She writes the most original songs in two languages, she can out-sing Mariah hilariously if she chooses, she can out-dance Kylie, she's weirder than Bjork and more natural than the lot of them. OK, I'm a fortysomething man and she's a 30-year old women possessed of a fine voice and an uncommon beauty, but let's get over that, she is a fine artiste.

But when you see her live - dancers, vocalists, beat-boxers - it all makes sense in a show that is funny, exciting, moving and exudes sheer joy like nothing I've seen for years - makes guitar-based rock bands look cynical and outdated.

Don't be put off by the 'French Bjork' comparisons. Or even the records for that matter, the early ones of which can take a little getting into, but they make a lot more sense when you see her live.

Fact is, no other act has seemed fresher or had me more optimistic about music for years.

Can I get a witness? Or if not, what, musically speaking, has got you genuinely excited of late?