Sia - Breathe Me

Artist: Sia Track: Breathe Me Album: Colour The Small One Year: 2004
This is and probably always will be my favorite song by Sia. It was also the first one I ever knew by her. I love Sia's voice. There's just something so raw and effortless and beautiful about it. I feel like this song perfectly captures all of that. 
The instrumentals are simple with a beautiful piano line that is later joined by drums and violins and slowly builds up the emotion of the song. The piano alone can make me teary. To me, Sia's voice is the main focus of the song, which I absolutely love. Then the instrumentals have their own dramatic solo at the end. I just love everything about this song!  Also, this may be a weird thing to like, but I rather like the big sigh she takes at the very beginning of the song before she begins to sing. 
Click for lyrics, music video & links!

Dean Martin - Mambo Italiano (Club des Belugas Remix)

Artist: Dean Martin Track: Mambo Italiano (Club des Belugas Remix) Album: The Art of Electro Swing Vol.2 Year: 2011
Until I was looking up information for this post, I did not realize that this track was a remix, not a cover. Well, I'm glad I know now. These are actually Dean Martin's wonderful vocals. The original track is great as well, but I like the beat and freshness of Club des Belugas' remix. It makes me wish I knew how to salsa or tango or some other kind of saucy dancing.
Note, the first bit is pretty much a direct sampling of the original track. If it's not your cup of tea, just listen a little longer for the main part of the song to kick in before you pass judgement.
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Patrick & Eugene - Don't Stop

Artist: Patrick & Eugene Track: Don't Stop Album: Altogether Now (Birds Bees Flowers Trees) Year: 2005
Sorry for missing yesterday, guys! I got a little tied up all day and didn't have one prepared a head of time. So, here's a happy, fun one for today's feature. I honestly don't know how you can listen to this song and not can a smile crawl across your face. Patrick & Eugene are a British duo whose quirky music is finding its way around the world. This song practically embodies the kooky British humor found in acts like Monty Python. Eccentric dance beats and playful, fun lyrics make this song a joy to listen to.  Click here for lyrics, music video & links!

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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Asa - Jailer

Artist: Asa
Track: Jailer

Album: Asa

Year: 2009

I love the acoustic, jazzy sound of this song. It's got a bit of reggae in there too. Asa's vocals are smooth and rich. I've seen them described as "smokey" and I think that describes them perfectly.  

Ever since I first discovered this song when she released it, I've listened to it more times than I count. I believe it winds up on my vacation playlists wherever I go (yes, I create playlists for my family vacations). I distinctly remember driving the winding road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii while listening to this song. 

Click here for lyrics, music video & links!