Khaled - Alech Taadi

This song accompanied the chase scene in the movie The Fifth Element.
It was where I first heard it, and many of you may be surprised to find that you've heard it as well!


If you're interested, you may view the chase scene here.

Farhad Besharati - Hotel California

I noticed that we have been lacking in pieces from the Middle East which has long been a significant and influential part of the world. This is a nice and very interesting cover of The Eagles's "Hotel California" being played on traditional Persian instruments. You can clearly hear the Eastern influence in the music, especially in the beginning.



The main instrument you see is the Kanun, a Middle Eastern zither that has existed since the earliest civilizations. The name comes from the Greek word "Kanon" for law. It has different varieties depending on the country of origin and is played by plucking the strings with a plectra on the index fingers. Middle Eastern instruments are usually tuned to a more complex scale than western music that involves more half-tones and quarter tones that give their music those distinct melodies.

Source: Exotic Music Shop

Brown Eyed Girls: Hold the Line

Another Korean Pop song--what can I say? I love them! This one is also upbeat and catchy. Hope you enjoy!

Bob Marley - Three Little Birds

Many of you should already recognize this popular song, but please welcome king of reggae, Bob Marley! His smooth, calm beats should be able to put anyone in a good mood.

Not enough Bob Marley? Click here to learn more.

Girls Generation: Into the New World

Since I had already posted so many male artists, I've decided to add another female group. This song and video duo feels upbeat, and celebratory of life.

Bullet For My Valentine - Tears Don't Fall

As soon as you've gotten your fill of sweet love songs ;) ..get ready to rock to Welsh metal band, Bullet for my Valentine!

WARNING! Video contains some mildly sexual content. Click here for just the song.



Here is the official site for the band.

Nicholas Teo: Your Heart My Heart

Who isn't touched by sweet, romantic love songs? Here's a song in Mandarin from singer Nicholas Teo!

Hotel Rwanda - Million Voices

Hotel Rwanda is a 2004 historical drama film about the hotelier Paul Rusesabagina during the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. The film, which has been called an African Schindler's List, documents Rusesabagina's acts to save the lives of his family and more than a thousand other refugees, by granting them shelter in the besieged Hôtel des Mille Collines.

[credit: Wikipedia]


This song is sung in English, but it contains a few African lyrics.
These African lyrics translate to: "When will the sun return above us? Who will reveal it once again to us?"

As the content of the movie would indicate, this is a sad music video. You may find yourself crying. I'm sorry. T_T

Belle & Sebastian - Another Sunny Day

Tonight, I've got "Another Sunny Day" by indie pop band Belle & Sebastian from Scotland. It's got a nice and mellow tune that I enjoy. As a warning for those who may be offended, the lyrics get a tiny bit explicit at one point.



Want to hear more from this band? Visit their website.

Elva: Xing Fu De Di Tu

Hey! Since I've already posted a couple of Korean songs, I've decided to introduce one of my favorite Mandarin songs. This song, like all the other songs I like, is very upbeat and melodic. It's from the drama 100% Senorita. Hope you guys enjoy!

Asoka - Aa Tayar Hoja

Asoka is actually the title of a film, not the name of an artist. This is a scene from the movie.
My favorite part of the choreography is probably 1:40. =]

FT Island: I Hope

This is another Korean song that I have always loved. It gives off a very hopeful, optimistic, yet passionate vibe. Enjoy this video with its quirky time traveling mini-story!

Дима Билан - Невозможное воэможно

I had actually never heard this song before. I wanted to post something in Russian and had heard of this guy, so I just typed in his name and came across this catchy number.

La Quinta Estación - Que Te Quería

¡Hola a todos los hispanohablantes!

Today, I'm presenting an awesome song from La 5^a Estación, a duo from Madrid composed of Natalia Jiménez (vocals) and Ángel Reyero (guitar). You can't leave out the Hispanic cultures in a cultural blog; it would be a travesty if we forgot about one of the most populous languages of this world. Anyways... ¡Disfrútense!


Sorry I can't get the music video up, but if you're still interested, here is the link.

Big Bang: Dirty Cash

Big Bang is one of the biggest groups currently in Korea. They have many varied, yet catchy songs. This video is especially quirky, representing some large differences between Korean and American rap/rock. It's definitely a song that is hard to categorize!

Daler Mehndi - Tunak Tunak Tun

Bhaṅgṛā (Punjabi: ਭੰਗੜਾ, بھنگڑا) (Hindi: भांगड़ा, Urdu: بھنگڑا; pronounced [pə̀ŋɡɽaː]) is a form of music and dance that originated in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. Bhangra began as a folk dance conducted by Sikhs to celebrate the coming of Vaisakhi, a Punjabi festival. The specific moves reflect the manner in which villagers farmed their land.

Apocalyptica - Life Burns

Hey again, today I have a song by Apocalyptica, a cello metal band (which has got to be one of the most brilliant ideas ever) from Finland. This is "Life Burns" featuring lead singer, Lauri Ylönen, from the band, The Rasmus. Watch the video, and see the brilliance for yourself!

Intrested? Click here to visit their website.

Final Fantasy X: To Zanarkand (orchestra version)

This is one of the most beautiful melodies that I know. It's from a videogame that is well-known and well-loved called Final Fantasy X (it even made me cry at the end). I hope you guys will be able to appreciate this piece from renowned Japanese composer Nobuo Uematsu. As you can see, the game graphics itself, as well as the music, is gorgeous.

刀郎 - 冲动的惩罚

Ah, finally someone from the mainland. Even so, Dao Lang has his own uniqueness. It has been said that a lot of his music has been influenced by the peoples of western China such as the Uighurs and the Tibetans during the time he has spent living there. Known for his course voice, Dao Lang became a sudden hit in China a few years back with his unusual style of music (the one I show here is one of the more normal ones).

Muse - Uprising

I did say that some English things would be posted. This song is one of my current favorites so why not post it?

If you actually watch the music video you'll probably be intrigued by the visuals. I was.

梅艷芳 - 夕陽之歌

Just to let you guys know, I'm a huge fan of the oldies. I'll be posting a few classic Cantopop songs now and then. As a precaution to those of you who only like modern music, this stuff is from the 1980's -- quite a while ago. Since this is Cantopop, the music will be in the Cantonese language for those unfamiliar with the term. So now I present to you, Hong Kong's Anita Mui singing "夕阳之歌" or the Song of the Sunset. (Sorry, some of the sound effects may be distracting)


How could you not fall in love with the passion in her voice?

May she rest in peace.

Lyrics for Fly to the Sky: Sea of Love

Here it is in Korean:

Onjena ne kumen biga neryo...
chagaun baramdo burgo isso
nor gidarinun ne sarmui kud bon goman gatha... otoghe
myochiri myod nyon gathunde...
non amurohji anhunji...
hanbonirado norur boyojugeni

FOR THE MOON BY THE SEA
nega tonan badagae
nunmuri marur tekaji (da marur tekaji)
saranghandanun gonojig gidarim puniodan gor nan we
mollassurka
(nan we mollassurka)

Ije nan guman doragaryo he norur molladon gute niga
obdon sesang
ajigun naege nega jonbuyodon shijor nar bonejwo

FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART
GIRL WITH YOU I'LL BE TRUE
modu goji maringor (goji marya)
maum gurohge mogjiman (maum gurohge mogjiman)
jorde noingor otoghe jugodo mod igesso

Nor ijunchero nado sargo shipho
hajiman guge an doe aphumman dohe gar pun
noui sarangun kuthnajiman
naui sarangun ije mag shijaghesso

FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART
STILL I'M FALLING IN LOVE
kumsoge rado nega (kumsogeso)
dorawa KISS hejwo (naege KISS handamyon)
yagsoghaji anhado doe
nan meir gidarirtheni

Gakum nenune nunmuri goyo hurundamyon gugon nega
nunmuri mallaso
ne nunmur billingoya dorawa jebal nege

(nan we mollassurka)

ne kumen biga ijen guchigir...


Here it is in English:

Always tears fall in my dreams
And the icy cold wind is blowing
How come waiting for you feels like the end of my life?
For some days, for some years
You probably won't be the same
Can I see you once more?

*For the moon, by the sea
You leave the seashore
Until all the tears are dry (Until they're all dry)
Love will still be waiting I won't know why (I won't know why)
Now I'll go back to you
You won't know when there is a world without you
Still there is time for me to be whole
Meet me...

From the bottom of my heart
Girl with you , I'll be true
It is all lies (Lies!)
My heart is eaten up (My heart is eaten up)
He'll not forget how he will die for you
*repeat

I still wanna live as I forget you
But that won't happen and only more pain will come
Your love has just finished, but..
My love has only just begun

From the bottom of my heart
Still I'm falling in love
You are in my dreams (From my dreams)
Come back and give me a Kiss (If you give me a Kiss)
Even if I didn't promise you
I'll be waiting everyday

*repeat

Whenever a tear falls from your eyes
Then I'll dry your tears and make them mine
Please come back to me (Why won't I know?)

*repeat x 2

Heyyyo! This is Jennifer!

Hello, my name is Jennifer and I'm also going to contribute to this blog with Cody and Becky! My music tastes are varied, but I am especially into a lot of Korean and Chiniese music, as well as English stuff. I love a lot of pop and upbeat songs, but I am also a sucker for slow songs too. To start off, here is a song called "Sea of Love" by the Korean duo, Fly to the Sky! Enjoy!



Lyrics are coming in the next post.

Amerika lyrics

Once again, lyrics are provided in both German and English.
But this time all credit goes to About.com

Rammstein - Amerika

RAMMSTEIN. They have crossed multiple borders and become famous all over the world as one of Germany's heavy metal groups. Chances are you've already heard one of their songs if you or any of your friends like heavy rock music.
Due to their immense popularity, you can most likely find their albums in a store near you. Yay!


The lyrics to this song will be posted later, for any of you interested.

林志炫 - 單身情歌

大家好!

Hello music lovers, new blog author here. I'm Cody, and I'll posting more music along with Becky and Jennifer. I love hearing music from other countries, so you'll be seeing a lot from me. In the meantime here's one of my favorite songs -- 單身情歌 by 林志炫 (or Terry Lin if you wish) from Taiwan. Enjoy

Ich lass dich nicht los lyrics

Lyrics are provided in both German and English.
I translated it myself! Lyrics courtesy of magistrix.de

Fettes Brot - Ich lass dich nicht los

Hello, my name is Becky and I will be posting some music for you to listen to. My music tastes are widely varied so I hope that something I post appeals to you.

Check out some sweet German rap:
I had never even heard of this band before Yannick introduced my German teacher and me to this song. But now it's among my favorite rap songs, and the lyrics often pop into my head at inopportune moments. Schade.


The lyrics will be posted later in case you guys are interested.

Welcome, xenophiliacs!

Hello, this is the newly created music blog Xenophilia.
The hope is that everyone who comes here will branch out a bit from the music they typically listen to. Xenophilia means 'an attraction or love of foreign people, manners or culture.'
The goal of this site is to harness such a love.

We'll be posting music from all over. This blog is based in the US so America will not be a country that is focused on. However, xenophilia encompasses all of the world so posts may occasionally be made concerning English music.

This blog is dedicated to all of you out there who are interested in exploring the music of the world.