dumpling fever

i am: curled up on my couch, listening to the drunk boys outside my window slur the lyrics to somewhere over the rainbow and suffering from a severe case of dumpling fever (how many can one girl stuff in her face in just one evening? the answer, i have discovered, is A LOT). oh and you know what else? steamed red bean buns are deliciousness in soft doughy wrapping. In drizzly weather after a long week, comfort food with friends in a steamy asian restaurant is sometimes exactly what you need.

guess what? i did a little bit of music-hunting today and came upon three female singer/songwriters who both bring a fresh spark and originality to their work, plus a funny little cover tune to amuse and a lovely blog for you to gobble up.

Texas-born Erin McCarley reminds me a little of Regina Spektor, only less seductress-y and more poppy. her music is beautifully written and an interesting composition of jaunty melodies and haunting piano tunes. her new album love, save the empty is out now. check out her myspace page for a sneak preview.

I've been a little obsessed with Ingrid Michaelson for a while now (the song breathing from her 2008 album be okay is almost disturbingly evocative). I only recently discovered that she collaborated with Sara Bareilles late last year on a little number titled winter song. Its honest lyrics and soulful melody took me by such surprise. You can listen to it on Sara's myspace page, but i urge you to check our Ingrid's as well; have a listen to breathing. You'll fall in love, i promise. 

The sequin-loving prue alerted to me to the musical genius of Lisa Hannigan today while i was sipping my morning coffee. preoccupied by the sheer excitement of pay day (it only comes round once a month), i was of course distracted and was only listening to Lisa in the background. soon i was completely head over heels and emailed back, "oh. my. GOD. where did you find this girl?" Turns out this sultry songstress hails from dublin, and brings with her a fascinating (albeit quirky) life story, which you can read here, on her equally adorable website. stitches and songs? GENIUS! check out her myspace page here.

"heathcliff // it's me, your cathy // i've come home now // so cold, let me in at your window" 

powerful. these have to be some of the BEST lyrics ever written me thinks. Now, i'm always fond of a little Kate Bush but her screeching does get a little tiresome after a while to be honest. Thankfully, the divine Josh Pyke has recorded a little cover of this iconic song. I love Josh's adaption, but it's certainly different. The video is below; what do you think?

the uber-talented Sarah Blasko and i go way back; i was a naive and very awkward 18-year-old in 2004 when i proclaimed perfect now to be my FAVOURITE SONG EVER. Funnily enough, that's still true, and Sarah is always there for me when i need her. she's in snowy sweden right now recording her third album; you can read all about her adventures over at http://sarahblasko.wordpress.com.  

ness x