Artist Watch: Asa's American Arrival

We Americans are usually tardy to alot of things. Music is one of those things we always get a late-slip for. This is possibly due to us only looking at what's cookin' in our backyard but not what is cookin' past the fence. Case in point with Parisian born, Nigerian bred artist, Asa (pronounced Asha) whom has been wowing the overseas crowd for a good three years, yet she's just now getting some exposure on American shores. Asa's self-titled debut has been out since 2007, but in January of this year the album found it's way into the States. And from the sound of things...we've been missing out! The singer/songwriter/guitarist brings to mind if Bob Marley, Wycelf Jean and India.Arie were put into a blender and out came the smooth and rich product of Asa's Afro-Folk and Soul sound. Sans comparisons, Asa's got a style all her own as it represents all the elements of what makes good music--it's honest, raw and leaves an imprint long after the last notes of the song fade out. Asa's second single, the quiet rumble of "Jailer", is one to really marvel at. Its composition is simple, but the message is so powerful. Definitely have a listen to this. So catch up with the rest of the world, as there is no doubt that Asa is geared to be an artist who will leave a lasting impression.

No Doubt To 'Rock Steady' To A Venue Near You

Oh, hells to the 'Spiderwebs' yeah! Though we aren't getting a new album from the ska-pop band this year, No Doubt are indeed touring and they are to be sweatin' it up all summer long as they romp on stages across the US and Canada. The quartet announced their extensive list of tour stops and also took time out to announce this brilliant upcoming occurrence via video for fans to go berserk over. The tour, which will have Paramore as the opening act, will be kicking off in East Rutherford, New Jersey on May 3rd. So psyched that they are coming to Dallas because here in Texas we usually get shafted when big acts tour...must either be cause of the Bush Family or the fact we have more cattle than people. Whatevs, I'll be throwing Vercua Salt styled tantrums to get these tickets. Also can you guys believe that ND's Gwen Stefani will be turning 40 this year? Boggles the mind... See all of No Doubt's tour dates after the cut...

5/03/2009 East Rutherford, NJ - Meadowlands Sports Complex (Bamboozle Festival)
5/16/2009 Las Vegas, NV - Mandalay Bay Events Center (Tiger Jam XII)
5/19/2009 Fresno, CA - Save Mart Center
5/20/2009 Bakersfield, CA - Rabobank Arena
5/22/2009 San Diego, CA - Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
5/23/2009 Phoenix, AZ - Cricket Wireless Pavilion
5/25/2009 Salt Lake City, UT - The E Center
5/27/2009 Denver, CO - Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre
5/28/2009 Albuquerque, NM - Journal Pavilion
5/30/2009 Dallas, TX - Superpages.com Center
5/31/2009 Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
6/02/2009 Tampa, FL - Ford Amphitheatre
6/03/2009 West Palm Beach, FL - Cruzan Amphitheatre
6/05/2009 Atlanta, GA - Lakewood Amphitheatre
6/06/2009 Charlotte, NC - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
6/08/2009 Raleigh, NC - Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion
6/10/2009 Virginia Beach, VA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
6/11/2009 Philadelphia, PA - Susquehanna Bank Center
6/13/2009 Pittsburgh, PA - Post-Gazette Pavilion
6/14/2009 Washington, DC - Nissan Pavilion
6/16/2009 Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
6/17/2009 Montreal, QC - Centre Bell
6/19/2009 Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
6/20/2009 Boston, MA - Comcast Center
6/24/2009 Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
6/26/2009 Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center *** ON SALE TBD
6/27/2009 Wantagh, NY - Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
6/29/2009 Cleveland, OH - Blossom Music Center
7/02/2009 Milwaukee, WI - Marcus Amphitheater (Summerfest)
7/03/2009 Detroit, MI - Palace Of Auburn Hills
7/05/2009 St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center
7/06/2009 Kansas City, MO - Starlight Theatre
7/08/2009 St. Louis, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
7/10/2009 Indianapolis, IN - Verizon Wireless Music Center
7/11/2009 Chicago, IL - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
7/13/2009 Winnipeg, MB - MTS Centre
7/15/2009 Calgary, AB - Pengrowth Saddledome
7/16/2009 Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place
7/18/2009 Vancouver, BC - General Motors Place
7/19/2009 Seattle, WA - White River Amphitheatre
7/21/2009 Concord, CA - Sleep Train Pavilion
7/24/2009 Sacramento, CA - Sleep Train Amphitheatre
7/25/2009 Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre
7/31/2009 Irvine, CA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
8/01/2009 Irvine, CA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

Cover Smother: You're All I Need To Get By...

If only duets today were as romantic and sincere as they were back in 1968, when this was released....Marvin Gaye and Tammii Terrelle you are missed...

The Ballad Of Santogold's Name Change

Aside from slow express way drivers, this Audio Diva gets a little miffed over people who feel the need to constantly change their names. I will forever call Sean "Diddy" Combs, Puff Daddy, because I grew up in the 90's and in the 90's we called him that. Now it seems that we have another name change offender, but this time it's not for vanity, it pertains to a legal matter. The dreaded name change has claimed yet another victim, and that is the prog-trip hop artist, Santogold. The vocalist has officially changed her name to Santigold (her real name is Santi White), in light of a infringement suit that quietly occurred last year. Santigold was sued by 80's cult artist Santo Gold for name infringement and this suit has requested that anything barring the Santogold name be recalled and/or destroyed. This seriously casts an ugly light on Santogold current celebdom, which had just taken flight last year with her 2008 self-titled debut album. While the name change may not affect Santigold's celeb status, it's still a low blow that right when her star was rising, she's already wrapped up in legal dealings that deal with her stage name. Santigold has been quite silent about the whole situation as litigation involving this matter is still being probed. We'll see if this name changing will be a brought up topic when the singer makes an appearance next week on Jimmy Fallon's debut week as host of the new Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Well, I Guess I'm Trying To Be Nonchalant About It...

Cabaret homages! Feathers! Magic acts! A cowboy hat! You'll see all this and more as we rewind the clock back to 1997 Mariah Carey Land. It's hard to believe that this video came out some ten years ago, and it's really mind blowing that Mariah went from this to mediocre crap-ola like "Touch My Body". This is sexy, without being overtly obvious and trite. And to think that the song isn't even about seduction, it's about the aftermath of a love gone astray. "Breakdown" is possibly one of Mariah's finest recordings, and one of the best tracks off the the new classic album, 1997's Butterfly. Call me bias, but if this is essential Mariah, even though it wasn't the chart climber. Though it should've been. The video is not to shabby either, as it features Mariah showgirling it up with guest stars, Bone Thugs N' Harmony in a Vegas styled setting. Ah...those were the days...

Artist Watch: An 80's Rendezvous With La Roux

Jonesin' for some day-glo 80's synth-funk just so you can have an excuse to romp around in those leg warmers you shamelessly bought? La Roux is at your service. The thing to come away with this English duo is that you will indefinitely become entranced by Elly Jackson's voice, not to mention that wicked haircut she has. Jackson's voice reminds me of a higher-pitched Annie Lennox or Alison Moyet, and that in itself are shoddy descriptions, because Jackson is of her own accord. The duo (Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid) are on par with their delivery of spunky and stark 80's new wave meets smoky soul, such as displayed in the perky pounce of "Quicksand", which is an ode to unrequited love. La Roux's newest single, "In For The Kill" is glistening with 80's hi-gloss and neon spunk and sure enough is to be the breakout hit. La Roux has been bubbling in the brew of blogdom as the ones to watch for '09 since last year, and yes, it's about time I gave them a proper post...so here are two tracks for your listening enjoyment to getcha in the know. La Roux's debut album will be making an appearance in the Spring of 2009. Cool beans!

Quicksand

Facination

Adventures In Irrelevancy: Bringing Musicals Back...I Guess?

Oooh, dear...where shall I begin with this...first off, Hugh Jackman is a sexy man, a VERY sexy man. A very sexy man who should've been touching my legs, twirling me around and singing songs from Grease and Chicago with me...and NOT Beyonce. But alas, I'm stuck watching all of this unfold on my couch with my three BFF's, with only my imagination for comfort. If you missed the Slumdog Millionaire Appreciation Night the Oscars last night, you missed this odd little musical montage that was meant to convince us we need to give musicals some love (which we do!). Bey and Hugh donned jazz hands, and sang songs from various musicals in this really mashed together train wreck. Beyonce and Hugh weren't alone in this, as they were joined by two Disney twats and two kiddos from Mama Mia! But you could barely see them due to Beyonce's thunder thighs strutting around. In short, this performance is soooo entertainly bad...even though it had potential to be good. I got secondhand embarrassment for Hugh as this performance crumbled like a cookie as it progressed on. Especially when they merged a High School Musical 3 song with Etta James's "At Last".....such agony. Oh, and Beyonce, you can retire now from singing "At Last"...we get it.

First Impressions: Ciara + Justin + A Reject Demo = Quite A Fun Song

"Love and Sex and Magic"...no it's not the name of a new fragrance from a pop star...and no it's not the name of a relationship guide for magicians (though I'm on to something with that...), it's a new song from Ciara that actually hits all the right notes. After a bushel of leaks, multiple push-backs and yawn-inducing single drops, Ciara's third effort, Fantasy Ride was looking rather unappetizing. Maybe the help of Justin Timberlake is what Ciara needed to boost up anticipation for the album as he makes an appearance on this hopeful new single. A throwaway demo from Justin's crates, that was leaked back in November of 2008, is the premise for "Love and Sex and Magic" and it sounds much better with both vocalists on board. The track does have a shiny disco-funk appeal to it, and it's hellishly catchy, and no doubt is the best thing that Ciara has been spewing out lately. Yes, this sounds like a FutureSex/LoveSounds reject to the hilt and the title sounds oh so lazy and kind of childish, but the groove is right on target and it's a nice change of pace for Ciara. Uh, oh, this might end up being a guilty pleasure...Take a listen below....

Song Stuck In My Head: Get 'Hit' By Ce Ce's Love

I apologize for not taking you guys on more adventures this week...seems that school is kicking my ass yet again, but to tide you over, here's a insanely fun song that will getcha groovin' into the weekend...For the record, I LOVE Ce Ce Peniston. It was a serious musical offense that she wasn't in hollering matches with Mariah Carey back in 90's. For reals, those two should've been bitchy competing singing pals, but alas Ce Ce is stuck being known as the "Finally!" girl. Which should not be so, as she's got a set of pipes on her that will blast ya into next month. Throughout the 90's Ce Ce sprinkled a handful of spunky hits on the charts. One song that missed the mark is the energetic zap of "Hit By Love". Off of Ce Ce's highly underrated 1994 album, Thought Ya Knew, "Hit By Love" is a pulsating house n' soul track that doesn't seem to quit. One of my favorite tracks by Miss Peniston that always seems to lift my spirits. On a side note, does it seem that I've been going all 1994 on you guys? First the TLC post, then the Joi one, now this...I don't know why...

Oh, my Ce Ce's hair is so PERFECT in this vid, I want my hair to look like that...Gosh, this video made me miss the 90's all of a sudden...Ce Ce is dancing up a storm, in a dress and heels...

Spin Me Right Round: Feel 'The Pendulum Vibe'

When neo-soul was wobbling on it's toddler legs, Joi Gilliam stepped up to the plate, and knocked the movement into a home run. But she didn't get any credit for her bonafide perfect play. Joi's 1994 debut, The Pendulum Vibe, has become a cult classic for soul fans as at the time of its release, it was clearly ahead of its time. Before Erykah Badu donned a head wrap, and D'Angelo (and his abs) slinked on it, Joi, along with producer Dallas Austin, put forth an effort that was jazzy, slick, and downright sexy. It's an album that brought Joi critical acclaim, even the Queen of Reinvention herself, Madonna adored this album so much that she retooled her 1994 Bedtime Stories to follow in its vein. So what exactly is comprised inside the wrapper of this soulful treat to make folks go full on worship mode? From 70's love grooves like the breezy horn fused, "Memories" to the hypnotic boom of "Sunshine & Rain" , The Pendulum Vibe engages in head bobbing grooves that literally engulf you from the press of the play button. The lyrical content is one to marvel as Joi's hit track, "I Found My Niche" flows on a positive discovery of independence as self-enjoyment is explored in the slinky, "Narcissa Cutie Pie" (ooh, kinky). Opening track "Freedom" might surprise you as it features backing vocals from an all-star line-up of Mary J. Blige, TLC, En Vogue, Vanessa Williams, SWV, Aaliyah, Me'shell Ndegeocello, Queen Latifah and Brownstone...wow, that's almost every great female group/vocalist from the 90's. Hibernated on for far too long, The Pendulum Vibe, is what you would want from an album...variety, depth and captivating grooves that are guided by a vocalist who isn't afraid to color outside of the lines and take us on an escape from the norm.

Rating: 9.6/10

Is she hanging by a noose?!?...whoa whoa whoa...Trippy vid for a trippy but amazing song...Oh, wow, she's in a glitter infested body suit that filled with WIN

Lady GaGa Plays A 'Love Game' In A Subway Car

La Lady GaGa is really churning out these videos...well, at least someone is making music videos nowadays....The flamboyant singer has released a new video for her spicy kick in yo pants track, "Love Game" and it's got what you visually would want from a GaGa video. Poses, fierce eye stares, synchronized dance moves on stair steps, lots of jazz hands and tons o' glitter. Actually this entertained me for the three minutes and forty-four seconds that this vid clocked in at...but anything is better than working on this icky-sticky Third World Politics paper that I'm working on at the moment...blahhhh. Still that "disco stick" line always puts a little devilish smile on my face so it's hard not to have a little affection for this video. Let's have some fun, cause this beat is sick...

First Impressions: The World According To Arie

Pay attention folks, India.Arie is giving a seminar on love and life's little lessons. So get your pencils and notepads ready to scribble down some notes, because Ms. Arie is about to school you. Ever since her 2001 critically acclaimed debut, Acoustic Soul, India has been telling it like it is, and all done to the backdrop of sweet and home grown soul. The Denver, Colorado native follows in the same vein as her previous efforts with her fourth effort, Testimony: Vol 2. Love and Politics, the sequel to 2006's Testimony: Vol. 1 Life & Relationship. With guitar in tow, India picks up where she left off and gives fans what she so seamlessly produces...quality music. True to the title, India takes on the two spectrums of romance and politics and it makes for an interesting blend of subjects on the album. Songs like the Latin fusion of "Ghetto" and the pounding gut guitar of "Better Way" both chronicle news makers from the past couple of years with images of the flooding in New Orleans and economic turmoil. MC Lyte joins India on the hypnotic 70's air of "Psalms 23" which flows on a wave of spiritual positivity. In contrast, India weaves in the heart on her sleeve with more lighter tunes. The infectious richness of her Musiq Soulchild duet, "Chocolate High" had me from the opening chords and the two wade confidently into classic Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrelle waters. The much too short, "Yellow" has a Stevie Wonder vibe that rides on gracefully and features guest star, Terrell Carter. It's one of stronger songs on the set next to India's poetic read of Sade's classic, "Pearls" where she almost makes the song her own. Love & Politics does have one small issue, and that is the inclusion of the "Grains" interludes, which sound great but would've served better as a full length compensation, not as choppy interludes. Though with a small mis-step, Miss Arie still delivers a strong effort, though not as streamlined as her previous efforts, there are no disappointments here.

Rating: 9.3/10

Release Date: Februrary 10, 2009

I love how the first thing Musiq does when he gets up is put on his shades...They mentioned Hershey's and Godiva chocolates, do they seriously want me to go into my pantry and get fat?...Ooowee, They are getting mighty close, how sexy!

Adventures In Irrelevancy: Fashion Is In The Eye Of The Beholder

This pic is dying for a unnecssary game of "Caption This!"Aside from the fact that Roisin Murphy looks utterly bored and Kanye West looks like a creepy art gallery lurker at the Preen by Tornton Bregazzi fashion show this past weekend, some part of me wants the two of them to collaborate musically. I can only imagine some epic stark hip hop-disco creation coming out of them if they were to hop in the studio together. Yes, in 2009 this is something I would LOVE to hear....Wait a min...Kanye goes to fashion shows? Mmmkay... *shifts eyes*

The Gospel: Will The Stars Fall?

For a straight week, the headlines have been spinning out of control about the domestic violence actions between one of music's hottest couples, Chris Brown and Rihanna. While the facts have been fuzzy and the responses have varied from sympathizers to the insensitive (looking at you Terrence "Babywipes" Howard), one thing is for certain that something horrifically wrong went down. In this day and age where celebrities bop in and out of jail with barely a slap on the wrist, the recent events involving the rising starlets leaves a sour aftertaste in most mouths especially since these two are barely legal. With Chris at 19 and Rihanna recently turning 20, the occurrence does shed light on abuse between young unmarried couples something that rarely gets discussed. As this is another topic all together, the real inquiry I have is will this whole incident affect their careers? While it sounds like I'm overanalyzing, the reason I wanted to say my 50 cents is because I wanted people to really think about this; the reasons why we support celebrities even when they might do something that isn't the glorious persona that we build them up to be. Just recently, Brown released a statement detailing that his is sorry for his actions, right in sync with Rihanna, whom has also come forth to smartly say she wants nothing do with Brown. While that's all fine and dandy, does this really matter to some? Even though abuse is nothing to take light about, Chris's fans have been supporting him since day one and haven't stopped since. This seriously disturbs me as it has me thinking that maybe this is giving the wrong impression to our younger generation, that it's okay to physically attack another person, because well..."Chris Brown did it so it's okay" Uh...no it is NOT. Another disturbing thing is that some people are cashing in on this tragic story as MTV is showing it's first music related show at prime time tomorrow about the couple's short lived union. And in serious bad taste, one T-shirt site made tank tops that read: "Rihanna Deserved It"....le sigh, some people just don't have tact. This brings it back 'round to my question, with all this hoopla of rumors, tasteless t-shirts, TV specials and sparring fans, once all the ashes are blown away and the two have gone their separate ways, what will be left of these stars? Will Rihanna be forever the poster child for abuse and be known as the Tina Turner of her generation? Will the Chris not suffer from this as we have accepted criminal activity from other celebrities in the past? Or do we, the public even care because they are just money grabbing celebrities? While I'm not a fan of either singers, I do have sympathy for Rihanna, and Chris better be thanking his lucky stars that Rihanna and her camp didn't press charges...With all this said, we all are going to have to fasten our seat belts, because darlings it's going to be a bumpy ride for these two.

Riddle Me List: Songs In The Key Of Single-dom

As you can tell, I'm in a committed relationship with music. And it looks like it's going to be that way for awhile...well, until Prince Charming comes riding along on his noble steed to whisk me away from blogdom. Let me tell a story...banning the idea of Valentine's Day didn't seem like a bad idea to me a couple of years ago. I would religiously wear head-to-toe black, lock myself in my room with a stack of chick flicks and sneer at anyone who would wish me a happy V-Day. About three years ago, still single and alone, I somehow got invited by my roommate to have dinner with her boyfriend and instead of me declining, I went for it. Bad idea. As they sat there, making googly eyes at each other and interjecting smug remarks of their lovely union...I drank my third glass of wine and thought...why am I torturing myself? I should be cranking up "I'm Every Woman", eating a Worthington's candy box by myself and hitting the town with my single amigas. So last year, tired of being tortured by Cupid and his non-existing arrows, I hit the town with my three BFF's and this year the tradition will continue and my sanity will be intact. So while I eat my way through a box of Worthington's assorted chocolates and watch Something New for the umpteenth time...here is a small little list of songs that get me feeling pretty darn great about my adventures in "Single-Dom".

1. Single Life-Cameo

"I don't want to get to serious/I just like having fun/I'm living the single life"

Title says it all...the 80's funk band crafted the perfect song for all the singletons out there. And it's also moonlights as a punchy dance track that will no doubt get you off your moping keyster. Single people clap your hands.

2. Divas Need Love Too-Klymaxx

"Monday's booked, Tuesday's taken, Wednesday got to get my hair done/I just don't have the time"

Klymaxx were always about female empowerment during their run in the 80's as one of the last urban girl bands. One of the best (and often overlooked) examples of their dedication to meetings in the ladies room is this 1986 confection. Bernadette Cooper and Co. give those self-proclaimed divas (ahem...Audio Diva here) a theme song that is meant to let the opposite sex know that well...we need "me, myself and I" time.

3. Single-Natasha Bedingfield

"Don't need to be on somebody's arm to look good/I'm not saying I don't wanna fall in love 'cos I would/I'm not gonna get hooked up just 'cos you say I should"

I've had gal pals ask me curiously: "Don't you want a boyfriend?" and my usual response is a lyric from Natasha's 2005 track, "I don't need another half to make me whole". I've seen way too many of my friends lose it when it comes to one guy and if they just heard this song, I think some changes of heart would ensue.

4. Since U Been Gone-Kelly Clarkson

"I can breathe for the first time/I'm so movin' on, yeah yeah/Thanks to you, now I get, I get what I want."

I know, I know, this is a "break-up" song, but once I let go of all those hopeless crushes, it was like I could breathe for the first time. Seriously, I exhaled...and Kelly was right there with me wailing, being bitchy and letting all the angst out in a perfectly crafted pop-rock romp.

5. Valentine's Day-ABC

"With your heart on parade and your heart on parole/I hope you find a sucker to buy that mink stole/When they find you beached on the barrier reef/When the postman don't call on valentine's day/Don't ask me, I already know"

ABC are known for being a little tongue in cheek and a lesser known track from the new-wave band's 1982 classic, The Lexicon of Love is the ironic love story. This heavy synth track is laced with intricately derived lyrics that describe just being unlucky in love...and the obvious signs when it happens.

6. I Don't Need A Man-The Pussycat Dolls

"I don't need a man to make it happen/I get off being free/I don't need a ring around my finger/To make me feel complete"

While PCD got more attention for saying: "don'tcha wish your girlfriend was hot like me"...they were really saying that you can look, but I ain't touching you. Fun, feisty with a dab of naughtiness, this track is acceptable to sing if you aren't bound in a relationship.

7. I Do Not Feel As You Do-Jane Child

"I have no quarrel with your point of view/Just understand that I got me mine too/This is my canvas, I’ll paint what I like"

While Jane's 1989 hit, "I Don't Wanna Fall In Love" seems like a better gesture, it's this 1993 track from her sophomore effort, Here Not There, that is the ball your eyes out self-confidence track that is essential for single-ites. It surpasses Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" by miles with it's Blues influence and Jane's powerhouse vocals. If you need this type of song in your life, you can download it for free by clicking the link above...

8. Queen Of The Night-Whitney Houston

"I've got the stuff that you want/I've got the thing that you need/I've got more than enough to make you drop to your knees"

Sometimes it's not good to wallow in your single status...sometimes you gotta be a warrior and be hopeful for the day you can be smug in love. Before you do that, you have to set some standards and get a little cocky...that's where Whitney comes in and gives you the blueprint to rock out too and hit the town with. All the males out there better watch out!

Adventurers, what are some of your favorite single/break-up/romantic songs that you are enjoying on V-Day?

Haywoode Sits On Some La-Z-Boys

Guys, you might get a little pissed with this vid, as long lost 80's Funk-Pop singer, Haywoode uses men as furniture in the video for 1985 single, "I Can't Let You Go". Literally, she does. She sits on them, puts her feet up on them and throws her coat on them...bizarre but it makes for a entertaining vid (and for not a bad idea...just kidding!). The British singer had a short run as a pop vocalist and its kind of a shame since this song and her one and only known album, Arrival, is a fun and great hi-NRG funk album. There are about three different versions of this song floating around, but this one is the funkiest of the bunch. Dig on the 80's high class fashion and also check out that all mighty weave that resides on Haywoode's head. It makes Beyonce's extensions look like child's play...

Cover Smother: The Incredible Edible Egg

Why am I strangely entranced by this? *shrugs shoulders* And the more I look at it, I notice that it's kind of amazing that Karen O. (the lead singer of the The Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs) has a talent to separate egg whites with her fist...now that is a gift. Didn't know I was a Yeah "to the power of 3" fan right? Well, BFF Lindsay got me into them and what Lindsay says, you just do it, you don't question. The group has a new album coming out this year (April 13th to be exact) called, It's Blitz and from the looks of the cover, it does look like it's going to be quite an album.

The Ting Tings Walk Along

In a grouchy mood? The Ting-Tings will slap you out of your anti-social state and transform you into a dancing n' prancing fool in no time. Their brand of pop punches are the kind that are short, sweet and to the point, and the kind that will be lodged in your head for days. Recently the duo from England have released a vid for single, "We Walk", which just incidentally happens to be one of my favorites from their debut, We Started Nothing. The video reminds me of if someone videotaped people doing Freeze Tag as it has the band members and other pausing at random times. The effect of this is actually quite entertaining as the Lite-Brite neon color that appear on the screen, dip the vid in the 80's new-wave vat. On a fashion note, lead vocalist, Katie White must raid Brandon Flowers (from The Killers) closet because here she is sporting a feather jacket...it must be some sort of sign...

First Impressions: Estelle Is Pleased As Crystal Light Fruit Punch

Estelle doing a Crystal Light promotion song...uh, were is my pen for me to co-sign this? Serious, if you've never had Crystal Light Red Tea, you are clearly missing out on one of life's most amazing things. Estelle hooks up with Crystal Light for their "U Pump It Up" campaign and has unleashed a new song that is being used in the juice's commercials. The song is called "Star" and it's a real glitzy up-tempo bounce that is quite cool. If you liked Estelle's 2008 effort, Shine, you'll dig this song for sure. You can download the song for free just by clicking here, and the song is all yours! Neato right?

Enter Robin's 'Dreamworld'

Robin Thicke has been stalking me since he stepped on the Grammy Awards stage this past Sunday...or so I wish! I've been seeing him everywhere, like today, he did a performance on The View, then someone in one of my classes had his photo on a binder (do people still do that in college?) and then I turned on the TV and there was a commercial advertising his album....and now the video for new single, "Dreamworld" is released today...hmm...Nonetheless, a video from Thicke has been long over due and it's fabtastic that he has released a video for one of the best songs off of last year's Something Else record. Robin looks smoldering as he plays on the piano, seduces a pretty young thang and walks around the great outdoors to reflect on life. You know, hitting all the usual "soul man in a video" criteria. The message is really in the song so just give a listen, if you haven't already...

Album Watch: Jam & Lewis To 'Escapade' With Janet Again?

Hats off to all the Janatics who went into their makeshift closet shrines and chanted silent prayers for Janet Jackson to reunite with long time producers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis...you can get off your knees now and put your Rhythm Nation key adorned hoop earring back on the rack, your hard work has paid off. Recently, Jam disclosed that he and Lewis are indeed working on Janet's follow-up to the ill received 2008 Discipline effort. The award winning producer responded that there wasn't a riff between the long time musical partnership, as fans suspected when the duo were MIA after Janet's 2006 effort, 20 Y.0. But Jam has expressed that the duo are excited to get back in the studio with their star pupil. No word on when the project will be released, but from the sound of things, it seems like the project is already bubbling. My question is: Is Janet really working on a new album or are they just hyping us fans up again? Don't get me wrong...I'm all for this...because this is one trifecta that has pumped out some of R&B's biggest and best stuff...but why the rush? It'd be kind of nice to see Janet really take the time to put out a well crafted album than just dive head first into a new project so quickly, especially right after a wobbly tour project (the Rockwitchu Tour) and all those pregnancy rumors. Still if Jam and Lewis are back in the studio with Janet, then let the magic begin!

Oh...and who would've thunk it that The Time are getting back together for a new album??

Song Stuck In My Head: Diggin' The Scene...It's On Like That

My week last week was less than fabulous, and this week looks like it's continuing on that streak as my Chi flat iron decided to die on me today (hello, frizz!). So to instantly make me feel like a gabillion bucks I put on TLC's 1994 album, CrazySexyCool, and got caught in a wave a of nostalgia. Crazy Sexy Cool is one of those albums that never gets old, it's clearly is the Songs In The Key Of Life or The White Album of my generation, one of those albums that comes around every once in awhile that just smacks you across the face with it's greatness. While the whole album is diamond, "Diggin' On You" has always been one of my favorites off it. It's got that laid-back Babyface vibe, and some fun word play ("I was chillin' with my Kool-Aid, when Miss Chili came to relay") amid a nice soulful groove. I just can't believe that this album and song are about 15 years old..., I clearly remember going to Sam Goody and begging my Dad to get this CD for me...where has the time gone?

Finally an embeddable version of this video!....I dig this vid, something about the big band sound takes this song to another level...As a barrette and overall wearing kiddo I used to always sing Chili's part out loud into my Crayola marker, well, I still do, cause I did it just now...Man, I wish I had seen TLC live

Reheating Leftovers: Disturbia...and Adele Talks Grammys

*Well, you've probably already heard the news about young love going tragically wrong over the weekend. Well, to recap, if you have been under a rock since Saturday...singer, Chris Brown was arrested for domestic battery on Sunday and his girlfriend, singer Rihanna was also involved as she was reported to have been the victim of the assault, with multiple bruises and a bloody lip--yipes! Well, as I predicted, Breezy has been suspended from his Wrigley Spearmint Gum campaign...did he not learn anything from Michael Phelps's bong smoking fiasco from last week? Currently, Chris has been released from jail on $5,000 bail and no further details have been disclosed. Man, what a big tragic MESS...and talk about career killer cause men who hit women are doomed to follow in Ike Turner's loser steps...

*My grandma's favorite show, Dancing With The Stars, has revealed their new line-up of celeb contestants and the line-up is just as random and diverse as you would imagine. Musically, Jewel and an ex-Go-Go, Belinda "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" Carlise are contestants along with...drum roll....Lil' Kim! Oh, man, oh man...I just gotta witness that, the weave tossing and revival dance groping a la "How Many Licks"...what? You know she's going to do it, no matter if Dancing With The Stars is a family show!

*Sorry, on a Adele kick at the moment...The British vocalist was really the only televised winner I was excited for while watching the Grammys Sunday night...because she was the most deserving, not to say nobody else was (okay, maybe that goblin known as Lil' Wayne wasn't) but Adele expressed tears and looked genuinely stoked. So what did she have to say about her two Grammy wins (she also won for Best Pop Vocal for "Chasing Pavements"), peep the video below...

Eye Rolls and Side-Eyes: A Sooo Wrong Kodak Moment

Let's discuss this picture, shall we? First off, Weezy looks like Gollum from Lord of The Rings ("My preciousssss...") as he rubs M.I.A.'s preggo stomach during the performance of "Swagga Like Us" at the Grammys on Sunday. Seriously, M.I.A. gets a big gold star for effort because she was literally having contractions while preforming. The whole time she was performing I was hoping that she wouldn't trip or have her water break on stage, now that would've been terrible...or highly entertaining considering that night...well, you be the judge. Still I ask...is it really okay to be bopping around on stage when you are 9 months pregnant? Isn't jostling your baby right before birth, bad? Well, M.I.A. is one tough be-yatch that's for sure...

The Saturdays Just Can't Get Enough

The Saturdays become calendar girls for the UK's Comic Relief single and they collectively make the first sweet tooth achingly entertaining video of 2009. The British quintet cover the classic 1982 Depeche Mode track, "Just Can't Get Enough" and while I did cringe at the thought of them retooling one of DM's biggest hits, I retracted my thoughts when I heard and saw this. It's actually not that bad...hell, it's sinfully fun! The girls prance and pose their way through 1950's housewives images with a sherbet color palette backdrop. Boys will probably get riled up about the scantily clad outfits the girls adorn...but I gotta hand it to them, they could have easily gone into Pussycat Dolls waters, but they come off as PG-13 darlings. This video reminds me of when The Spice Girls did the Comic Relief back in 1997 with "Who Do You Think You Are?" and they had British female comedians Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders on board...good times.

Adventures In Irrelevancy: Grammy "Live" Blogging...The Morning After Hangover

Ahh...the Grammys. A three-hour special celebrating the best of music for the past year...or so we are led to believe. I took the time to do a semi-live blog for you Adventurers who care, but it's not technically live because I'm not publishing it as the show plays because it's my blog and I can do what I want ha! But you're still getting the live blogging feel for it...so if you missed the telecast, well voila! you get the full recap from moi...so no stress or torture! No, applause it's not necessary. I'm so humbled. Please leave fruit baskets and gift cards with my secretary...So who got an award? Who actually deserved the award? What was up with all those random collabo performances? Who were no shows because they were jail bait tonight? And why was I in hell for two moments during the show? You can read all of the exciting things that happened after the jump...and to forewarn you, this is me uncensored and a tad buzzy from a Fuzzy Navel (hey I needed it, it's been a rough week)...have fun and if you wanna comment on what you liked/hated or just wanted to gab about the show with other Adventurers or myself, make the comments spot your own personal water cooler and post all your lovely opinions about the 51st annual Grammys there!

Who won?...A complete list of winners here.

7:01 PM: U2 kicking off with their new song...I don't know if I'm enjoying this song, it sounds kinda scattered...whatever U2 rocks...I like how they have the words in the background, that's helpful
7:04: WHITNEY HOUSTON!?!?!?!?!
7:05: R&B album...hmm...going for Al Green or Raphael Saddiq...
7:06: Clive Davis pimpage...hurry up Whitney, does it sound like she's slurring her words?
7:07: NOOO...Raphael should've won that, not Jennifer Hudson, sorry but her album was not great. In my mind, Raphael won that award...
7:08: Ooo, the Rock...why are you here? His Katy Perry monologue is kind of creepy, especially when he said, "cherry chapstick" *shudder*
7:10: Justin Timberlake reminds us yet again that he's from Memphis, we know...his all black suit makes him blend in the background...
7:12: Whoa, Boyz II Men, Keith Urban and Al Green??? Did they pick names out of hats?
7:13: Sing it the best you can, Al Green...this performance reminds of On The Line, you know that *NSYNC movie with Lance Bass that had Al Green in it, it feels like 2001 right now
7:14: Didn't realize Boyz II Men were singing back-up...that kind of sucks considering what they use to be...Justin's holding it down, though he's really over singing...
7:21: Simon Baker...yummy, I forget his Australian...Which reminds me that I need to Something New again
7:22: Whoot! Coldplay...I like this song....uh, where did Jay-Z pop up from? These are like the most random collabos...
7:26: "Viva La Vida", played this song way too much over the summer and sick of it...and are they are like really Sgt. Peppering it up with those military jackets
7:28: Carrie Underwood...bathroom break
7:40: BFF Brittany is crying about Coldplay to me over the phone...I have no words...Duffy and Al Green presenting, interesting, actually they should duet partners in the future, y/n?
7:42: Song Of The Year...tough competition...cause I like all of these songs
7:43: Coldplay won, naturally, funny they are winning for a song that they got sued for awhile back...*whistles*
7:44: I'm in a fit of giggles over Kid Rock because BFF Brittany claims that he's "good live" because she saw him once at a festival and thought he did a good job...LOL
7:53: Taylor Swift is a tad bit better than Miley Cyrus, so why are they together? Disney is behind that propaganda...kind of funny that they are scorned Jonas Brother exes
8:00 PM: Okay, had to warm up my leftover Chili's Bacon burger and Southwestern egg roll for dinner...J. Hud, this is going to make me cry cause she's singing this song...
8:02: Obligatory back-up church choir...she should've sung "Spotlight", but this is good
8:10: Kid Rock gets a set all to himself, but Stevie Wonder has to share with The Jonas Brothers? There is clearly no justice...I love Stevie, but I'm not supporting this collabo...
8:13: Is this hell that I'm in? Jonas Brothers I ban you for life from singing ANY Stevie Wonder songs...don't you dare touch "Part Time Lover" or even "Skeletons"...
8:14: Blink 182??? Is this 1997? They look like they are at the MTV Music Awards...
8:16: Coldplay is going to sweep this shit up...and I don't mean the confetti...award wise
8:22: I like Craig Ferguson but LOATHE Katy Perry...I thought her 15 minutes were up
8:23: Back in hell and the flames are a licking at my side-eye...What's with the fruit?? Damn, she CAN'T sing...and this song is the equivalent of if I gargled with glass pieces
8:27: Thank god that Kanye and Estelle are on to cleanse the palette from Katy's Krap...Kanye needs to get rid of that afro-mullet hybrid he has, he looks a reject member of Ready For The World or a Lionel Ritchie impersonator
8:28: What is Estelle wearing? Still this song cooks!
8:29: Oh, snap best new artist...if the Jonas Brothers win, you'll be seeing me, The Audio Diva, on the national news because I will be making a scene in the streets...
8:30: THANK YOU JEEBUS! Adele deserved that...hell anyone but the J. Bros deserved it, poor Jazmine Sullivan, to me she wasn't promoted as heavily as Adele. Jaz just needs to be on SNL and then magic will happen
8:37: Morgan Freeman and Kenny Chesney are friends...bizarre...
8:40: NATALIE COLE!!! She looks good...but that dress, not so good...My Dad informed me yesterday that Herbie Hancock has over 100 albums, I love my Dad and his random music trivia...Diddy, when will you cease to exsist?
8:41: M.I.A. is so PREGGO...dang, she's not even sitting in the audience...
8:49: LMAO at Queen Latifah comparing the "Swagga Like Us" troupe to stuff the Rat Pack did...big no-no
8:50: Why did the screen go black n' white? O eye see...cause they want it to look all vintage
8:52: M.I.A you sit your pregnant ass down, you're about to have that baby on the stage...ugh, and that outfit, if that's swagga I don't want it...
9:07 PM: Missed some stuff...was flossing my teeth
9:12: Oh mi goshy...this song, "Chasing Pavements"....I have yet to grow tired of this song...SING it Adele and the chick from Sugarland...Adele, I'm not digging the frock
9:21: Radiohead...all I can say is EPIC...oh, my parentals are calling, damn...
9:30: Why is Justin performing twice? Oh, because Chris Brown (who was scheduled to perform with T.I.) had to turn himself into the police because he assaulted Rihanna...who obviously didn't show up either...tragic news...but my ears are thankful cause if I hear "Disturbia" one more time...
9:39: Finally, The Four Tops tribute! Smokey and the last Top! And then Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo...*crickets* That kind of ruins it for me...So Boyz II Men were not available for this but are forced to sing backup to Justin Timberlake?? I'm lost...Anybody but these two....
9:49: Brittany's hating on me for having a disdain for Neil Diamond and this song...sorry, but it brings back bad preschool memories...LMAO
9:57: My patience is waining...and I still have to finish my Spanish assignment...ugh, I hate cognatives...
10:00 PM: BB King and John Mayer for a Bo Diddley tribute, nice...
10:03: ROBIN THICKE!!! Oh, gosh....*moment of silence*
10:04: And the fact that Lil' Wayne is on the stage doesn't bother me (cause it usually does), because Robin balances it out...I liked that performance
10:06: What's with the marching bands today? I'm getting bad flashbacks from my high school years in the clarinet line...Oh, snap it's a New Orleans tribute, with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band... umbrellas all mighty
10:09: T-Pain, ugh, I threw up in my mouth...I can't believe that he's a year older than me
10:10: Lil' Wayne has a Grammy *blech*...and then decides to bring everybody on stage, this is not the BET Awards...Jesus please take the wheel...
10:21: Yep, Alison Krausse and Robert Plant totally have the Album of The Year award, it's sooo obvious

10:23: Green Day...back from the crypt! Sorry, I loved that American Idiot album, I don't care if I was a poseur for a good two years...
10:25: Album of the Year...almost over...Alison Krausse and Robert Plant won, duh, that was kind of a given...thank Jeebus that Lil' Wayne didn't win
10:27: FINALLY! That was kind of fun live blogging...but really exhausting!

10:28: Okay someone knew it was wrong for Stevie to sing with the J. Bros, so they are bringing him back by himself to save face, but why couldn't he have sung a song everyone knows??? And why are they playing commercials over his singing...bad taste. Well, that's the Grammys always keepin' it classy.

The Gospel: Grammy Gab, The Audio Diva Way

Just a little ramblin' shop talk this Saturday, while I stall on homework....

We all can't be satisfied when it comes to the Grammys. Either you like the nominees or you want to hurl trash at them. The Grammy's are a music nerd's Superbowl and it's always a grand ole time to just sit back and watch the madness unravel. Not to mention that there is always some fashion faux pas, wretched performance or undeserving win that will get snarky remarks come Monday morning. To be perfectly honest, the Grammys have turned from an elite event honoring music into a full fledged college keg party honoring music. And this year is really no exception as we have a mosaic cast of characters. We've got a jumper wearing girl snogger (Katy Perry *blech*), a Quasimoto rapper (Lil' Wayne), and pubescent Disney whiners (The Jonas Brothers)...the variety...it's all quite surprising about the noms because we also have worthy noms amid mainstream trash (Raphael Saddiq, Adele, Janelle Monae, Sam Sparro, Mayisha and Jazmine Sullivan...to name a precious few), and clearly it will be totally interesting to see who will be making that acceptance speech. So who is really deserving of the gilded golden gramophone? I've said my 50 cents about the Grammy noms, so what do the critics say? Most (especially the tool machine of Rolling Stone) are putting their bucks on Lil' Wayne scooping up Album of The Year and The Jonas Bros taking the Best New Artist, but you know me, I gotta call foul when I see some shit that's stinkin' as it seems that some people are opting for glitzy chart/fanbase action than actual substance...as usual. Still I would find it kind of refreshing if we kind of ignored the hype for once and actually focused on what songs/artists/albums were actually good. But that's like promising myself that I won't eat that 10th double chocolate chip cookie...the cookie will be eaten, just like Ne-Yo will continue to be Michael Jackson's main impersonator and get his Grammys. It will just happen. The most amusing thing is obviously the performances which good golly all mighty about a majority of every single artists known to mankind is performing. And alot of them are collaborating together on stage, which means it possesses Wu Tang Clan syndrome...everyone is involved. Seriously, its a long list...and Radiohead actually performing at an award show is epic...well, if Sly Stone resurrected himself on the Grammy stage that one year, anything is possible. So come Sunday, I'll be taking time out of my life to watch those 10,000 performances that are to be stompin' the stage this year at the awards, and making my coverage piece as usual...so if you really care you can stick around for that :)

Question Obessession: All The Way Live...

Growing up, I used to live vicariously through my parents concert experiences. While flipping though old programs and hearing the stories of seeing Stevie Wonder, Al Green, and those elements known as Earth, Wind and Fire, I dreamed of my own personal concert experiences. I will admit the first concert I experience was at 15 and I saw KC and The Sunshine Band and WAR...fun! Then it proceeded into seeing *NSYNC, Justin Timberlake and recently I filled lifelong dreams of seeing Tina Turner and Janet Jackson live. Seeing a performance is memorable experience, whether you are either right in front where the sweat is flinging in your face or up so high that you feel the altitude change. Yay for pyro, props, costume changes and hoarse voices from all the screaming!

So Adventurers I ask you this question:

What was your favorite concert experience and why?

As usual...just post your responses in comments, so we can get the discussion going!

The Gospel: Etta Squares Off With Bey...Tacky Throwdown Or Rite Of Passage?

Age truly is nuthin' but a number because Etta James is opening up a can of whoop ass on Beyonce. Or technically speaking. You've probably already heard the news on how the legendary vocalist expressed her feelings at a recent concert about Bey singing her classic, "At Last" during President Barack Obama's Inauguration Ball. If you missed the sound byte, Etta was quoted as saying:

"You know, YOUR President, the one with the big ears-he ain’t MY
President–had that woman singing for him at his Inauguration. She’s going to get
her ass whooped. How dare Beyonce sing MY song that I been singing
forever. Now I’m going to sing it for y’all..."

Urm...Wait a minute, I smell a stinky diva concert sweat towel being thrown...didn't Etta praise Beyonce for her execution of the song during the whole Cadillac Records promo junket? And wasn't the full reason Beyonce was tacked to do the performance was because Etta was far too sick to perform at the Inauguration, or so her son said to the media? Hmm...this all sounds kind of like Etta ate some sour grapes. While it's tasteless to go after someone (especially the comments about Obama) for a petty reason, does Etta, as a singing legend have the right to be well...right? If we put ourselves in Etta's shoes, and we had some youngblood vocalist sing our signature song at a historical event like the Inauguration, wouldn't we be just a little peeved that we weren't asked or couldn't perform at the event? I know I probably would be considering how much the song molded and shaped my career, not to mention whenever someone says the name of the song, they immediately think of my performance, no matter who sang the song. Also the question I've been having since Beyonce was pegged to sing at the first dance is this, If Beyonce wasn't available to sing the song (or any song for that matter), who would've been the perfect alternative? I ran down a list of names with a friend of mine the other day and really Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight were the only relevant alternatives that we came up with. While this could go off on another topic totally, think about the state of divas at this point in time. Whitney Houston is MIA, Mariah Carey is not up to par (you heard the revised "Hero"...um no), Aretha Franklin already sang at the opening ceremony, Jennifer Hudson was already prepped for her comeback at a later event, divas-in-training (a la Jazmine Sullivan) wouldn't have made as big of a splash, and while Christina Aguilera would be quite fitting, it all just doesn't add up. So to conclude, while Etta was definitely out of line with her comments, who could blame her really? When you have been on top for a long time, it's hard to come back down that mountain slope you had been hustling to climb all these years to let someone else steal your spotlight....

Update: Apparently, Etta got her D.L. Hughley on and has stated her comments were a mere joke...mmkay, still "The Gospel" applies because well, it's my blog, hahaha.

So what do you think? Do you think Etta was out of line? Or was she correct in her statements? And if Beyonce wasn't available to sing, who would've been the best alternative, if any? Post your opinions in the comments!

Sara Bareilles Feels The Gravity

Believe it or not, there is much more to Sara Bareillies than "Love Song". Just humor me for a second and get in your car/truck/Sedgeway, what have you, and go to your local CD retail shop and pick up the singer's 2007 official debut Little Voice. From there you will hear eleven other songs that sound nothing like "Love Song"...and this is one of them. "Gravity" is a gorgeous piano ballad and the video falls right in line with the song's repertoire. The video's usage of various everyday lights to replicate shooting stars and planets is quite imaginative and it really brings out the best in the song with it's simplistic elegance. I'm quite wishing for Sara to get a little boost on the charts...while this ballad is freckin' amazing, I think "Love On The Rocks" would've been a better entry to get her out of the "one-hit wonder" groove that she's unfairly residing in at the moment.

Spin Me Right Round: 'So Intense' Indeed

True facts: Lisa Fischer was just in the right place at the wrong time. Flash to 1991, Fischer is fresh off of her gig as one of Luther Vandross's back-up vocalists. Her debut album, So Intense is gaining some spark due the thundering "How Can I Ease The Pain", the single is so powerful that it even gets a Grammy award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Now come back to reality...While any gig is better than no gig, as Lisa Fischer is more famous now for being the vocal tigress on The Rolling Stones tours and most recently as the lead backing vocalist at Tina Turner's throwdown tour of last year, still I rather have her headlining her own tours. But alas, we can't always get what we want. It was bad timing when Fischer came out as she was battling fresh faced divas in training, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion and a pre-Bodyguard Whitney Houston, at the time of her debut. It seemed around the early 90's that there were alot of big voiced divas and only a select few would stick around longer to truly leave an impact. Deep down, if Whitney hadn't unleashed, "I Will Always Love You" the following year after Lisa's debut, I have no scruples that Lisa would've been a tough cookie to beat. Still, it wasn't like Lisa didn't bow out without a solid first effort. So Intense is a nicely packaged, elegant and slick little R&B nugget. Mid-tempos and ballads abound the release, but there is always room for a little funk as the striking "Save Me" literally hollers, "smash hit!". Lisa's vocal range is truly the main attraction as she takes simple songs like the bass pluck of "Get Back To Love" and moodiness of "Chain Of Broken Hearts" and makes them sparkle. "How Can I..." is nothing short of fantastic, and this is the type of ballad that seems to be extinct nowadays. Even the title track glows with warmth and power. One listen to So Intense and you wonder where the listening public went wrong, as Lisa Fischer is talent personified. 'So intense' indeed.

Rating: 9.2/10

Just watch...or rather just listen...wowie wowzers can she SING!....Diggin' on those gloves...

Reheating Leftovers: U Got The Look...U Got The Hook

*While I'm still banning the likes of ABC for benching Ugly Betty and cancelling Pushing Daisies *sniff*, they might bring me back as a viewer with the idea to have Pharrell Williams be the subject of a new TV series. Pharrell? A TV Show? Where do I co-sign? Apparently, the rapper's life will be loosely set to an hour-long drama/comedy (tentatively titled Limelight) that will focus on a plot line about a performing arts college. Interesting...I wonder if they will put in the detail of Pharrell's talent for furniture designing...

*So jealous. I couldn't escape talking about this even though it's like two day old news....I slave away at school to one day have the opportunity to go to a Prince party. Seriously, I will do as many Stats problems and pronounce as many Spanish cognitives to get to have that honor...and hopefully he'll have a wham bam party like the one he threw Superbowl Sunday whenever I get my journalistic credentials. There were alot of amazing things that happened at the Prince party this past Sunday, and Pop & Hiss has all the scoop on all the electric sliding, DJ-ing and jam sessions that went down that night. What really shocked me more than Prince slaying out hits, "The Ballad Of Dorothy Parker" and "Irresistible Bitch" was that Anita Baker was there...Anita "Caught Up In The Rapture" Baker...where in hell did she rise from? Whatever, but I got some glee out of her and Debbie Allen electric sliding to "Controversy" at the party.

*Note to Teedra Moses...RELEASE A NEW ALBUM NOW. No more mixtapes PULEEZE! We, the fans, want some progress!! My new affiliates, My Mood Is Music, has got the whole mixtape of Teedra's that is called, Lionhearted for your listening pleasure. The tunes sound great and it seems to ploy one into thinking that Teedra is just getting warmed up for a new album release (which is the rumor that is circulating on the blog-o-sphere these days). As much as I would be ecstatic as a four-year-old kid pumped up on a sugar high about this, I just wish these songs were on an actual pressed glossy CD that I can easily pick up at Hastings for $10.95, thank you much. You can purchase Teedra's mixtape at her MySpace page...and it's pretty darn cheap!

Eh Eh...Cherry Cherry Boom Boom

There is life after "Just Dance". Lady GaGa knows this is true as she has just unleashed a crisp n' fresh video for new single, "Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)", the fourth single from her boss debut, The Fame. You probably already know my opinion about the song as it's filled to the brim of sunshiney pop goodness. So on to the video dissecting! Eh Eh...there's alot of posing, touching of oneself and too much bright spandex-y things going on in this vid...For what it's worth it's cute...in a tacky sort of way. And Lady G expressing her Italian heritage through visual images is kinda amusing, even though the spaghetti shots made me a tad hungry. Still it feels like I've seen this video someplace else before. *snaps* I know where! But I think I'll let Brad from MuuMuse say it for us all...Still I support the GaGa, but this is just quite blah compared to the disco shimmer masterpiece of the"Pokerface" video.

Cover Smother: Stepping Out Off The Page...

For the smarty-artsy pants music listener. I'm a literal loon for Kate Bush. She is in two words: bizarrely brilliant. There aren't any other two words that can describe her, she is just. I'm particularly fond of the cover photo for her 1989 album, The Sensual World. Most famous for featuring the glorious, "This Woman's Work" (which was given new life when Maxwell covered it) and much of what you hear on that song, you'll hear on the album as a whole. The album isn't the best in her catalog (that honor goes to 1980's Never For Ever, but that's another post at another time), but it's still a beautiful and luxurious record. The photograph fits into exactly what the album's music entails. It blooms open just like the rose on the cover, like a secret that's gradually being told...divine.

Album Watch: Leela Is To Be Doing It Again This April

Hello stranger! It's been awhile since we've heard the whereabouts of Miss Leela James. Since the release of her stellar 2005 debut, A Change Is Gonna Come, Leela has been opting to go incognito by performing at cozy venues and switching record labels. Now in 2009, she's returning with her long awaited sophomore disc, appropriately titled, Let's Do It Again. The Los Angeles bred singer switched from Warner Brothers to the more independent Shanachie Records in recent years. James is said to be serving up a steaming plate of that soul comfort food she's known for as she has been digging in the crates of The Staples Singers, Angela Bofill and Bobby Womack for influence. Oooh, la, la, that sounds fabtastic! With the wave of 60's and 70's inspired soul that has been spilling out of the recording studios as of late, it's kind of shocking that Leela hasn't latched on to folks radar. She is a voice to be reckoned with. Let's Do It Again will be hitting the shelves come April of this year.