the song is wonderful! It sounds like wind and raindrops to me, which are the ultimate calming sounds for me, personally. Then José's soft vocals come in with the violin and it's just beautiful! Ah!
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Groove Armada - Think Twice

Artist: Groove Armada ft. Neneh Cherry Track: Think Twice Album: Lovebox Year: 2002
Here's another one of those chill piano tracks that I have so many of. What's different about this one, at least for me, is the vocals. Neneh's vocals are sultry, raw, and have a quality to them that pulls you into the song. Then combining that with swirling electronic sounds and a constant piano backtrack creates a textured atmosphere that is beautifully produced.
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Frou Frou - Let Go

Artist: Frou Frou Track: Let Go Album: Details Year: 2002
I love Imogen Heap and anything she does, so that definitely includes Frou Frou. Honestly, I don't think I've ever heard a bad song off this album. Sadly, this was the only one the duo released before they split and Imogen went off to start a solo career. 
Imogen's vocals are soft and elegant as always. The music itself is beautifully textured electronica that flows with the whispery vocals to tell that there's "beauty in the breakdown". It almost has an intimate feel to it.
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Róisín Murphy - Ramalama (Bang Bang)

Artist: Róisín Murphy Track: Ramalama (Bang Bang) Album: Ruby Blue Year: 2005
This right here is my new favorite Halloween song. Seriously. I picture zombies doing this weird jerky dance to the drumbeat...or maybe that's because I was introduced to this song through a fan made music video with zombies in it. Whatever.
I must warn you though, the first few seconds of a shrill violin may put you off, but keep listening! The "ramalama bang bang" part is my favorite. It took a while to grow on me and now I'm in love with her entrancing voice, the quirky drumbeat, and the background vocals.
Happy Halloween!
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Bitter:Sweet - The Mating Game

Artist: Bitter:Sweet

Track: The Mating Game

Album: The Mating Game

Year: 2006

This track is pure sex for my eardrums. It's sultry and sophisticated and sounds like it belongs in some sort of classy spy movie like Bond. Catchy beats, provocative vocals, and electronic notes that sounds oddly like sci-fi ray guns but, hey! It works some how.

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SomethingALaMode - Little Bit Of Feel Good

Artist: SomethingALaMode ft. Adam Joseph

Track: Little Bit Of Feel Good

Album: SomethingALaMode

Year: 2009

So, I just recently discovered that this song is actually a cover of Jamie Lidell's song by the same name. It was a little odd listening to that one since I've been listening to this one for so long. They have very different sounds, but I still prefer SomethingALaMode's version. 

I'm in love with the violins & cellos layered with the dance beats. The chorus still maintains the funky edge from the original. It's an interesting combination of a song. Give it a listen!

Click for lyrics, music videos (Jamie Lidell's original), & links!

POLIÇA - Wandering Star

Artist: POLIÇA
Track: Wandering Star
Album: Give You The Ghost
Year: 2012

This song feels like a spell to me: the kind where you just lose your grip on reality and spin around in circles. But, maybe that's just me. The vocals are tender with a haunting, "cathedral" effect. I especially love the drum beat. 

Make sure to watch the music video for this one! It's what really pulled me into the song. 

Click for lyrics, video, & links!