I had never looked before on youtube for any Frightened Rabbit clips (they are playing here in Austin on June 2nd, and I am totally there), but I just found their adorable video for "Head Rolls Off," performed in a kindergarten classroom replete with little kids jumping around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBcbDS5AGnk

Awwwwwwwww!

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As an avid reader from Australia, I am genuinely surprised you mention Toni. I had no idea she wasn't successful in her homeland. She toured here a few times and had quite a few hits. And is a great singer. How strange that she didn't get picked up at home.

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I've got a 'chicks with chops' name that might be new for you, Laura. Eddi Reader

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddi_Reader

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Check out the album she did with Fairground Attraction, called "The First of a Million Kisses". A genuinely beautiful piece of pop music. One of my all time favs.

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I'd like to throw out a suggestion. I've been getting really into Beirut lately. I know they are fairly popular, but just in case anyone hasn't heard them, check them out. Their music (mainly driven by Zach Condon) is infused with ukelele, horns, and all kinds of wonderful instruments. His inspiration came from dropping out of high school to travel Eastern Europe. There are a lot of gypsy influences, as well.

Yeah, Beirut is excellent. The second album even tops the first.

Some other groups I suggested to Laura that didn't make the cut:

Bon Iver - Lock yourself in a cabin in snowy Wisconsin for three months with nothing but your guitar and your feelings, and you might come up with the gorgeous folk album For Emma, Forever Ago. At least you will if you are Justin Vernon, aka Bon Iver. One of the best albums of 2008 so far (it was self-released in 2007 and later picked up by popular indie label Jagjaguwar in '08).

Bon Iver - Blindsided

Bon Iver - Lump Sum

Bon Iver - Skinny Love

Bon Iver - For Emma

Pete &; the Pirates – This would have been a good addition to Laura's British Invasion blog, but I didn’t know about them back then. They have since become one of my favorite new bands. I would describe their sound as being The Futureheads + Vampire Weekend – the African influence. Here’s a link to some videos:

Pete &; the Pirates - Three videos and a couple of free mp3s on their website

Pete &; the Pirates - Come On Feet

The first thing I ever recommended: "Llorando" by Rebekah Del Rio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLhbf-K10IM