1 classic 1 sampler and 1 that's been rolling around my head

Ann Peebles - I Can't Stand the Rain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSnHTRZ6PSg

Such soul

Missy Misdemeanor Elliot - The Rain [Supa Dupa Fly] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHcyJPTTn9w

Classic 90's hip-hop track that effectively samples Ann Peebles


Northern Howl - Seedy Motel Live at somebody's house http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xngltn3arow

They're blowing up, never going pop. I love this track.

3 for mostly unsung heroes

Talib Kweli - Get By

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duZrzqJHGHE&feature=related

A stellar track from a record that as a whole left me wanting me. Get By proves Talib Kweli isn't just half of the duo known as Blackstar, the man has plenty of talent all by his lonesome, with a permeating sense of social consciousness to boot. When he chooses to be he can be a real force in explaining some of the hardships faced by people in America today.

Anne Briggs - Living By the Water

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MUjHpoHUE0

Rising to prominence in the 1960's Anne Briggs would stun crowds in the local pub's open mic night. Her favorite music to perform was folk songs dating back as far as the Middle Ages. A champion of the original working class. Briggs's bare voice and austere musical accompaniment never got her a major record deal as far as I know. Even today she's like a secret people find by accident. I only know of her music because I heard it being played at a local record store. I was so taken with it that I went back the next day and bought it.

Dirty Old Town - The Pogues

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

A song about dreams you have when you're living in shitty conditions. As Madeline said "That's all there is, there isn't anymore". The Pogues get their point across without much fanfare, nor do they need any.