First Impressions: BOSCO Plays Joker's Wild

The always left-of-center Brittany Bosco has always been a chameleon of sorts when it comes to her sound. She charmed her way in with her brilliant electric jazz mist of an EP entitled, Spectrum, and then splashed some bleach on her soul formula to give us a stark punk bite from her Pacer EP. With no sign if that Black project (remember the "Rag Doll" which sound like if Tina Turner's evil twin existed?) ever got it's wings for take off, but Bosco along with her band are releasing a brand new EP for '12. Once again, you'll be treated to the eclectic web of sounds that only Bosco can create when Let Go Of Me hits the web in early March. For the moment take in that sparse "Joker" that possesses a spooky and percussive 1960's  vibe that is quite jarring for all the right reasons. Also be forewarned that you'll get sucked into the rabbit hole of sound mid-way in, so fasten your seatbelts....

Brittany Bosco/BOSCOBand - Joker
 

First Impressions: 'F*ck Love' Says Kameron Corvet

As you know this past Tuesday was Valentine's Day, and while usually it has always been a time honored tradition for my singleton self to throw mental darts those lucky to get roses and sing Alanis Morisette's "You Oughta Know" at the top of my lungs, this year, a new attitude sort of flourished. I thus decided to pretty much enjoy love in other forms---especially my first love, music. So I took the day to sort of go music hunting, and the 'game' I got is worth more than a box of stale chocolates and false promises.

I don't know too much about Kameron Corvert, a singer/songwriter out of Atlanta, but I'm quite feeling his new freebie EP, lovingly entitled, F*ck Love that possesses an eclectic yet R&B flavored vibe that I wish a lot more cats would do. From the title you might be pressed to think that this dude has got to be bitter this side of Cee-Lo Green, but actually Kameron crafts the theme of love's forever mutations, because isn't that what "love" is---completely fabulous one minute and gut-wrenching the next?

What was of real interest on this set is the enetergetic slip n' slide "Legends Of The Fall", a groove-a-minute slice that makes great use of The Gap Band's "Outstanding" in it's backing. Another piece of interest is Kameron's rework of Terence Trent D'Arby's classic slow jam, "Sign Your Name", where Kameron twists the song into a completely different vibe as well as interjects some lyrics in French to give it a certain flair. As a D'Arby purist, I have to say this cover is très chic. For the lovers, the fighters, and most importantly those who are rolling in the deep, this freeEP is definitely something to download (see below) and not pass up.

Kameron Corvet - F*ck Love EP

Audio Vision: Running Into The 80's With Jessie Ware

To know me is to know that I'm an 80's baby, thus, the sounds of the Day Glo decade are constantly pumping through my veins (and through my headphones). UK's newest songstress, Jessie Ware understands the ebb and flow of a great electronic track from that time era as she continues to sort of fix that influence into her material. She wowed me already with "The Strangest Feeling" so much so that the track ended up being on my Top 30 songs of last year. Back at it again she is with the synth laden "Running" and with stylish eye candy to boot. Channeling some good old 1980's Sade Adu in all of her class and subtle seduction, "Running" and it's video is an extension of what we can come to hear (and see) in the near future as Ware is in the throws of prepping her sophomore album. While Ware looks stunning (and you gotta love the turtleneck and earrings), it's the Julio Bashmore and The Invisible's Dave Okumu produced track as well as Ware's sizzling vocal display that make this a real showstopper---absolutely engrossing the track is. In fact, "Running" comes close to actually besting "The Strangest Feeling", a feat not thought possible till now.

First Impressions: Be In Muhsinah's World

One woman band, Muhsinah is nothing short of a hard worker. She's in the midst of prepping a tour to promote her  EP, Gone, yet she's still making time to unleash music just to keep everyone's interests piqued. As a little 'thank you' (or a heads up) Muhsinah has released the lush meditative track, "Somebody In My World". It's pure Muhsinah as it's got the squiggly keyboard symphonic merging with the layered lyrical arrangements she's known for. Plus it sounds like she's dipping back into the icy soul sound that she did when she first arrived on the scene as nary a hard rock guitar is found in reference to Gone. It's even sweeter as it's a guilt free download that won't cost you a dime. All you have to do is either download it on the player, or unlock the download through Twitter here. So slip this comfortably into your Valentine's Day playlist today and just let the music take you.

Muhsinah - Somebody In My World

Audio Vision: More Like Jeepers Creepers, Less Like Little Dragon

Did anyone read Goosebumps books back in the day? Well, one book in the series was called The Scarecrow Walks At Midnight, and I remember it being about how some ~black magic~ brought some scarecrows alive to well terrorize on everyone---predating Jeepers Creepers by a decade. So I'm thinking that Little Dragon extracted the idea from R.L. Stine, and decided the premise would be ideal for the music video for single, "Crystalfilm". Scarecrows have always kind of freaked me out (save for The Wizard Of Oz/The Wiz), but this less of a horror show than at first glance. What occurs here is a young girl (who ages rapidly throughout the video) begins to see some scarecrows following her around throughout her life. Yet, what appears to be a sinister plot of scarecrow domination turns into a quiet message of learning to conquer one's fears---which our protag does by vid's end. Beautiful macabre it is.

Audio Tribute: 20 Whitney Houston Singles I Love (and Will Always Sing Badly To)

It's time for me to grab a Crayola marker. Any color will do. Why? Because that's what I always did whenever I sang Whitney Houston tunes in my room growing up. I got a Crayola marker turned it into a microphone and made angels lose their wings and halos by my utter screeches and wails to the discography of La Houston. I don't know why I felt compelled that a marker seemed the ideal microphone  (as "normal" girls use hair brushes), but Whitney Houston has that effect---or really its her voice that possess you---it makes you do out-of-the-box things (like me believing I could sing like her...).

For a lot of people, Whitney was the soundtrack to their youth, and it's no different with me as in my formative years in the 90's Houston was a prominent force. Not only did I love her voice, but her whole persona just resonated with me, as she kept it real and had her own style. With the instrument called her pristine voice, Houston set a standard for all other voices to follow, as she excelled slipping comfortably into Pop mainstream's arms with her unique Soul and Gospel vocal stylings. For that, she deserved all the accolades she received, not to mention, she rightfully influenced a whole crowd of vocalists there after.

Yes, Whitney had moments we'd least like to forget. She had bouts with substance abuse (and lied about it for a time). A marriage to an equally unstable person that was put on reality TV display. She shouted in courtrooms and became a punchline for many a comedian (never forget MADtv). She tried her hardest, but a comeback in 2009 just didn't have the expected results, as her golden voice wasn't what it was in her prime. Sure, we laughed at the jokes, judged her lifestyle, and probably made a "crackhead" jeer every now and again in reference to her, not really putting into consideration that what was going on was serious, extremely serious.

Yet, like a beloved family member who possesses a barrel full of faults---you still ride or die with them, because they are a part of you, of your life, no matter what. In the sense of Whitney, I always 'hung' with her, askew wig n' all. She's not a saint by a long-shot, and I'm not making her so, but Whitney will always be the gal pal in my head and one of my favorite voices. So I thank her for her music, her one-of-a-kind voice, and for being a large part of those years where I needed a voice like that, where I needed to see a beautiful and talented woman doing her thing and getting respect for it. Inspiration she was.

So grab a Crayola marker and join me as I recount 20 of my favorite Whitney singles (that I always sung badly) in honor of the iconic 'Queen of the Night'.

RIP: Whitney Houston (1963-2012)

[Whitney Houston, iconic vocalist, passes away at age 48]

My heart is just extremely heavy at this news right now...may she rest in peace.

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.