Looking for the Exit: Buddha Sounds and "Let Me Go"

Today's random tune is by Buddha Sounds, an Argentina-based electronic group formed in 2002. With five albums under their belt, they have also had their songs featured on a number of TV shows and movies (such as Sex and the City, and they have performed in a number of countries in South America. You can find this song, Let Me Go, on their 2005 album Buddha Sounds, Vol. 2. It is a perfect end to 2016, as we let the year go and move into a new revolution around the sun.

The Light Inside: MC Yogi and "Temple Light"

Today's random tune is by Nicholas Giacomini, a Bay Area hip hop artist and yogi who promotes themes of Hindu religion and philosophy in hip hop under the name of MC Yogi. Giacomini began rapping at 13 and, while living in home for at-risk children at age 17, he became a practitioner of yoga after his father took it up. His songs are often bhajans, or devotional songs, celebrating one or another of the Hindu deities. At other times, he provides interesting history lessons on the lives of important historical figures within Hinduism, such as Gandhi. Even when he is doing nothing but beatboxing, his songs can sound like mantras or prayers. This song, Temple Light, can be found on MC Yogi's 2012 album Pilgrimage. It is dedicated to Megan's father John Kamerick, who departed this world about a year and a half ago and whose birthday is today.

It's the End of the World as We Know It: Modena City Ramblers and "Canzone Dalla Fine del Mondo"

For Mike's birthday, we have an Italian band doing Irish music. Irish music in Italian, that's crazy talk, you say! But here it is. Canzone Dalla Fine del Mondo is by the Modena City Ramblers. Started as a hobby in 1991 by a group of friends that wanted to play Irish music together, the Modena City Ramblers (or MCR) is an Italian folk band heavily influenced by Celtic themes and is often classified as folk rock. A band with an open lineup, they have had several people leave and return sporadically. They are outspoken in their left wing politics, and their lyrics often speak out against the Mafia and fascism. They have released 14 albums and 5 EPs. Canzone Dalla Fine del Mondo is from their second album, 1996's La Grande Famiglia, and can also be found on their 1998 live album Raccolti. You can also find the song on the 1999 Putumayo compilation Dublin to Dakar: A Celtic Odyssey.

Andes-Step: Nicola Cruz and "Colibria"

Some electronica/techno inspired by the native folk music of Ecuador comprises our random tune for today, Colibria. The artist is Nicola Cruz, an Ecuadorian producer who started as a drummer and then went to school as an audio producer. Cruz draws on traditions, particularly the indigenous roots of his home country, and filters it through his contemporary vision. He has dubbed (pun intended) his music "Andes-step." Colibria can be found on Cruz's 2015 album Prender el Alma.

So Silly: Luciana Souza and Romero Lubambo with "Muita Bobeira"

We bring you some Brazilian music for today's random tune. Muita Bobeira, is performed by Luciana Souza and Romero Lubambo. Luciana Souza is a Brazilian jazz singer and composer. A native of São Paulo, she has an impressive arts pedigree as the daughter of poet Teresa Souza and singer-composer-guitarist Walter Santos. She graduated from the Berklee College of Music with a jazz composition degree, and from the New England Conservatory of Music with a Masters. She started her career by singing commercial jingles at the age of three - and besides jazz she has worked in European classical music with a number of orchestras in the US and Europe. She has been nominated for Grammy Awards in jazz categories twelve times, and has recorded with a number of well-known jazz musicians. Romero Lubambo is a Brazilian jazz guitarist from Rio de Janeiro who has lived in the US since 1985. He has recorded with many famous jazz musicians and has most recently been playing with Trio da Paz. He might be best known for his contribution to the song Doce de Coco performed by Yo-yo Ma and Paquito D'Rivera on Ma's Apassionata CD. Muita Bobeira can be found on the Luciana Souza album Duos II (2005).

Praise: San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble and "Hanacpachap Cussicuinin"

Today's random song is called Hanacpachap Cussicuinin, and is performed by the San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble (SAVAE). SAVAE is a unique ancient vocal music ensemble that is accompanied by early and traditional instrumentation. They made their debut in 1989 presenting Latin music from the colonial period. Its artistic director, Christopher Moroney, has penned arrangements and new compositions for the group by delving into ancient history and cultures. The group has been featured on national radio shows and has toured the United States and around the world. Hanacpachap Cussicuinin can be found on their 1996 album Native Angels. It is an ode to the Virgin Mary, and is considered the oldest printed polyphonic hymn in the New World. Its lyrics are in the Quechua language and contain many metaphors about love and nature grounded in the Quechua culture.

Electric Africa: Burkina Electric and "To Mi To Zi"

Burkina Electric "To mi to zi" by pyrolator

Merry Christmas! The randomizer didn't favor us with a Christmas tune today, but here's a funky tune from the country of Burkina Faso! Burkina Electric is one of the first electronic acts from Africa. they were formed in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in 2007 for a tour of Austria, but they are now largely based in New York City. They have released two studio albums. This song, To Mi To Zi, can be found on their 2011 release Paspanga.