Monday Morning Music: Sia

It's been awhile since I've put up a Monday Morning Music post.  But this infrequent series is back today with a good entry!

Sia Furler, known mononymously as Sia, is an Australian jazz-pop singer and songwriter.  As you'll see shortly, she's quirky as hell, full of joy, and out-of-this-world talented.



Now, I'm not going to pretend like I've known about and loved Sia for years.  In reality, I only found out about her a few months ago thanks to a Flo Rida song on the radio.

Flo who?

(He's a mainstream rapper whose recent dance single "Wild Ones" was written in part by Sia and features her vocals.)

Now, I could take or leave Flo Rida's rapping.  (Sorry, Flo.) But Sia's voice completely enchanted me.  I went home and made a beeline for Google after hearing "Wild Ones" to find out just whose beautiful throaty, soulful voice I was hearing against the dance beat and vacuous lyrics.

Well, long story short, I have a new musical obsession that I'm going to gently force on you. 

Sia's been recording for more than a decade, but she's recently hit the mainstream for her writing and vocal contributions to dance songs.   (Word is that she's working on songs for Rihanna's next album.)

However, in the last 10 years, she's put out several albums of her own that feature none of the beat-heavy dance tunes that are raising her profile at the moment.  Her best works--in my opinon--are her jazz-influenced, downtempo, and more indie-style songs.

Rather than me ramble on more, let's let Sia do her thing and convince you of her utter amazingness.

"Day Too Soon" from Some People Have REAL Problems (2008)




"Breathe Me" from Colour the Small Ones (2006)




"Soon We'll Be Found" from Some People Have REAL Problems (2008)




"I'm in Here" from We Are Born (2010)




The haunting "My Love" from The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Soundtrack (2010)



And finally, after extolling all the virtues of her non-uber-commercialized work, I have to admit, I do really like her latest collaboration with French DJ/producer extraordinare David Guetta.   Get ready to get your club on!  :)

"She Wolf (Falling to Pieces)" from Nothing But the Beat 2.0 (David Guetta)

Monday Morning Music: Adele

Forgive the mega-dorky alliteration in this post title today!  I just can't help myself because I'm so excited that Adele's new album drops tomorrow!

Who is Adele, you say?

She's an amazing blues-influenced singer from Britain who is just 22 years old. She was recognized as the Best New Artist at the Grammys in 2009, and now her new album '21' drops in North America tomorrow. (It was already released in the UK in late January--lucky people!)

A week ago, I discovered that NPR.org offered a "first listen" to her entire album, so I've been wearing out the site these last few days, enjoying her strong, beautiful and genuine voice.  I don't know how much longer the first listen will be available, so if by the time you read this, the album is no longer available for online listening, here are a few videos of the amazing Adele performing live:


Turning Tables - Adele


Someone Like You - Adele


Rolling in the Deep - Adele



Enjoy!