While Japan is nowhere near the powerhouse of the U.S. or the U.K. in terms of worldwide musical influence, it's always had a thriving pop-music scene.

Sweet-soul-music fans, rejoice! Daptone, the label that has kept the authentic sounds of R&B alive from its base in Brooklyn since 2001, has released a stellar compilation of hits, rarities, and previously unreleased material from their talented family of artists.

Female MCs take the mic in Fly Girls: B-Boys Beware Revenge of the Super Female Rappers, a collection of the ill-est (if not best known) voices of early hip hop.

Bat For Lashes, the Muslims, Indian Jewelry, and other awesome avant-garde bands contribute their take on the Cure in this consummate collection.

Variety rules on this Cure tribute filled with under-the-radar artists.