When I created Open World Music three years ago, I had to be very strict with myself about what parameters I would use to select music to post. Artists had to come from non-English speaking countries
and the song that I post had to be in their native language. The first part is easy. The whole premise of this blog is that there are great bands from just about every country on Earth. The second part is somewhat more difficult. Because most poplar modern musical genres had their genesis in the English speaking world, because many of the most influential artists to gain world fame have performed in English, and because performing in English is generally considered the only way to be marketable in the world at large, many artists opt to leave their native tongues behind when they write and perform. Personally speaking, I think this is too bad. The point of this blog was to bring the artists who have opted to perform in their own languages to a broader audience.
However, I have always felt pangs of regret that I couldn't also post music from artists from outside of the English speaking world who
have made that choice to perform in English. Often readers will refer me to artists, or I will stumble across artists, who are absolutely awesome, but because of my arbitrary and harsh rules I cannot post here.
Well, rules are meant to be broken - particularly rules that I made up myself. And so I bring you the first in what may be a multiple installment series: Awesome Disqualifications.
The Dodoz -
Do You Like Boys
This French band is a great example of hard driving alternative rock. Sometimes they have an angular sound like Franz Ferdinand. Other times they are more straight forward. They're always interesting.
Jaqee -
Moonshine
This is a borderline call. Jaqee is originally from English/Swahili speaking Uganda, but for the past several years she has been working out of Sweden. I originally heard of Jaqee from her work on the Koalas Desperados project, but I quickly fell in love with her solo work. I just can't get her voice out of my head.
The Peacocks -
Gimme More
This one is an oldie but a goodie. This Swiss band has been around since 1990, and have been pounding out energetic psychobilly ever since.
The Van Jets -
Down Below
The Belgians are producing some amazing artists these days, including The Van Jets. This is angular alternative rock, with a hint of a 70s vibe.
Selah Sue -
Raggamuffin
While we're in Belgium, I invite you to also check out Selah Sue. Stylistically, she looks like a much healthier Amy Winehouse. Her music is very soulful, and in this particular case, also very heavily inspired by reggae. Another artist with a voice that will burrow into your brain.
Miss Platnum -
She Moved In
I first became aware of this Germany based Romanian singer when she backed up Peter Fox on his breakout solo album, "Stadtaffe". But Miss Platnum has earned quite a following in her own right, particularly for this soul influenced dance track.
Lyre le Temps -
Go Down/Hit the Road Jack/About the Traum Drum
A few years ago in the United States, swing made something of a popular comeback. Since then, a new batch of artists - particularly in France - has taken that swing groove, and added heavy electronica elements. Lyre le Temps takes this hybrid sound to amazing heights.
Ill Inspecta -
Like Puppa San
Germany has a huge reggae scene. As part of this, Ill Inspecta made ripples with his own dancehall take. He has since left performing, spreading the story that Ill Inspecta was "killed". But in the meantime, Ill Inspecta left some real gems that would be right at home heard out of a Kingston sound system.
The Bawdies -
It's Too Late
Japan is famous for bands that take established musical genres from the United States and Great Britain, and giving them their unique cultural stamp. The Bawdies don't do that. They just play straight ahead hardcore R&B that would blow most American bands out of the water.
