top 10 (very subjectively) modern female vocals

As some of you may know, I tend to listen to a lot of music with female vocals. I enjoy the female voice in music, and I like to find beautiful and interesting incarnations of it. Since new good music is hard to come by for me lately (probably because I'm too lazy to look), let's look at the old favourites and - why not? - rank them from best to better to still very good. And mind as well put some mp3's here and there, for your enjoyment.

(Preface: this is modern music. Billie Holiday not included.)

#1. Tamar-kali (Easy Star All-Stars)
I saw Easy Star in Montreal, and Tamar-kali's voice was the most beautiful sound ever to hit my eardrums, probably in my entire life. Rich, powerful, graceful like a black puma (are there white pumas?) preparing to kill its prey. I rest my case.
Listen: Easy Star All-Stars - Climbing Up The Walls (zshare)

#2 Jo Swan (San Ilya)
The sultriest, richest and most versatile voice ever to be found in electronic music (although San Ilya is hard to classify), Jo hits highest to lowest in half a second without any visible effort. A pleasure to listen.
Listen: Ilya - Quattra Neon (zshare)

#3 Joanne Pelletier (Jorane)
Jorane's voice is best described as angelic. When you listen to it sometimes you wonder whether it actually exists or you're just dreaming it. Accompanied by cello (also played by Jorane) it sounds... well, like the sky. Sometimes it's sunny, sometimes there are drifting clouds, sometimes there's rain and sometimes there's storm.
Listen: Jorane - Rose Velours (zshare)

#4 Beth Gibbons (Portishead)
You don't know what sorrow is until you hear Beth Gibbons' ghostly, lamenting, beautifully set voice accompanied either by Portishead's moody trip-hop or by Rustin' Man's downtempo. It's a classic. Enough said.
Listen: Beth Gibbons & Rustin' Man - Tom The Model (zshare)

#5 Ane Brun
Very dreamy vocals, velvet-y overtones, very versatile and moody, a very complex smoky voice. The music is great for rainy days, give it a listen when you're feeling... say, nostalgic.
Listen: Ane Brun - Balloon Ranger (zshare)

#6 Carla Bruni
Moving into the realm of more one-dimensional, yet still incredibly sexy and smoky voices, Carla Bruni is a lead. A model, a singer, a president's wife... Carla knows her stuff. Don't miss out on this one.
Listen: Carla Bruni - L'excessive (zshare)

#7 Bajka (Bonobo)
Sultry, understated and sweet, Bajka's voice is on the lower end of the spectrum, and was an excellent choice for Bonobo's latest tunes on his album, Days To Come.
Listen: Bonobo - Nightlite (zshare)

#8 Leslie Feist
iPod commercials nevertheless, Feist is still cool. Strong, pleasant voice singing catchy tunes. No explanation needed, really.

#9 Lhasa de Sela
Soulful and emotional, Lhasa's voice really grips. Really nothing much to say, just listen.
Listen: Lhasa - De Cara A La Pared (zshare)

#10 Zemfira Ramazanova (Zemfira)
Previously featured on this blog. Strong, powerful, emotional, in-your-face voice. Hard to come by & highly recommended.

These are my personal favourites and you must keep in mind that I can't listen to ALL music in the world, so the scope is somewhat limited. Otherwise, enjoy

tunes to study to

Hey guys
I know its been a while, no one has posted for some reason or another. In any case here are some songs I'm currently obsessed with. The first is a remix of a Röyksopp song and is nice to listen to when you're trying to get things done...or in any circumstance as its just a good song: Remind Me (if you haven't used megaupload before, just enter the three letters and wait a few seconds on the next page for the download). The original is nice too.
Next is some kinda feel-good electro-house something, Fred Falke's remix of Golden Cage, I've been listening to it a little too much. But it keeps the spirits up. The original by The Whitest Boy Alive is here.
And if you're awake late at night doing whatever it is you do, check this out: Moan by Trentemøller, nice for 3am zone-outs.
I've kinda given up on various essays I've been writing, I hope you have better stamina and determination in whatever it is that occupies you. I'm just waiting for Mexico.
As usual I would love to hear what you're listening to (provided its good), so drop me a line or a comment with some recommendations.
peace