Audio Vision: Corinne Performs 'Closer' On Ellen, Remains Great While Doing So

Thank you Corinne Bailey Rae. Thank you for performing on Ellen what is probably the best song off of your recent The Sea record. Thank you for literally throwing this song in the pot for possible single fodder. Just a big warm chocolate chip cookie thank you.

Since there was a massive storm that whipped through my area, the local news decided that weather updates for a full hour with footage of pelting rain and doppler radars was more important than listening to the perfect groove known as, "Closer". So this performanced was missed. But here it is for your viewing pleasure if you missed it like I. Corinne does a stunning job of the cut all while dressed in glittery ensemble and having her lush curls just so...looking very much like a throwback to singing chanteuses before her. Bravo.

Artist Watch: Do The 'Beautiful Tango' With Hindi Zahra

The week is almost at a close (finally!) and usually it's time to slow the roll down and just revel in the fact that you've made it to the conclusion of another week. To reward yourself, aside from grabbing that brew of choice, hook on the headphones and zone out to some tunes. If you dig some acoustic soul and can't get enough of Corinne Bailey Rae's newest, The Sea, or are waiting in pain for Sade newness to arrive, you'll probably dig what newcomer Hindi Zahra has in store.

 Paris-based singer-songwriter, Zahra released her debut, Handmade, this year, which the album in itself is perfect for those quiet and calm green tea sipping moments. One song that sticks out is the lush opener of "Beautiful Tango", which truly is beauty in song format. The track is Latin in groove, yet there is a slight Afro-Jazz thing going on as well as Middle-Eastern influence. Sophisticated and simple in nature, "Beautiful Tango" is sure to find a spot on your playlist. Hindi's voice is being likened to that of jazz legend Billie Holiday, and during moments of the track you can hear some Lady Day phrasing revived. Maybe because I've been bouncing off the walls since Monday, but this song really does soothe the mind, and it's just what I needed.

Beautiful Tango

Recycle It!: Bryn Christopher Soulfully Tackles Portishead's 'Sour Times'

Where oh where is Bryn Christopher? Hopefully, I will not have to place his mug on the back of the milk carton and that he is indeed working hard to follow up his 2008 debut, My World, giving us more of that old time soul religion. While we wait and ponder the essence of his MIA abilities, let's look back at a cover that has truly been one of my favorite song transformations. By now you should note that I dig when a soul artist dabbles in rock or alternative music. It's something I think a lot of soul artists should do instead of the usual template of infusing their sounds with hip-hop...but I digress. On Bryn's debut, the man tackled Portishead's 1994 classic, "Sour Times". The original is already perfect as is...


...but when Mr. Christopher does it, the song is warmed up but with a bluesier edge that gives this song new life. A brass exterior and Bryn's gravely wails also give his version that extra kick.

Artist Watch: Rox Steady

There's been some buzzin' going on in my ear about UK vocalist, Rox, and finally I'm going to do something about all this racket in my ears. So what I did was what I do usually when I get imersed in an artist and their sound...scour the web like I'm searching for buried treasure (peg leg and eye patch are optional) and then consult other music heads that I know for the full rounded opinion. Then from there it's all about lodging the artist/band's name in the storage cranium for future reference.

Rox was no different as today, I'm pulling out the manila file folder, hoping off the late bus and disclosing this music subject to you guys. If you're a soul/pop enthusiast like myself, then this should no doubt rock your boat. The South London native is a fan of ranging acts like Joni Mitchell, Sade, Mahalia Jackson and Common, and these varying influences play a part in the makings of Rox's unique and refreshing sound. Not to mention her vocal acrobatics.

Rox is planning to release her debut album, Memoirs, this spring and its to include some spicy numbers like "My Baby Left Me", Reggae influenced, "Rock Steady" and my personal favorite, "No Going Back". Recently, Rox was pegged on BBC's "Sounds Of 2010" list not to mention was featured on MTV's "10 To Watch in 2010" ...so you know right away that hopping on Rox's bandwagon is serious business and one ride that shouldn't be missed. Peep the new music video for "My Baby Left Me" after the cut, and dig the streams of "Rock Steady" and "No Going Back" to get a feel for what Rox is delivering.

Rock SteadyNo Going Back

Cover Smother: Angela Puts Her Back Into It

What a voice. One of the premier divas of 80's Quiet Storm and one who really knew how to peg a song.

Formerly of the duo, Rene & Angela, Angela Winbush went solo in 1987 and released her debut, Sharp, which title is clearly on point. Features the hit singles, "Angel", "Hello Beloved" and "C'est Toi". When I think of the 80's, I think of this album cover...it's the hot pink gloves that do it.

First Impressions: Healing Through Music, Corinne Bailey Rae Shows You The Way

For anyone who has gone through a period of loss, whether it was the loss of a loved one or loss of sense of self, Corinne Bailey Rae has crafted an album that fits all those moods and more, breathing life into the mindset that music does indeed heal and console the human spirit.  

We know of the tragedy that occurred in Rae's life, that dealt with the death of her husband, saxophonist Jason Rae and we can understand why Rae stepped out of the spotlight. Three years Rae was silent, and now she has sliced through the quiet and is healing through music and what has come of it is her sonic sophomore effort, The Sea. Though it's unfair to quote Madonna in a review for a Rae record, but it comes to mind that The Sea is Rae's "Substitute For Love", a comfort of sorts, a blank journal that is now filled with words and emotions, used to bring peace of mind and to remain grounded. The album achieves this, and shows that Rae has evolved as a songwriter and as a performer.

It took a few listens, the right mood and just the right amount of acceptance, to understand that The Sea is not a typical foray into soul/folk territory, that there is more beneath the waves of its aquatic existence and that this is an album immersed in growth.

Audio Vision: Prepare For A Rise In Anticipation For Sade's 'Solider Of Love'

 Strangely, I've never been much of a February person. It's the shortest month, yet it seems the longest, possibly because I'm itching to get to March and have the realization that Spring Break and the ability to wear sandals and shorts are on the horizon. Yet, this year, February cannot get here quick enough, and its all due to Sade. If you haven't been hibernating like a hermit for about three months, you're fully aware that Sade, the band and the woman, are coming back to light next month with their upcoming, Soldier of Love project.

The fantastic title track single is out, the visually entertaining music video is getting airplay and now we have a behind the scenes look at what the album is to entail. This nicely done mini-documentary shows the band at work on the Solider of Love record, and here we get to see that this isn't just an ordinary album project, that this album has been handled with care. You know the way an album should be produced....seriously, you don't get to see this too often. So spend eleven minutes of your day with Sade and see real musicians at work. Shouts to XO's Middle Eight for the heads up.

Solider Of Love will be in stores February 9, 2010.  

Wipe Off The Dust: Back Up...Jody Watley Had Some Singles Before "Looking For A New Love"?

One glorious thing about the Internet is that it is a never-ending abyss of knowledge...especially knowledge that you can find out about late at night when you're bored, have no place else to go and have a penchant for fighting sleep (like I do). To me, that's when the best and sometimes craziest discoveries are unearthed, thus posts like these are crafted. While I was engaging in some Jody Watley video fare, I dug around and found out that Miss Watley had some solo singles out long before she released her self-titled 1987 solo debut and won a Best New Artist Grammy. Now maybe some of you guys and gals may have known of this, and if you do...you get a box of Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies, because this piece of info is all new to me. And here I thought I knew a majority of Watley's body of work. Well, you always learn something new everyday...

After doing some investigative music journalism, it was found out that after Watley split from the group Shalamar, she started recording for a solo album in the UK and released two promo singles, "Where The Boys Are" and "Girls Night Out" in 1984 under just her first name. The songs didn't spark much fanfare, thus the proposed album was never crafted. Proof of Watley jump starting her solo career right after Shalamar parted ways lies in this long-lost video of the single, "Where The Boys Are" (which you can see after the cut).

Always the fashionista, Watley was always ahead of the style game, and in the vid for "Where The Boys Are" you can see the beginnings of that fashion evolution right down to the men dress shirts, full bloom skirts and gloves. Yet, she looked more polished and buffed by the time she released "Looking For A New Love", plus had the addition of sterling silver hoop earrings that were as a big as a fist. Even though she looks great, that hair is making me take the "say something nice challenge"...

First Impressions: Gorillaz On The 'Beach' With Womack and Mos Def

It's been a moment since "Feel Good Inc." would wake me up every day during my freshman year in college, jump starting my days of uncomfortable higher learning. Now dive into this year the virtual band, Gorillaz are releasing a brand new album, entitled Plastic Beach. The group's third outing to feature some massive names on its tracklisting, as De La Soul, Lou Reed, Little Dragon and Snoop Dogg are just a few of the names to be on the Beach.

Currently the futuristic slip n' slide of first single, "Stylo" premiered on Giant Step, and it's funky beyond belief. Featuring Mos Def and the legendary, Bobby Womack, "Stylo" eerily pulsates along with a gurgling synth backbeat that bridges classic soul, new-wave and trip-hop for a seedy listening experience. Just a perfect combination all around, especially with the addition of Womack, who's vocals add a certain grit to the track. Listen and download below.

Plastic Beach will be released March, 8th.

First Impressions: Goldfrapp's 'Rocket' Takes Flight

Blast off! It was mentioned awhile back that Goldfrapp were diving 'head first' into a brand new project and that single, "Rocket" was to be a frackin' fantastic return to electro-funk this side of what the group achieved on 2006's Supernature. Well, they were not lying, as "Rocket", the first single from the upcoming Head First, is a delicious pop trip that literally shoots you into the stars. Okay, hokey aeronautic lingo aside, "Rocket" seriously is a finely crafted electric funk n' pop slide that is a synth lover's dream. The synths that bless this track sorta remind me of Van Halen's "Jump", Kim Wilde's "The Second Time" or something that Giorgio Moroder would've guided Irene Cara into. In short, it's VERY 80's that the neon glow will burn. Still, it's a great kick start to whatever the rest of Head First has in store.

 "Rocket" got a surprise appearance over on Australian iTunes yesterday, and of course it flew around the Internet like hot cakes flying off the griddle. The single wasn't supposed to grace ear drums until possibly next month, but no time like the present Internet leak right?

So if 2008's Seventh Tree and its earthy folk tones didn't pump your juices, there is no doubt that Head First will rock, skate and jump you into the roller rink floors of the 80's. 

Rocket 

First Impressions: Vivian Green Returns With Something 'Beautiful'

  Maybe Vivian Green read the signalling brain waves...the waves I was sending her via clairvoyance talent, ordering her to pop her head into the room and give us a memo that she was indeed working on a brand new set of songs. She must have received the messages, because Ms. Green is indeed coming up to the surface after being on hiatus since her sophomore set, 2005's Vivian. Now the product of this break is the graceful piano Gospel of  "Beautiful", a track that clearly showcases Ms. Green's vocal abilities wonderfully, and gives a positive message about treating women with respect. Almost in the same vein as Karyn White's "Superwoman", but for the 21st Century and has a less dramatic feel to it.

While not as truly spectacular as one would expect, as I could think of about four other R&B/Soul songstresses who could've pulled this off as well (Alicia Keys and Jazmine Sullivan come to mind), yet it is just refreshing to know that Vivian is sticking around and letting us hear her voice.

Beautiful

Riddle Me List: 10 Faces On The Milk Carton Of Music

Artists of all formats are fickle people, especially when they want to take a break from their work. Writers take sabbaticals to beaches, painters might chop off an ear (I kid.) while film actors get bored and do stage work to gain artistic cred. Musicians on the other hand kind of drop a one or two manifestos of sound and then drop from sight, never to be heard from again. In light of Sade, Keke Wyatt and possibly D'Angelo (cough, cough) making 2010 their year to break their hibernation habits, lets look at some musical artists who we haven't seen much of lately. Some are old, some are new...and all are really just artists that I'm sort of waiting for their second act so I can stop holding my breath.

1. Remy Shand

Canadian bred, Shand physically had an advantage as the soulful Caucasoid long before Justin Timberlake left *NSYNC, Robin Thicke gained a foothold and after Jon B. escaped from people's minds. Shand was a promising artist, well on his way to bigger things when his 2002 debut, The Way I Feel was released with the single, "Take A Message", becoming a darling of the neo-soul movement. He had that raw artist power (The Way I Feel was recorded in his own bedroom, now that's roughin' it) and soulful quality that brought in a blend of Maxwell and Jamaroquai mentality. All good stuff occurring yet, we haven't heard from him since. So where is he? Still in his bedroom recording an album?

2. Puff Johnson
Puff Johnson had a fool-proof music career, as her 1996 debut album, Miracle was classy, had the ability to be so consistent that it could go past its shelf-life and it was just good. Produced by Randy Jackson (yes,  Randy "Yo Dawg!" Jackson) Miracle made it seem like Puff had something good going...yet good things don't last for long as after her strong chart entry, "Forever More", the hits evaporated. Puff has only recently last seen as a credit on three Leela James songs off of Ms. James' 2005 debut, A Change Is Gonna Come. But no follow-up to Miracle has been in the works, nor may never appear.

3. Billy Lawrence
Lawrence came into the R&B world circa 1994 with her debut, One Might Say, and it was perfect timing considering how the 1990's was a prolific time for R&B artists, as they were coming out of the woodwork by the hundreds. Exaggeration aside, Billy Lawrence was one of the more unique vocalists of the time as her cooing soprano made her debut quite the lush treat. To throw this out, One Might Say is one of my favorite R&B albums from the 90's, so yeah, I'm being obscenely bias...but  its a shame that Billy didn't go pass album #2 (Paradise) and gain a foothold. 

Album Watch: Maroon 5 To Break Their 3 Year Sabbatical With New 'Thrill Ride'

To add onto the ongoing grocery list of music for 2010, Maroon 5 are diving into this new year with a brand new album and they have advised us that it's to be the "white-knuckle thrill ride of the year". Well, let me just fasten my seat belt and get ready for a bumpy ride, Bette Davis style. The as-yet-untitled album from Adam Levine and the boys, is to be the follow-up to the group's, 2007 album, It Won't Be Soon Before Long and is said to be to be following in the same vein as the groups 2002 debut, Songs About Jane as it's to be more "organic". While "organic" is a generic descriptive in my book, but thank jeebus that this new effort will pick up on some sounds from their debut. Songs About Jane was surprising little jalapeno of an album, with great songs like "Sunday Morning", "She Will Be Loved" and "Harder To Breathe", that got me into being a fan of this group and of course Adam Levine's voice.

Strangely, the band have released about five teaser trailers describing the "coming soon" aspect of the album...which to me seems pointless because the trailers don't even include any new music, just some chilling classical tones, flashes of images of the band in the studio. Why they chose to make the trailers look like bad and pretentious Oscar presentations, I don't know...but if you're bored or just want to see some pretty photography, the fifth trailer is behind the cut.

Buzzy Wuzzy: If Your Life Was A Musical, Would "Spice Up Your Life" Be Playing In Background?

Imagine. Lots of lipgloss, hair mascara, catchphrases (Zig-a-zig-ah), platform sneakers....and Chupa Chups lollipops. Add in the music of the Spice Girls and whamo....you have entertainment. Though that sounds more like my middle school treasure box  upchucking all over the place, but in reality it's what you might see during a brand new musical. Yes, you read right, a musical based on the music of Britian's top 90's girl group is brewing to become all the way live and is to be potent with the aroma of Girl Power.

Viva Forever, is being crafted by Judy Craymer, the producer behind the ABBA themed musical, Mamma Mia! in its Broadway and screen formats.  Spice svengali and American Idol creator, Simon Fuller is also on board as producer for London West End show. No word on what the musical is going to be about but if it doesn't include glitter, spandex onesies and a character wearing Baby Spice's pigtails then it's truly not going to be authentic!

I have to say if they can make Green Day's American Idiot album into a musical not to mention devote ABBA's music into a syrupy and campy cinematic and Broadway manifesto...then why not?

Artist Watch: Keeping Up With Duffy

Are you prepared to have some Duffy in your life? Blog partner, Mr. Will posed this question: Where in the world is Duffy? And it's been a question that I have been asking myself since it has been about two years since we've heard anything from the honey-blonde warbler. Where is she and what is she up to musically? To refresh your brains, the Welsh singer rose to fame with the massive can't-get-out-of-your brain, "Mercy". The song ended up having people write her off  prematurely as a one-hit-wonder as Duffy wasn't considered to be as accessible as Adele or as seedy as Amy Winehouse. A shame since she had only one song to prove herself. The singer's debut, Rockferry is quite an elegant album, especially once you hear beyond "Mercy." Songs like "Stepping Stone", the title track and "Warwick Avenue" were far superior, but people's attention spans do wane out.

Hopefully, like me, you've stuck around and have wanted to see what Duffy has in store for her second act and second act she has for us. Apparently the production for the follow-up to Rockferry was delayed due to Duffy not being pleased with how her management was running as well as the direction for her sophomore effort. Now it has been disclosed that Duffy has been working with producer/writer Albert Hammond Sr. and surprisingly, ?uestlove from The Roots. The direction of the album has been noted to "feel like it was born in 1963". Well, if it's anything like Rockferry, then I'm pleased as Crystal Light fruit punch to get a chance to hear it and know that Duffy is no one-trick pony.

Audio Vision: Another Hint To Why 'Un-thinkable' Is One Of Alicia Keys' Finest Hours

Please, please let me get what I want...said The Smiths, and I what I want is for Alicia Keys to stop serving us that cake walk called "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" and release "Unthinkable (I'm Ready)" as a single. Now. This instant. Without hesitation.

She seems like she's poised to do it, as she's been sneakily peppering it into some performance set lists, but this performance at the AOL Sessions, proves why this is one of Keys' finest hours this side of  2003's "Diary". But you know this already. The Sessions performance is quite luxe, the band is on the mark and Moody Alicia is in the building, and yes, I like her this way. Why? To me, when Alicia strips things down to a simpler bone on a ballad, she really soars. I say she should release this to get herself out of the trenches of middle ground soul she's been squatting in as of late. But alas, what will probably happen is someone will screw it up and release her cut with Beyonce, "Put It In A Love Song" instead just because it'll appeal to the kiddies who can't seem have the attention span to appreciate a classy and well-thought out ballad.

Wipe Off The Dust: Sheena Easton Tackles The 3 M's

I admit. I'm a fan of Sheena Easton. It's not easy to admit that as people my age don't delve in Miss Easton (much less know about her), but it's the truth. In a strange circumstance, 1982's Madness, Money and Music is my favorite record from Miss Easton as, to me, its her most cohesive, shows her at her vocally best (before the synths took over her pipes) and contains songs that hint at Easton experimenting at varying genres. The cover photo tells other wise as this looks like it's a soft-rock snooze fest chock filled with pasty ballads due to Sheena looking like she's on the cover of a Land's End catalog, ready for a weekend in Nantucket with that straw hat on. Yet looks are deceiving.

Things were a little rot your teeth saccharine sweet when Sheena released her debut single, "9 To 5 (Morning Train)" in 1980. But this third effort hints at Sheena trying on new stylish hats as each song feels different from the last and shows the growth of sound on Sheena's part. Throw out the tart and annoying, "Machinery" (which was stupidly released as the first single), and you've got a classy album on your hands. Things got much more interesting when she teamed up with Nile Rodgers, Prince and Babyface later down the road, but this is when Sheena was belting out sappy ballads and punchy bubblegum pop spiked with soul and rock influences. While this album is (absurdly) overpriced, it's one of those albums that if you enjoy Sheena Easton's belting out about "strutting" and *ahem* "sugar walls", then there is no shame in scoping out the earlier music that led her to that raunchy place during the latter parts of the 80's...Songs of choice after the cut...

Crisp N' Fresh: Erik Hassle Aims For America With Another Vid For 'Hurtful'

Erik Hassle may have set a record for having the most music videos for one song, as this is his third (or fourth...lost count) for his wonderful song, "Hurtful". Yet, this one is supposed to be extra-special as it has been fashioned to appeal to American audiences, as the Swedish vocalist/guitarist conquers the States with his brand of pop/rock. The video is visually engaging with some lovely background and visual effects, and oh, some red, white and blue powder splashes (hmm...red, white and blue, how obvious). Yet with all this prettiness was it that necessary to make a fourth video?

Hassle's album, Pieces, will get an Stateside release sometime this Spring 

First Impressions: Raheem Devaughn Waves The Haters Off

Catching my ears up to Raheem Devaughn's 2010 single entry, which is energetically getting me in the mood to conquer the Senior-itis Blues as I head back to the college campus next week. Last week, Rah dropped his new single, "I Don't Care" on his Twitter, and it's a hand-clapping, horn peppered funk fest that addresses how Rah is not letting the haters get in the way of the love for his lady. Oddly, the song reminds me of Robin Thicke's "Magic" possibly due to the phrasing and layout of the track...though this track is produced by Ne-Yo.

After having mixtapes and loose tracks (see "Re-Invented Sex" and "Bulletproof") its quite refreshing to hear something concrete coming from The Love & War Masterpiece, Rah's upcoming third effort. Though Raheem DeVaughn isn't on heavy rotation with me (oops upside my head), I'm glad that there are still some men keeping the soul movement alive with velvety vocals and a sense of class. So listen and then download free courtesy of Rah. The Love & War Masterpiece is due in stores this February.

I Don't Care DL: I Don't Care

Heavenly Choir: Teddy Pendergrass (1950 - 2010)

Teddy Pendergrass, former member of Harold and the Blue Notes and soul veteran has passed at the age of 59. Truly sadden by this news, grew up listening to his music. May he rest in peace. 

Album Watch: The Ting Tings To Give Us 'Art'

'Shut up and let me go!' The Ting Tings are releasing a new album? Indeedy. In a sense, 2008's We Started Nothing is what a pop tart eater would consider to be the perfect mesh of punk meets pop, its spiked cotton candy if you will. Now to follow-up We Started Nothing, the newly Grammy nominated duo from London are set for the challenge, and are doing so sooner than thought. Recently, the duo announced that their second album is to be called Kunst, which means "art" in German, and its to be released sometime later this year. They derived the name from a massage parlor the band have come across, but possibly don't expect a calm nature to surround the album as the band have noted that "lots of synths" are to be the music groundwork of the album. Jay-Z and Rihanna have been rumored collaborators on the set, yet nothing has been set in stone. Still anxious nonetheless to hear what quirky pop these two have in store.

Album Watch: Marsha Ambrosius To Grace Us With A Feast Of Sounds In 2010

In essence, the former Floetry vocalist, Marsha Ambrosius should've had an album out a long time ago, especially after she's been more than kind with writing and collaborating with the likes of Nas, Common, Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and the late Michael Jackson, not to mention releasing mixtapes, Neo-Soul Is Dead and Yours Truly. Yet, good things come to those of us who have waited for Marsha to release an full-length album all on her own.

Soul Culture has confirmed Ms. Ambrosius is prepping for a brand new album after just singing with J Records. The tentatively titled, Sincerely Yours...Marsha Ambrosius, is slated to drop sometime this year as Marsha is currently in studio "putting the icing on the cake." Ambrosius also confirmed she is working with producers, Dre & Vidal and Just Blaze, as well as some to be announced guest stars. She expressed her reasoning for why she's taking her time with crafting the release as she said:

"I treat my music like home cooked meals, it takes time, can’t just bung it in the microwave or order it to go in 5mins.  I need to get all these flavors making sense together and have my listeners pressing play and letting it repeat over and over till you realize you listened to that song already."

Sounds like this album will definitely be a full course meal that is sure to appease or appetites. Seriously, 2010 just keeps get better and better...

Crisp N' Fresh: Sade Goes Equestrian and Tackles The Battlefield of 'Love'

Music videos in the present sense don't impress me much. Sure I was gushing over Jay-Z's last week...but while visually stunning, the song was lacking. Never are two and two put together, where both the song and the video are knock-out-flat great. As the anticipation mounts for Sade's Solider of Love comeback, its time to partake in the visual aspect of the debut single, which, thankfully, feels exactly as the song projects. With a gloomy painted desert backdrop, billowing scarfs, horse mounting, and military meets home-on-the-range-esque theme, the Sophie Muller directed video does in fact compliment the song in a classic artistic western fashion. It is vintage Sade, as this video is linear to the visual looks of videos gone by (see "No Ordinary Love" , "By Your Side" and "The Sweetest Taboo") due to the shadow and minimalistic imagery effects, and of course Ms. Adu's flawless look. See this is a video where little goes a long way. Just lovely.

Cover Smother: Goldfrapp Has Head In The Clouds

*hums Chaka Khan's "Clouds"* This is probably the sunniest (and pinkest) of Goldfrapp's covers, but I kind of like how this artwork feels, it's warm and inviting. I mean who wouldn't want to see Alison Goldfrapp's face in the clouds? It's almost like a sign provoking you to build an ark or to discover uncharted territory, or something like that.  

Head First arrives in stores on March 23rd of this year.

Crisp N' Fresh: 'Who Knew' Keke Wyatt Was On The Comeback?

Keke Wyatt was a voice in R&B that I figured I would never hear again...especially after two albums being shelved and oh, yeah that stabbing thing...but when it popped up that Ms. Wyatt was in line for a 2010 comeback with a new album, single and video, it was quite a shock. As a refresher, Wyatt released a quite sublime debut album called, Soul Sista, in 2001 with the assistance of producers such as Avant and Steve Huff, and she was wildly lauded on urban radio due to her vocal talents. Wyatt is now picking up where she left off from with a new album, Who Knew? that is due in stores February 23rd of this year.

The first single is the title track, and we have a lovely video accompaniment to go along with the anticipation for the record. The song is actually better than the video, which is kind of the typical "singing into the microphone and hanging out with a guy" video that singers love to put out. But Keke looks lovely in it and the song isn't half-bad, so enjoy and prep to add Keke to your list of "2010 One's To Watch".

Artist Watch: Rafiya Gives Us A Lesson In The Language Of Music

Any soul purist knows that Philadelphia is one of the many breeding grounds of some of the top soul artists, and newcomer Rafiya is no exception. Although not a native of Philly, the Los Angeles born and all around the world raised (her father was a diplomat and Rafiya lived in the Congo, Barbados and the Ivory Coast...just to name a few) gathered her musical chops at Temple University in Philadelphia. Though Rafiya has lived all over, her sound embodies that Philly soul spirit perfectly, and it shows in her debut track, "Amazing" which blends acoustic folk with modern R&B for a lush and poetic musical display. It is noted in her biography that "music is her language", and that leads me to believe that Rafiya wants teach us how a true talent lays it all out. And lay it out she does.

Rafiya's Amazing EP was released last year and is available for download from Rafiya's official site. Its a great collection of songs in English and French, that surely showcases Rafiya's vocal talents, penchant for grainy Spanish guitars and lush and warm soul arrangements. For a slice of something nice to get you in the groove of Rafiya, check out the streams of "Amazing" and the female response to Musiq Soulchild's amazing, "So Beautiful". And if you want to experience more of Rafiya's musical offerings, the download for the Amazing EP is here, and the best thing is that it's free!

Amazing

So Beautiful (Remix - Female Response to Musiq Soulchild's "So Beautiful")

DL: Amazing - The EP

Album Watch: Jill Scott To Give Us 'The Light Of The Sun' In 2010

Shame on me for forgetting to include Jill Scott in my pool for those who should make an appearance to kick off the noughteens with style. 2010 is clearly shaping up to be a banner year for music as we have the great expectation of Jilly from Philly releasing a brand new volume of words and sounds. The Light Of The Sun, is set to warm up our spring and summer with a possible release around the turn of . The album is bestly described as "a flurry of emotional poetry" and is no doubt going to be another winner from Scott. In honesty, this album could be a concept album about pickles and I'd be enthralled just the same, because Scott's poetics and robust vocal delivery are worth admission to her albums alone.

And if that's not enough from the neo-soul chanteuse, also in the works for Miss Scott are two new films (Tyler Perry's Why'd I Get Married Too, and Lifetime's Sins of a Mother), a Marvel cartoon series and returning to the stage to be apart of other musical femme fatales (such as Erykah Badu, Sarah McLachlan and Mary J. Blige) on the 2010 Lilith Fair Tour. Talk about "golden".

Buzzy Wuzzy: Shove It, Whip It

Because we all need to know what is going on....

• Santigold is planning to produce tunes for none other than Devo [PitchF]
• Solange and Janelle Monae are to go indie with Of Montreal [NME]
•  Mariah Carey became a babbling brook while accepting an award for her role in Precious [YT]
• Sam Cooke documentary is to premiere on PBS after being 12 years in the making [Spinner]
• Foreign Exchange's Darien Brockington and Carlitta Durand have new EP's [SBounce]
• Tiffany Evans has just signed to Music World Entertainment, aka the lair of Papa Knowles [PropB]
• Pharrell Williams is writing original music for the new CGI-movie, Despicable Me [CSN]
• Whore's Mascara is a new pop group...seriously [Melismatic]
• Lenny Kravitz discloses about his now leaked 2004 Michael Jackson collab, "Another Day" [RapU]
• Sophie Ellis-Bextor is getting 'Bittersweet' with new single + album news [HCMusic]
• Kanye West's New Year's Resolution about played out rappers, comparisons to Nina Simone and oh, yeah, new music...and it's in all caps, as to not disappoint [KWU]
• Robyn is lining up a sixth album that is to come earlier than you think [MuuM]

*Photo "jacked" from TT  

First Impressions: A Reason To 'Love' Tweet Again

Pigs must be flipping and flapping their wings outside of my window as Tweet has emerged with a crisp and fresh track. Yes, you are reading right, Miss Southern Hummingbird is making 2010 her comeback year. Tweet's musical output has been helter skelter since the mid-noughties as she has been popping in once every year or so (it seems) with a singular track and promises of an album (Love, Tweet has been in limbo since 2007). The last track that I can recall being leaked from the Love, Tweet project has been the hand-clapper scatting influenced, "Anymore" and that seems like eons ago.

But that was then, this is now, and in the now Tweet has released, "Love Again", a gorgeous piano driven mid-tempo ballad that floats along gracefully and proves that Tweet hasn't lost her touch for classy balladry. Everything seems on the up and up for a return to form, as this great track is up for purchase on iTunes. Hopefully in 2010, we'll all fall in 'love again' with Tweet.

Love Again

Audio Vision: Robin Thicke Discusses 'Sex Therapy' On Chelsea Lately

Since being at back in Nowhereseville, Texas for the holidays, my cable viewage has been limited, thus I miss one of my nightly watches, Chelsea Lately on E!. For those who have no clue, Chelsea Lately is the fabulous snarky late-night talk show by comedian, Chelsea Handler (if you haven't read her books, especially Are You There Vodka? It's Me Chelsea, you're missing out!). Well, on Monday, Robin Thicke plopped his fine self down in one of Chelsea's armchairs and traded innuendos with the comedian and discussed baby news, how he's associated with The Facts of Life theme song and the wonders of hookah. Fun.Though Sex Agony Therapy didn't get me riled up, it's nice to see Mr. Thicke sitting down for an interview, cause he's one of those faces we usually don't see chatting it up on late night TV. Hats to Pinboard for the heads up.

Recycle It!: VV Brown Gets 'Padlocked'

The 80's music nut that I am latched onto this like the roof of a mouth to peanut butter. Here we have British quirktress, VV Brown take on Gwen Guthrie's 1983 classic, "Padlock" and it's a nice excursion into modern funk. Gwen Guthrie released the Larry Levan produced, "Padlock" off of her second effort, Portrait. After it got an offical release in 1985 it became one of the singer's signature cuts not to mention a dance club smash.

Now some 25 years later, VV Brown covered the track for the HMV My Inspiration series, and inspired she was, as VV takes on Guthrie's classic quite smoothly and with lots of spunk, adding in more synth effects to give it that early 80's R&B sheen. Though it doesn't stray too far out of making the song sound totally different, it's a listen that let's you do the time warp again and reminisce about a time where R&B wasn't so complicated.

Padlock (VV Brown) 

Padlock (Gwen Guthrie)

First Impressions: Roisin Zings About In 'Momma's Place'

Wowie! 2010 has officially begun musically for me and it all rests in the Roisin Murphy's fresh out of the oven single, "Momma's Place". The title might ring some bells as it was announced last year that this was to be one of Roisin's new musical creations, and now to usher into the new year we finally get to hear the finalized version. And what a pinball zig-zag of a musical trip we are taken on. You might need your seatbelt for this as this song drives fast. "Momma's Place" surges with influences that feel like dance groups of yesteryear just exploded all over the place. It's a masterful colliding of early 90's club dance (think Snap! and La Bouche) and late 80's synth mahem (think Company B and Expose) and its just perfect. Not to mention the striking lyrics and the way Roisin's eerie gravely soulful tone just wraps itself along with the spitfire groove. Just love this to bits. "Momma's Place", the single, will be officially released come January 18th. Listen after the cut for the perfect slice of pop funk, served hot n' fresh.

Song Stuck In My Head: Going 'Over My Head'

"Mickey" really sucks. Bold statement, but I don't think it deserves to be on any 80's "best of" whatever list and it totally undermines what Toni Basil has done musically. On the contrary that "Mickey" is achingly catchy and is easy to like, yet after hearing beyond that particular song, I have come to the conclusion that its Basil's worst song. As Basil's music career stalled before it began, she did release some fun songs (see 1986's "Girls Night Out" from Modern Girls) and some cheeky albums, her best being her 1983 self-titled final hour. Toni Basil feels more like a soundtrack for dance/mall rat moves of that time, as the music is spirited, filled with synths and its drips in hot pink gloss. The album spawned only two hits, "Street Beat" and "Over My Head", the latter track being more my speed. Even though "Over My Head" does sound like Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" in the beginning, it dives into something that is energetic electric candy, and just puts a rush on me. The music visual below displays Toni's kooky personality, not to mention her talent for being a dancer and choreographer, yet somehow this pop perfection didn't take off as planned, because after it, no other songs were released from Toni Basil. Shame, as it shows that there was more to Basil than a cheerleader romper. 

Crisp N' Fresh: Jay-Z Goes To The 'Next' Level In Artsy Fartsy Vid

Is it possible to like a music video over the initial song? That is something to wonder because usually my indecisive self swings in the opposite direction, where the video never does the song justice (see John Legend's "Green Light" video for an example...yep, still mad about that one). In the case of Jay-Z's video for new Blueprint 3 single, "On To The Next One" he has done the impossible and created a visual that outshines the track it's based on. Serious, I even turned the volume on mute and watched it...you know for "scenic  beauty". I guess I'm a sucker for bizarro imagery in a stark black n' white backdrop because the video captivated my attention till the screen faded. You'll see great fire balls of basketballs, crystal skulls, Joker-esque Emo-ites and leaping fashionistas, and that's just four images. This is a video where you don't question what is going on as the imagery speaks (or doesn't speak) for itself. Just kind of sit back and let the glossy cinematography take you. 

Album Watch: Great Expectations For 2010

As I continue breaking into 2010 like a new pair of shoes, the anticipation and high hopes for a musically stunning year are rising. Hopefully, 2010 will be a perfect fit, where the music just feels right from the first note and isn't awash in mediocrity. Towards the end of last year, there were a few musical endorphins that cropped up that spiked my excited meter to well...Pointer Sisters "I'm So Excited" proportions. This year we'll hopefully be seeing returns for album number two (Corrine Bailey Rae, Santigold), for those who have been pulling our legs (Bilal, Erykah Badu) and for those we've waited on till hair has probably turned gray (Sade, D'Angelo). So what am I looking forward too marinating my ear drums with the beginning of the 'noughteens'? A rundown of the confirmed, the rumored and those who should make an appearance this year.    

The Confirmed Brigade 

Sade - Soilder Of Love
We've heard the thundering title track, peeked at the tracklisting and seen that Miss Sade Adu doesn't look a day over 25. Now it's time to welcome back the band after ten grueling years. Oh, yes, I'm ready for this.

Expectation:  A modern take on what 1986's Promise was...and continuing on what the epic escapade that "Solider Of Love" took us on.

Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Part Two: Return of The Ankh
She has already had the listening session for it, the critics have already weighed in, now it is time for Ms. Badu to wow us and make us scratch our heads all over again at the musical taspetry she will be throwing at us.

Expectation: For Erykah Badu to expand on her sound, making it even more undefinable and sounding even more intriguing than previous efforts.

Corinne Bailey Rae - The Sea
We know why Corinne has spent three years away from the microphone, now she is returning with her heart on her sleeve and her guitar saddled in her lap ready to warm us up all over again. She even pushed up the release date for The Sea, and that is golden.

Expectation: Admit it. We all like it when an artist has some sort of inner turmoil or drama whenever they make a record, and after hearing "Closer" and "I'd Do It All Again", this album might be the deepest set of songs we'll hear all year.

Goldfrapp - Head On
2008's Seventh Tree was sinisterly beautiful, but I like it when Goldfrapp are wallowing in grungy trip-hop and electronic pop sewer water. The first single, "Rocket" has been likened to what "Ooo La La" was all about and that sounds like we're heading in the right direction.
Expectation: If 2003's "Strict Machine" was a full album. 

Christina Aguilera - Bionic
"Light & Darkness" has now become "Bionic" and while I don't particular like either title, the line-up of producers alone has got me salivating for this. Sia, Ladytron, M.I.A., Santigold, Le Tigre, Tricky Stewart, Linda Perry, Goldfrapp...all and more have been confirmed to be latched to this project.

Expectation: With the roster of producers and the "futuristic" nature this album has been buzzing about, it's about time that Christina went to the second phase of her career. Hopefully, Christina just really just blows it out of the water, leaving other pop/R&B divas with their fishnets down to their ankles.

Happy 2010!

We have made it to another year! Happy New Years to all my adventurers! Looking forward to what 2010 has in store for us musically :)