Artist Watch: Everything and In-Between With Stacy Barthe

Stacy Barthe is one of those artists that received an instant like even before I pushed play on anything. As rare as that is, Barthe is well-worth the risk simply because she's one singer/songwriter who has paid her dues behind the scenes putting fellow artist's needs before her own. From her resume you can see that the Atlanta-based, Brookyln born vocalist has been the pen behind the hits from today's hot poppers like Kelly Rowland, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Frank Ocean and Rihanna (just to name a few). Yet, now is the time for Barthe to step in the spotlight, as her solo career is now gaining some momentum across the blogosphere, and all for good reason. Once you hear the effortless ebb and flow of her voice, you'll be wondering (like myself) what took so long to have Barthe on your music junkie radar.

Back in 2010, Barthe released the impeccable (freebie) collection, Sincerely Yours, which featured Ocean on a guest spot, as well as few yummy tracks, like single, "Never Did", and personal favorites, "Not Like I Used To..." and "Let It Be". All wonderful, and all showing off R&B Barthe's way, which get's three gold star stickers.

Incidentally, today, Barthe is releasing her second EP, In The In-Between, which features a delectable slice called, "No Strings Attached" as well as guest spots from John Legend and Melanie Fiona, and all available for a sweet price on iTunes. As I have gabbed enough, you may proceed to begin to get into some Stacy Barthe....

No Strings Attached


Not Like I Used To...


Let It Be

First Impressions: Spree Wilson's A Real Sharpshooter

Known to be a quiet storm of guitars, Spree Wilson is releasing a new project in March called, The Spark, that is living up to it's title by way of the ace (and wonderfully free) track, "Sharpshooter". Kind of Andre 3000 in slight, "Sharpshooter" is a funky good ride of a track, that proves that the guitarist has some versatility in his game. All the charm from prior is there, but something slinky and cunning lurks in its folds. So if you're expecting the quiet brilliance of last year's Esthero collabo, "Don't Pass Me By", then be forewarned that Spree is on a new path for Spark, and you just need to join in on the funk n' circumstance or be left out of party. This track will no doubt find a happy home on my growing 2012 playlist...

Spree Wilson - Sharpshooter

First Impressions: Monica & Brandy's Reunion

Time heals all wounds and Brandy and Monica had some choice words to say to each other back in '98 when they were in the salty seas of a love triangle with "The Boy Is Mine". Now fourteen years after the fact, the two R&B princesses have learned to live and let live because well---that ol' boy they were fussin' and fightin' about wasn't really worth it in the end. As they proclaim in their new duet, "It All Belongs To Me", the two are no longer angst-riddled teens and are celebrating sisterhood by pooling their resources and  sing about sending ol' boy flying to the curb, and well, he better watch out because according to this duo he doesn't get to keep that Mac book and that Facebook status is soon to be an embarrassment. Oh, the woes of first world problems....

After rumors and twittering tweets about Brandy and Monica's reunion are now finalized and this track (which will be done in two different versions) will be featured on Monica's upcoming, New Life, and Brandy's still pending Spring release. I can't say that I'm in 'love' this Rico Love production because let's be real---I have "The Boy Is Mine" embedded in my brain and nothing will beat that by miles as it's one of the greatest songs of the 90's. Yet, this is still a worthy candidate for how R&B songs should be sounding in the 21st century as there is enough melody to keep everything crackling and noteworthy. So I give a round of applause for a collaborative effort that shows that we shouldn't count these ladies out of the R&B game just yet.

To reminisce on the love we had, check after the cut to view "The Boy Is Mine" in all of it's late-90's wonder.

Monica & Brandy - It All Belongs To Me 
 

Riddle Me List: 17 Favorite Madonna Performances

It has been a Madonna-licious week, hasn't it? The Cool-Whip topper to it all is that this she's going to flounce her way onto Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis Sunday for the only relevant portion of the Superbowl---the Halftime show.

Though she's probably going to be diluted by the likes of LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and Cee-Lo Green , who are also sharing the stage (the latter is the only one worth a damn out of that motley crew of my most sinister nightmares), we must never forget that Madonna can carry a show all by her lonesome. So it got me thinking about all the great live performances that Madonna has put on over the course of her soon-to-be thirty years as a culture icon and performer. Whittling Madonna's performances (from the lip-synched to not...) down to seventeen favorites is a task that I don't want to take, considering that I know I will overlook a lot of them. But hell, I'm music blogging here, and let's have some fun....So if ever asked, these are the first showcases to come mind as to why I'll always love me some Madge.

Audio Vision: Esperanza Spalding & Algebra Blesset Accentuate The Positive In 'Black Gold'

What a breath of fresh air this is.

As you should know Black History Month begins this month, and while I'm one of those who puffs out my chest and says, "We only get a month?! Bah! I make Black history every day!", I still say there is room for the month to be an extension of the celebration of cultures and achievements the Black race has put forth over the centuries. I especially think we still need to be aware of the month in order to teach the children, whom, in all sappiness, 'are the future' and you have to know the past to go forth to your future---as my late Granny always relayed to me. Even though Black history was barely taught in my school growing up, I distinctly remember being enthralled by the people and achievements that I read of in books and saw in historical movies, and of course, was in awe of the word-of-mouth dialogues from my elder relatives about my own roots. So yes, the month is important in that aspect.

Esperanza Spalding knows exactly that tradition, as she expertly displays such attributes in her music video for newly minted single, "Black Gold", which is off her upcoming Radio Music Society set. With the equally talented Algebra Blessett by her side, the ladies pay homage to all facets of the African diaspora as well as making sure to extend that knowledge and pride to the young ones. Positive in every way, "Black Gold" and it's accompanying video is definitely the mood lift I needed this week, and it's sure to become an anthem in no time flat.

First Impressions: Sam Sparro & 'The Shallow End'

Yes, I know. You've been holding it in, and now you can let it all out, just go ease on down the road, vogue, dougie, soul clap, do whatever you please, as I won't blame you because Sam Sparro has returned...to paradise that is. Looking like a re-incarnation of Freddie Mercury (it's the 'porn 'stache' no less), Sparro was inspired by the 1978-1984 Disco/Post-Disco bracket for his sophomore set, Return To Paradise, a project that took two years to assemble with a various group of guest writers and musicians (one including favorite Swedish export, Erik Hassle), but one that is officially a done deal.

With his latest single, "The Shallow End" he's not stretching the truth about his sound influences as everything is in it's place for a fantastic voyage of fun. You've got fat bass licks that roll along, urgent percussion, Sparro's soul boy croons, and a saxophone solo (!!) to top it all off. Truly it's not the seedy epic thunder of "Black and Gold", but it's refreshingly carefree and kinetic---plus wildly catchy. With this on deck, I'm even more excited for the whole enchilada of Paradise as of late I had been missing me some Sparro. So put on those boogie shoes and take a look after the cut to view the L.A.-Instagrammy-homage music video to "The Shallow End", and feast your ears on the funk that Sparro built.

RIP: Don Cornelius [1936-2012]

[Don Cornelius, media icon and creator/host of the legendary Soul Train, passes away at age 75]

Don Cornelius was much more than just the host of one of the most popular television shows---he was a true visionary of the media. Peep one of the most alluring interviews/performances on ST (featuring none other than Mr. Wonderful himself), as well as soak in Questlove's wonderful tribute piece about Don Cornelius. May he rest in peace.

Oh, after the cut, I implore you to take an hour out of your day and watch the full VH1 RockDoc: Soul Train: The Hippest Trip In America. It's some fantastic knowledge.

Artist Watch: Fall For Natalie Duncan

UK pianist/vocalist Natalie Duncan initially caught my attention by way of a song entitled, "Devil In Me", along with it's accompanying on-the-spot acapella performance video. Due to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and end-of-the-year madness, Miss Duncan was set aside for later reviewing. It's an error I'm most certainly making up for as now is later, and to gravitate me further towards Duncan's aura is the recent release of a live sessions EP that feature her first single, "The Sky Is Falling", as well as two covers. "Sky" and her Grizzly Bear cover of  "While We Wait For The Others" are in a class of their own, but the real corker is her haunting take on The Rolling Stones' classic "Gimmie Shelter" (aka one of my all-time fave Stones tracks), where the rumbling Gospel tones from the original are really thrust in the spotlight thanks to Duncan's robust vocal delivery. Yeah, she's 'moving like Jagger' and rolling in the deep with this cover for reals....

With a voice like that, we'll be hearing more from her in the coming months when her debut album, The Sky Is Falling drops later this year. This EP is just the tip of the iceberg as far as I'm concerned. For an added bonus check out her other original songs, "Devil In Me" and "Uncomfortable Silence" after the cut.

Natalie Duncan - Live Sessions EP

Album Watch: Great Expectations of 2012

It's that time of the year again...

Time to gauge what 2012 will bring in terms of the ever-eternal groove. Looking back at last year's expectations, I have to say that for the most part, things panned out to what I'd hope, not to mention a few surprises and close-calls. Some might find that those expected to make an appearance last year will be cropping back on this list---and I hope that these little "predictions" and "rumors" will become realities.

Remember album titles, release dates, and artist's minds are subject to change, so this list is just something to pique your interest at what will be making your hard drive beg for mercy in the new year. So de-clutter your music library, gather your pennies, nickels, and dimes, because these albums will (or maybe will) be on their way and you'll want to be prepared for when they do!

Artist Watch: Sh*t, Damn, Finally...D'Angelo Is BACK!!

Spreading like a Texas wildfire is news of D'Angelo's return, as he took to the stage for the first time in eleven years yesterday during a special Stockholm, Sweden performance. Instantly, D's faithful followers blew out the candles and emerged from their praying shrines to join the rest of the Internet in the act of losing their ever-loving minds---and boy, did we ever. A thought process:

• News of D'Angelo's comeback concert cropped up in the mid-morn of Thursday concerning him kicking off a short tour in Europe, his first stop occurring in Sweden. You're Audio Diva-ness wasn't so moved, even though his tour manager had begun a special tour diary making an exclamatory note that he actually stepped on the plane to the show. In addition to that, a photo of D posing with a fan at the event popped up around the Internets. These two things just set fire to the rain shower the day's pending spread of events. Still I needed more proof... 
• Proof came when a grainy video of the performance of "Chicken Grease" premiered, followed by "Shit Damn Motherfucker". What really pleased me more than just hearing him blaze through these hits was seeing him smile and thoroughly enjoy himself during these performances. True, D looks like he spent some time on the Black Pearl with Jack Sparrow like the swashbuckler of Soul music he is, but him beaming from ear-to-ear, interacting with the audience, and jumping around on stage gave me the relief that D is back to his old shenanigans. Not to mention he sounds G-R-E-A-T, especially on "Shit Damn". He's been gone for about twelve years? Pfft! Try twelve seconds, the man was on point. 
• The show wasn't all about the old, as D gave viewers something we can feel for the future as he uncorked a couple of new jawns by the names of "Sugar Daddy" and "The Charade". Both tunes are seeped in a Prince-ly groove circa 1986-89, when his Purple Highness began to fully fold Jazz into his Funk repertoire. 
• As usual, I don't try to jump the gun when it comes to comebacks, because let's face it---it's not going to be 2000 again and D has been through a lot in the last several years, so I ease into this hoping that he doesn't do another vanishing act again, that he actually sticks around, and hopefully we get a tangible release this year. 
• Still, just this much makes me a school girl again, catching all the feelings of hearing D'Angelo for the first time in the late 90's, and hearing these performances is bringing it all back. Now is the time to bring some real testosterone, some real He-Man grunt back into the Soul/R&B game, and D may be the one to navigate the genre back to being all about the raw emotive of love. 
• You can view the grainy (yet viewable) performances of "Chicken Grease", "Sugar Daddy", and "Charade" after the cut for one more time, or for the next billion times :) 

Audio Vision: Kylie Gives Some Fine (Classical) Feelings

The idea of a Pop dame like Kylie Minogue going all string n' bow Classical might get some red flags flipping up, but one listen to her re-imaging of her 1991 hit, "Finer Feelings" in a orchestral guise, might change a couple of minds, and shut a couple of flaps. Though it may be far-fetched to believe, but Ms. Minogue has been in the music biz for 25 years, and she's celebrating that fact by releasing surprises and "gifts" for her long supportive fans throughout the year she's dubbing, K25. The first crop of surprises are performances of her at the legendary Abbey Road studios covering some of her biggest hits in Classical/Standard re-fashion, re-fashions that are slated for a special album to appear later this year.

'It's no secret' that Kylie isn't an Mariah or a Whitney---but hell, they don't even sound like themselves currently, so Brownie points go to Kylie for her attempting to step out of her comfort zone to put a new spin on vintage favorites. And you know what? She doesn't sound half bad, as it's a real return to the classic symphonic she wove into her 1994 self-titled album---which was by far my favorite album of hers and doubled as proof that Kylie was more than just a soap-star turned singer, that she could fit her sweet coo into rich material. Frothing up the magic of her hit from '91's severely underrated Let's Get To It (which was one of the first inks to Kylie dabbling in R&B), Kylie keeps things quite 'klassy' indeed with a 24-piece orchestra in tow. Can't wait to hear the other re-fashions! Peep the performance after the cut, and as an added bonus, the original clip of "Finer Feelings" is for your viewing pleasure as well.

Audio Vision: An Explosion Of Diva Power In Paris

During a tweet scan (follow me!) the other day, Chaka Khan was exuberantly tweeting about Paris' Fashion Week, as well as name dropping the likes of Grace Jones and Sister Sledge in the mix. Somehow I believed this was a figment of my Audio Diva imagination, and kept it moving, but lo and behold a video pops up of Khan, Jones, the sister Sledge AND Gloria Gaynor AND The Pointer Sisters all performing during the Etam fashion show, all on one stage---together.

*flatline* 

*beep...beep...* Okay, I'm back, but seriously, that's an weapon of mass diva destruction right there and it warrants some heart palpitations. What you'll be treated to after the cut is an explosion of classic hits, lingerie (skip to about 2:17 to get to the singing), a 63-year-old Grace Jones in a leotard proving milk does a body good, and a rousing finale of "We Are Family" where all the bold and fabulous soul sistas join forces and let the decibel levels reach a new high.

Photo credit: HuffPo

Artist Watch: Live Your Life, Listen To Yuna

Whenever I see Pharrell's name in adjacent to the ever-loving groove, especially as a producer, my brakes are slammed on and I do a wild U-turn to see what sorcery he has bestowed. This time he's onto something celery stalk fresh, as he's frothing up a newcomer to the scene. And who doesn't mind a new kid on the music block?

Welcome Yuna, a Malaysian singer-songwriter, who hits all the right cues with her single, "Live Your Life". Literally, this was l-o-v-e at first listen.
and a sweet 180 from the folk-pop EP, Decorate, that the former law student released last year. This time in Pharrell's sonic ambiance vase she sears in the leisurely yet funky morsel that begs to be put on repeated listens.

Good news, you can drop a dollar and purchase "Live Your Life" over at iTunes right now, as well as take in her cover of Nirvana's "Come As You Are" (where Pharrell makes a slight appearance on). There's even more good news as Mr. Williams is producing a bulk of her debut self-titled long player, which is to be out this Spring. Can't freakin' wait.

Yuna - Live Your Life 
 

First Impressions: Ladyhawke Is Black, White and Sometimes Blue

Full speed ahead we go into synthy symphonies on Ladyhawke's latest, "Black, White & Blue." This new breath is all in prep for Anixety, the long-anticipated follow-up to one of 2008's best debuts (seriously, Ladyhawke is a-mazzzzing to the 10th power). Glad to hear that Miss Hawke hasn't given up the synth steez, as personally, that revival 80's sound suits her and keeps my 80's baby arse exalted. Anxiety is all about adding in a rockier edge, and from the craggy interruptions of guitars and tumbling drums in this moment that give a nod to the early Punk eras---she's keeping that promise, and "Black, White & Blue" is very pleasing in that retrospect. Not sure if I really love it, but I don't loathe it, and that is always a plus. Marinate in it below.

Ladyhawke - Black White & Blue