[hysterix49]

Hi all, I'm only new to this forum, so I apologise in advance if I'm doing something wrong or whatever...

Anyways I recently discovered Shiina Ringo/Tokyo Jihen, and I was completely blown away. Her genuine musical, vocal and lyrical talents are unlike anything that I've heard for a long time; every song is like a breath of fresh air. Ever since I found out about her by accident, I've been nothing short of obsessed. The first song of hers that I heard was 'Meisai', and I've been hooked ever since. She has this weird way of always surprising you when you think that you finally get to know her, yet everything she does exudes this raw yet sophisticated, organic and all together disarming quality which is undeniably Shiina Ringo. Sorry if I sound like I'm exaggerating, but right now I am in love with everything Shiina. I just can't believe that I haven't heard of her until now, I mourn the last 10 years of my life while I lived day by day unaware of one that is now a significant of my appreciation for music *melodramatically sighs while clutching at chest*

Which leads me to the point of this thread, does anyone know of any similar artists? Not necessarily similar in sound (not that Shiina has a single defining 'sound'), but in artisic eccentricity and originality. Also don't hesitate to recommend musicians outside Japan or America, truly good music is beyond the borders of language.

Thanks in advance!