Bic Runga
Okay, since I discovered that Bic Runga was Asian (half Maori half Malaysian) I read up a little on her (she has a sister named Boh who is the frontwoman of a band called Stellar) and downloaded some of her songs to check out her sound and you know what she's really really good. Some of the songs are a bit too moody and abstract for my taste, but she's a great lyricist and has really different music. She actually writes stuff in 3/4 and uses instruments like the clarinet. I find that very unusual for someone who is considered pop/rock. Or maybe I'm too sheltered in my little radio world. Whatever.
Anyway, I'm currently loving the song Sorry (it's on her first album) and Get Some Sleep (on her second album). If you haven't heard of her before, check out Sway from the American Pie soundtrack, and Good Morning Baby from the Cruel Intentions soundtrack.
I managed to get my hands on Beautiful Collision, her second album, at Tower this afternoon. I'm having a little trouble locating Drive. I guess I'll order that one online. Maybe after I get paid this week.