This time around there's more mainstream artists.
1. Elvis Costello.
-He's been a bit of an obsession lately. Besides "Wave A White Flag" which I posted about earlier, everyone's pretty familiar with "Alison". I recommend the entire "My Aim Is True" (1977) album.
http://www.youtube.com/v/tI4Qel8qvW0
2. Estelle
-Somewhat new UK hip hop singer is probably most famous for her song "American Boy" featuring Kanye West off her album "Shine". That whole album is pretty good, although I find the songs that she collaborates with others (Cee-Lo on "Pretty Please" and Kardinal Offishal on "Magnificent") or samples another song are better. For example, "No Substitute Love" where she uses the melody from "Faith" by George Michael. Official video -
http://www.youtube.com/v/aB_jTXpDK9g
3. A.C. Newman
-Allen Carl Newman, Canadian musician and leader of the New Pornographers, released a solo album as AC Newman in 2004 called "The Slow Wonder" which I just listened to. The album is pretty mediocre with a few good songs like "Come Crash" "On The Table" and my favorite "Miracle Drug." This is the only video I could find featuring the song. Dunno what is up with the anime shit.
http://www.youtube.com/v/IeS8velwi50
4. Sam Cooke
-Probably one of my favorite singers of all time. His version of "Summertime" is pretty legendary. "Live At The Harlem Square Club" is his best album in my opinion. A good example of his soul stuff (versus his gospel and doo-wop sounding stuff) is "A Change Is Gonna Come"
http://www.youtube.com/v/QUULrCJvwBQ
5. Al Green
-Seriously. Who doesn't love Al Green? Two songs from him-
"Tired of Being Alone"
http://www.youtube.com/v/b4SRqkBwnbo
Take Me To The River"
http://www.youtube.com/v/3QT6BxytzR8