Buffy ,'Get It Done'
There's a lady plays her fav'rite records/On the jukebox ev'ry day/All day long she plays the same old songs/And she believes the things that they say/She sings along with all the saddest songs/And she believes the stories are real/She lets the music dictate the way that she feels.
The Pipettes are the happiest-making band ever. I adore them to bits. They're sort of a peppy and snarky throwback to 50's girlbands. Great for pick-me-up when you're feeling down.
While we're on the theme of covers, I have this kickass (and hilarious) bluegrass-ified medley of Radiohead cover songs called "Rodeohead", by Hard 'n Phirm. A fantastic vidder named AbsoluteDestiny vidded Firefly to the song last year, which is where I heard the song first. I'll upload it to buffistarawk.
The Pierces (as recced by smonster, SO GOOD)
All lovers of The Hush Sound should immediately procure The Pierces.
I'm loving Northern State right now - they're kind of a cross between Luscious Jackson and the Beastie Boys.
Wait-- The Pierces were on Gossip Girl, right? I did love that song!
I have lots of checking out to do! Yay!
I also ADORE The Hush Sound. I'm a little in love with Greta, for real. Her voice, at the very least.
Sometimes I think Greta sounds like Maria Muldaur, but then I realize no one knows who Maria Muldaur is, aside from Midnight at the Oasis.
Speaking of the Hush Sound, this is them with The drummer singing, and Chris Faller singing backup, while Bob plays the piano and Greta plays the drums. The video quality is awful, but it is adorable, and a cover of You've Really Got A Hold on Me. [link]
ETA: The Hush Sound is actually my favorite, and in addition to Greta, I may have a little crush on Chris Faller.
Pink Martini needs a prominent mention here, too -- I think it would be right up your alley, Sophia.
Recently, I've had Santogold's debut album on a constant loop.
I'll second this. I've been popping it back in on a regular basis, in between other new releases (Spiritualized, Ladytron, Nick Cave, Of Montreal, Portishead and Freezepop have all been making rotating appearences - I've been back on a musical kick for a change, thank doG).
Women singing, solo or in groups -- I always recommend the Sugababes and Girls Aloud for pure pop pleasure. Sandi Thom has a little harder sound (you might know "I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker," but "What If I'm Right" from Smile, It Confuses People is perfection). I second, third, and fourth Pink, but don't let Try This be your introduction to her.
Katie Melua may be a little too soft for some tastes, but worth a try. Joss Stone is an interesting young English blue-eyed soul singer.
I don't know whether the Ting Tings count -- they're a mixed-gender duo, but she does most of the singing.
Well, so far I started with Theo's suggestion of Pink Martini, and I LOVE IT! So much fun. I am listening to the myspace, so there are only three songs (I am on a moratorium from buying music), but so enjoyable.