First Impressions: Christina Aguilera Is 'Not Herself' On Dance Floor Stomper

Christina Aguilera is trying on a new pair of stilettos and I'm quite glad, cause I have missed her so, and Back to Basics is so last decade! The pop diva has been teasing us (and no that iamwhoiam viral phenom was not a taunt) as all last week she kept dropping "BIG NEWS" (and the Kanye West caps were necessary). The BIG NEWS came in the forms of single cover art for "Not Myself Tonight", lyrics to the song, the cover art for her album Bionic, and then a snippet of the "Tonight" single...wahoo. 

Now finally Christina has the BIG NEWS I was waiting for and it's the audio to "Not Myself Tonight"...now that's more like it! The Polow Da Don produced track is a ram-bam dance explosion, with squeaky synths and punchy percussive rhythms. At face value, it's got "hit" smeared all over it because it's that electro-pop sound that dominates Top 40 airwaves nowadays, it's infectious and Christina's vocals just slide over this like a more funkier "Dirrty". Some will no doubt compare this to Lady GaGa (since they are sooo alike *rolls eyes*) for argument sake, yet, in a way this is a nicely polished return for Christina. Though I was hoping for something a little more left field, in all, it's truly not what I was expecting and that's the fun of it.  

Bionic will be in stores June 8th, so mark your calenders.

Not Myself Tonight

Crisp N' Fresh: Kelis' Goes To Wanderland In 'Acapella' Video

You know what I really like about this Kelis video for single, "Acapella"? That David Guetta produced song (which I happen to like) is a massive glow stick waving club manifesto, yet she is not in a club, because that would've been too easy and really unimaginative on Kelis' part, and we all know that she is one singer who doesn't settle for less. Less this video is not.

In a visually captivating turn, Kelis dons a series of outfits from being a nomad out on the dunes to rocking spikes and hanging out with some lounging canines, and there are many more wardrobe changes and scenery switcheroos that keeps you entertained up to the end where we get to see why Kelis' used to sing 'acapella'.

First Impressions: The Emergence Of 'Return Of The Ankh'

By now we should know the time line of Erykah Badu's career, and how it all began in 1997 with Badu at the forefront of the bubbling neo-soul movement, and her testament, Baduizm as the soundtrack. Unlike what was rotating at the time, the album took the R&B movement into another lane and gave an alternative to the frosted glitter of sports gear adorned pop divas. Skip ahead to 2008 and the emergence of New Amerykah Part One: 4th World War and the moment where we got to see Erykah extend her creative flow into wider shores.

Now we have the second addition to the New Amerykah tale, Return of the Ankh, and it glides in sonically, easily and plays just as potent as the first due to production by Madlib, James Poyser and 9th Wonder. Ankh is the ying to 4th World War’s yang, and though both albums play on the bygone sounds of the 1970's funk and soul, Ankh is much more understated and more intimate than it's predecessor. 

First Impressions: Nelly Furtado's Goes Back To Basics On New Track

Well, what do we have here? Some unexpected newness from Nelly Furtado that showcases a departure from the crackling spice of 2006's Loose, the album that brought her together with super producer, Timbaland and gave her the monster single, "Say It Right". Currently, the Canadian vocalist is gearing up to release a brand new album, titled Lifestyle, this year to follow up, 2009's Spanish language, Mi Plan.

Furtado has only hinted that she is going to evolve from what she has done on previous efforts and apply them to this upcoming set...but don't all artists say that just to mess with us? C'mon Nelly, get real, you just don't want to do Loose 2: Looser Than Loose. But that's fine by me as the latest cut from Lifestyle, "Girlfriend In This City" is quite exquisite.

The track recalls the sound that Furtado did on her criminally overlooked 2003 effort, Folklore, with it's waterfall of orchestral elements and cautious lyric delivery. It's got that real natural feel to it, and I say this because we've been so used to the clunky-clanks of Timbaland production, we kind of forgot what sound Nelly had before. So this track should refresh your memory. No due date for Lifestyle at this point, but in the meantime enjoy the fruits of this lovely track.

Girlfriend In This City 

Crisp N' Fresh: Badu's 'Window Seat' Brings On A Deeper Meaning

In the wee morning hours of today, Erykah Badu unleashed the video for fantastic single, "Window Seat", and it's an achievement for the artist. If you were expecting the singer to be lounging luxuriously in first class, while on a flight of reflective fancy, then you might have underestimated Madame Badu, for she gives her viewers something meatier for us to digest. In a metaphorical mindscape, Badu takes a stroll around Dealey Plaza in her hometown of Dallas, Texas, the exact location where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated back in 1963. Among passersby (according to her Twitter the video was shot in one take, guerrilla style), Badu strips down to her birthday suit and then leads us to the climatic ending with the metaphor completely resolved. In a way, Badu gives "Window Seat", the track, a much more political slant than what we thought from the beginning with this striking visual. An impressive and heavy, touchdown.

The Return of the Ankh is in stores March 30th.

Riddle Me List: 15 Music Videos That Make You Wanna Dance Your Ass Off

It's Friday, you might not have gotten paid, but there is one thing you can do free of charge and not have to feel guilty about, and that is dancing. Whether you're in the strobe lighted club or in Club Bedroom, dancing is something that universally everyone does, whether they can dance up a storm or have two left feet. I even encourage those who have no rhythm to dance, but just don't stand close to me cause you'll get embarrassed by my moves. I'm also a believer in dancing the sillies off...guy rejected you? Dance. Friends ditched you. Dance. Failed a test. Dance. Rough day on your job as a welder? Well, Flashdance. 

The always effervescent Jezebel sparked an interest in me reveling in dancing music videos the other day, an art form that isn't around much because everybody is too "serious" now. So to add to the spirit, I had to compile a list because 1) I'm bored and 2) I haven't done a list in awhile.

As far as dancing music vids go, I prefer the throw down, the in sync group dance, the tricky tap-dances, booty bumps, pop locks, ballroom meets disco swings, etc. Not to denote sit in chair dances, shoulder dancing or "walking with style" types of moves, but something about  a video revolving around dancing is essential to me to feel the dance fever. Here I have picked my favorite 15 music videos (and a bonus) that are about 90% based on dancing. So if you have some favorites, share them in the comments. Now get to steppin'.... 

Album Watch: Sara Bareilles Is Not Going To Write Us Another 'Love Song' On New Album

Piano impresario, Sara Bareilles isn't succumbing to being just known for her contagious as a circulating cold 2008 single, "Love Song". The Bay Area native is saddling up to release a brand new effort this year and it's to be just as delicious and musically nutritious (cause music does feed the soul) as her official debut effort, Little Voice.

In a bit of information I missed last week, the singer sat down with Billboard to dish out the details about her as-yet-untitled effort from there being some 'clapping, snapping and dancing'  to working on production with The Roots drummer wiz, ?uestlove (who isn't he working with these days?). 

Some great news to hear, as I'm ready for the direction of newness. Even though Little Voice practically consumed my 2008 into 2009 (and yes, there are more goodies on there besides the now over-played "Love Song") and it's still one of my favorites, it's just time for some change. So I'm quite excited for this nugget of news that she is returning to give her fans something new for our eardrums. Check after the cut to view an interview Sara did with Billboard that discusses more.  [via SBFans]

Cover Smother: Christina Aguilera's Robotic State Of Mind

Ladies and gents, we have an album cover and it's oh, so Metropolis...all this week Christina Aguilera has been dropping mini "presents" on her newly revamped website, from single art teasers to *yawn* lyrics, and she's going to keep her fans on tiresome erratic spells till she releases an full-length audio clip (supposedly tomorrow we get a blasted snippet of new single, "Not Myself Tonight"). Today's reveal is the album cover to her much-anticipated fourth installment, Bionic. It's interesting (am I the only one who sees 3CPO from Star Wars?), nothing too potent, but at least we can see that Christina means business with this.

Bionic will be in stores June 8th. 

First Impressions: Esthero Emerges (Again) With 'Black Mermaid'

I freaking love Esthero. Love. Love. Love.

Now that we got the gushing out of the way, let's just say that it has been rough being an Esthero devotee, as the Canadian trip hop/soul singer/songwriter has been working behind the scenes more so, only just emerging last year on Timbaland's Shock Value 2, and writing for the likes of Kanye West and Brandy.

On Esthero's blog, she posted last week the song and lyrics to, "Black Mermaid", a composition that has been floating around in snippets for awhile, but never got the proper listen from me until I stumbled on a full length version the other day. So this is all new to me.

The song was written by Esthero for fellow free-spirit rocker, Cree Summer, one of Esthero's pals (she's also buddy buddy with another Different World alum...Denise Huxtable Lisa Bonet), but at persistence of others, Esthero kept the song for herself and has noted it was the basis that kick started her on the upcoming follow-up to 2005's Wikked Lil' Girls. She claims the track is her "first exercise in simplicity", and being simple ain't bad as sometimes a little goes a long way. It's evident here on this gorgeous acoustic number that oozes with mystery and includes a mini quiver of orchestral elements towards the climb of the song. It's pure Esthero poetics and it's a reminder that she continues to make beautiful and soothing ballads. 

You can view the lyrics and stream the full length version of "Black Mermaid" by clicking here. And be sure to keep the ears ungooped for Esthero's return because she's been working on a third album for almost a year, and from the sound of things it might be ready soon. Oh, please, oh, please let it be released this year!

Album Watch: The Bird & The Bee Can Go For That On Hall & Oates Tribute Album

So I guess it is cool to admit to liking Hall & Oates now since they've been getting indie movement recognition in recent years from bands and sites like Pitchfork? Pfft...us R&B heads have been grooving to Hall & Oates, and not ashamed to say so or pass them off as a fluffy guilty pleasure. But glad to have you aboard the cool mobile, nonetheless, all you new whole oaties because you're in for a treat. As the 80's revival seems to be a constant re-discovery, and one that I don't particularly mind, it wasn't going to be long before we got modern takes on some Hall & Oates classics.

The Bird & The Bee, comprised of singer,  Inara George and producer, Greg Kurstin, who the latter has produced for the likes of Lily Allen, are the first to do so. The duo is dubbed "indie-pop" so there is a sophisticate-pop appeal to how they reconstruct Daryl and John's catalog, it's a move I like to call "sterile soul", kind of what 80's New Wave bands like ABC and Spandau Ballet did, where the synthesizer adds a bit of an icy edge to the warm familiar of what soul music usually is to people.

I'm applauding them for putting out a full album of nothing but H&O cover goodness and showing how many great cuts the duo put out during their 70's and 80's prime. The Bird & the Bee didn't need to stop at just eight tracks, because Hall & Oates has one of the most extensive and varying catalogs that music has to offer, but they hit all the right chords especially with their mellow zen rendition of "Sara Smile" and a snazzy take on my personal favorite H&O jam, "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)". I actually like the smoothie thickness of how they deliver these tracks, and while Inara's voice is no Daryl (because I'm a right stan for that man's voice), but it's just as inviting.

Interestingly enough, I'm curious about what 'volume 2' would bring if they indeed to a follow-up...maybe they should frost over Donna Summer's disco greats, because "Could It Be Magic" definitely needs to be transformed to a slow jam or something. Nevertheless, view after the cut to view the duo swivel to "I Can't Go For That" on a recent visit to The Ellen Show, as well as soak in audio of "Sara Smile" and the electro creep of "Maneater". [via MrWW]

Album Watch: Amy Serrata Continues Her Rise; Preps New Album

Only a few short months ago, I was introduced by the swinging soul meets jazz stylings of Amy Serrata. It just took one listen to the delectable, "Rooted" for me to dub Ms. Serrata as my new favorite voice of this new decade. She has currently been bubbling on the radar of other music minded blogs and the like, and I'm glad to say I had a chance to personally chat with her last year and learn more about her and her music. Currently, she is striking while the iron is hot as Serrata is currently working on a new album, and it's sure to be something special and on a bigger playing field than her 2008 self-titled debut. 

If you missed what Serrata had to offer on her Ella Fitzgerald and Jill Scott inspired debut  can listen to what the San Francisco based artist has delivered prior, as Serrata has allowed me to post her debut album, free of charge to get you guys in her groove, just in case you missed her the first time out and be sure if you like what you hear to keep Serrata on your radar for future listens as she'll be delivering the goods each time.

DL: Amy Serrata Debut

Learn: Amy Serrata's Official Site

Follow: Amy Serrata Twitter 

The Tape Deck: While I Was Spring Breakin'...

Six songs that appeared while I was charging the cranium batteries last week...and have thus engaged my attention.

1. Why Dontcha Call Me No More - Yahzarah

Oh. This. Is. Good. The Foreign Exchange has a great family circle of performers in it's midst and Yahzarah  has become my favorite of the bunch. After listening to BlackStar and her luscious EP, The Prelude, Yahzarah's voice is definitely an attraction and hopefully it'll attract more ears with the release of her upcoming record, The Ballad of Purple St. James. A cut from the project, "Why Dontcha Call Me No More" was released and it is just excellent. You're reminded of Janelle Monae at the beginning due to the rampage of percussion, and then you're into something musically engaging that only the FE clan (who assist on all instruments) could do. And those lyrics are straight from the mouth of a woman scorned and she's pissed, even wishing love pains on her ex-lover's future offspring...spicy. Oh, and there is a guitar solo on this, which seems to be the unicorn in R&B music these days, once you spot it, you marvel and hope to see it again. So click the link above and get a free download of the track to hear the goodness I'm hearing.

2. Fembots - Robyn

I'm no fool. I remember when Robyn was telling a dude that she wanted him to "show her love" back in the late 90's before she went all "Cobrastyle" and got indie rock investments. I even remember picking up "Do You Know (What It Takes)" single cassette over at Walgreens back when that sort of thing was cool. Nice try fooling me, Robyn. But I dig what you've done with your career after the fact. Especially "Fembots" which will appear on one of three albums (she's doing a Maxwell trilogy album thingamabob), the Swedish vocalist will drop this year. The track (which debuted on her website only)  lives up to it's title, as its the Robocop dance of joy, if that describes it best.

3. The Fight - Sia

After indulging in six (count 'em baby!) brand new cuts, off of Sia's upcoming fourth installment, We Are Born, things are sounding fine and dandy. Especially on the rolling guitar spunk of "The Fight". Instantly, I took to this charmer, and I'm thoroughly excited for whatever Sia throws our way on this new project. If "You've Changed" wasn't enough clue to the direction that Sia is taken, "The Fight" and other leaked tracks will sure let you know that the Aussie vocalist is going for a more peppier sound. She's not going all Kylie all of a sudden, but the change is welcomed. Click here to listen to 5 other songs off of We Are Born, that Sia has so graciously plastered on her webpage.

Album Watch: Ayah and DJ Jazzy Jeff Show Us The Way To Go

Ever since checking out Ayah's short yet sweet first installment, 4:15 on a whim (which found it's way on my best of from last year) and her Problem Woman mixtape there after, I have been rooting for the Canadian vocalist to blow more minds with her soulful selections. She might just do that as she just finished up stompin' the stage at SXSW in Austin last week with Mayer Hawthorne and Brittany Bosco, and released a brand new sampling of what she is cooking up for her third go-around. 

Ayah is following up 4:15 with a blazing new project, that will include production work from none other than music veteran, DJ Jazzy Jeff this is one thing that looks and sounds good on paper. The duo released an album sampler in the form of This Way, which includes a hefty 12 tracks (four which are full in length) as well as my favorite track from 4:15, "He Don't Want It". This Way fully showcases how well Jeff's polished production blends nicely with Ayah's vocal chops and down-to-earth groove. If this is just an inkling to what is to come on the upcoming set, well bring on the main course! 

Check after the cut for a listen to two tracks from the set and then dig the freebie download to get your sampling in a larger dose. [via SB]

Crisp N' Fresh: Robin Thicke...What Exactly Are You Doing?

Le sigh. The monstrosity of Robin Thicke's Sex Therapy just keeps reappearing like a bothersome hangnail, reminding me every time that the soul crooner took the easy way out with his fourth installment, showing no growth whatsoever. Gladly his pairing with the salty raptress, Nicki Minaj on that awful "Shakin' It For Daddy" fell to the wayside and now we have the video to the next single, "Rollacosta", which features a very unenthusiastic Estelle. As "Rollacosta" was one of the few tolerable cuts on Sex Agony, yet that tolerance doesn't translate well into a video as seen here.

In some ways I feel like I stepped into a beer commercial, as a throng of attractive models strut about while Robin moves uncomfortably around looking the lounge lizard (though he looks sexy can I in a suit). As it ends, I'm waiting for the punchline in all this and for him or the Tanqueray gin guy to come up and start campaigning some alchohol. And boy, do I want some after viewing this. As for Estelle...well, she looks nice? Talk about your cheap thrills.

First Impressions: Natasha Bedingfield Stargazes For New Track

Being the chirpy guidance counselor of the music industry, Natasha Bedingfield has unleashed a brand new track that follows in the same vein as her other inspirational, "You can do it!" concoctions. Like a motivational poster on a wall, "Shoot For The Stars" rolls on in with robust lyrical delivery from Ms. Bedingfield.  The track is slated to be on Natasha's forthcoming follow-up to 2008's Pocketful Of Sunshine, and while details have been scarce, Bedingfield disclosed on her blog that she is indeed wrapping things up for her third official release. Three other songs have been confirmed for the record, but this track is the first to quietly make an appearance around the Internets.  

"Shoot For The Stars" is pretty basic, though the climax of instrumentation with strings and synths is nicely derived, yet there isn't anything experimental on Natasha's part that wasn't heard on her impressive 2005 debut, Unwritten. I have always been a fan of Natasha's earthy soul and pop diary concept tunes, so of course this appeals to me, but still I'm wanting something a bit more than a vanilla mid-tempo ballad that doesn't seem to capture. Hopefully, Natasha has some more tricks up her sleeve for her new set.

Shoot For The Stars

First Impressions: Goldfrapp Lighten Up and Soak In The 80's Glow

Strap on and blast off into the shimmering glitter and neon goop of the 1980's with Goldfrapp as they act like tour guides, navigating you through a sparkling array of updated synthesized nostalgia on their fifth installment, Head First.

Ten years ago, Goldfrapp emerged out of nowhere with their spooky soundtrack for spy noir flicks entitled Felt Mountain. Mountain was an ambitious and highly imaginative set that was heavy on the beats and heavily not run-of-the-mill. Goldfrapp strove to be the outliers of Electronica music, making inventive sounds and intricate beats that didn't make them just another cheese busting pop act, they were much more sophisticated. 

Now for 2010, after the somber homespun folk of 2008's Seventh Tree, the duo have lighten the load and literally take a walk in the clouds (hence the album artwork) and downplay the spookiness that brought intrigued admirers. Head First is no joke massively influenced by early 80's New Wave, and massive is the keyword because you can no doubt hear it from the potent jolt of opener "Rocket", which sets the tone of the record from the jump. Going in at a mere nine tracks, Head First's condensed formula is understandable, as each song is massively crafted and delivered, and an overload would've seemed pretentious.

Cover Smother: Sia Is Crafty

For any other person, this would be being a pest in Hobby Lobby's arts and craft section. For Sia, it's just a Tuesday. The official cover for Sia's upcoming, We Are Born, dropping in stores June 7th. You should get excited.

Adventures In Spring Break

Taking a break from blogging duties. Recharging the batteries. Will be back next week!

Artist Watch: Are Nikki & Rich, The 'Next Best Thing' ?

Since Spring is about to be in full swing it's time to shed that itchy wool sweater as well as that bulky down coat, and go make a outfit out of floral curtains and frolic in the hills a la Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. Or rather you can just listen to some bubbly tunes to get that pep back into your step after hibernating all winter. And what better way to 'spring' ahead than to get into something spanking new? 

Those vying for Amy Winehouse to return, might want to give Nikki & Rich, a singing-producing duo a go-go as they are the perfect new kids on the R&B/Soul block. Now before you grouse and get snooty about how overcooked the 60's Soul revival is, the duo's infectious sound might melt that ice around your thought and you'll find yourself finger-snapping along. Which is what I did when I got a taste of the duo's debut cuts, "The Next Best Thing" and "Cat & Mouse".

The duo joins together vocalist and former Carrie Underwood back-up singer, Nikki Leonti and former Robin Thicke and Mario producer, Rich Velonskis, and the unity is definitely in sync. The pair bring together their prospective West Coast and East Coast music influences to create a melding sound of doo-woop and soul that steps in those white go-go boots of by-gone girl groups like The Ronettes and The Marvelettes, sprucing it up for modern mindsets who like to dip in the vintage vat. 

"The Next Best Thing" is divinely catchy with it's rambunctious lyrical spill as is "Cat & Mouse" which bops along joyously. You'll be hard pressed to not enjoy this, that's for sure. So get your mood lifted with hearing "Cat and Mouse" and  "The Next Best Thing" after the cut, and be sure to keep Nikki & Rich on your radar as their debut album is set to drop this year.

Crisp N' Fresh: Lady GaGa and Beyonce Get Their Thelma & Louise On

Soak in this awesomeness. 

While "Telephone" the song is filled with static and gets minimal coverage, the dazzling, awesome sauce of a visual from the factory of Lady GaGa is nothing short of a technicolor visual fun fest of bad girl power. Just like with "Bad Romance" before it, Lady GaGa knows that the music video is an obsolete art form that barely gets any airtime, much less a channel to reside on. She also knows that whenever they are released they are filled with mediocrity and have a case of the "been there, done that-sees". So what does she do? Well, she makes the music video a treat to behold, adds in Beyonce (and her Bettie Paige hair-do) to amp up the star power, then gets inspired by the artistry direction of Quentin Tarantino, and wholly guacamole, this video is everything that your music loving heart will desire. I don't want to spoil the fun of this video by giving you the play-by-play, because watching this is like being involved in an upscale version of Highlights Magazine's Hidden Pictures. You'll see tons o' shit...soda can rollers! sandwiches! Tyrese's bad acting! platforms! plastic cowboy hats! product placement!  freakin' smoking cigarette shades...tons o' shit. Just massive good fun that let's everybody know that Lady GaGa continues to bring on the great.

First Impressions: DivaGeek's Synth Savvy Ode To 'Sunday'

 Sunday means a lot of varying things for different people. Some people join in spiritual congregation, others wake up soaking in the glow (or other things) from Saturday night madness, and then there are those who squeeze all the fun they can get out of Sunday before the work grind sets in the next morning. Yet, we can all agree with DivaGeek that Sunday is filled with nothing but love, and fortunately for us they are spreading that love with their shimmering new track dedicated to that special weekend day.

DivaGeek is the newly comprised project of UK vocalist, Vula (the Diva) and producer, Ben Jones (the Geek), and their collaboration is something that is craftily done, as evident just by the concoction they have put together. "Sunday" is appropriately named as the electro-pop meets R&B joint no doubt feels refreshing, sunny and uplifting as the feeling we get on the final day in the weekend. This is sure to go along side with Maroon 5's tribute to 'Sunday mornings' in the "days of the week" playlist that is suddenly transcribing in my mind.

Click after the cut to experience your new soundtrack to the seventh day of the week.

First Impressions: Ain't Nothing 'Bittersweet' About Sophie's Latest Power Jolt

I just adore Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Truly, I do. She probably is one of the few pop artists today who consistently is good with each album, single or random remix she puts out, and I love that she brings back that disco sound in a less hokey way that you can't help but push the tush too.

The Bextor has been hinting at delivering a brand new record since around 2008 with the release of "Heartbreak (Make Me A Dancer)", which was nothing more than a tease. Currently, the Freemasons remix of "Bittersweet" is making the rounds, and while it's unsure of this point whether this is the official cut, or the remix of an original track, this pop delight is nothing short of thrilling. Club kiddos should rejoice upon hearing this brilliant slice of electronic fervor, it's a lot less tougher than Bextor's usual sleek pop fare, but it's truly in a class of it's own. Hit after the cut for a taste of what Bextor is serving up for her as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2007's Trip the Light Fantastic. It's sure to be a blast once again.

Buzzy Wuzzy: Soul Bossa No-No, Quincy Jones Tribute Album A Remake Nightmare?

Super producer, Quincy Jones had some things to say about Michael Jackson's death last year, but he didn't mention how he would be dealing with that grief by just recklessly making wrong musical moves in the new decade. We first saw it with that rock salt job of "We Are The World", and then there was the announcement (and now the attempt) of Jermaine Dupri overseeing production on a remake of the steamy 1989 R&B jam of "Secret Garden", with Usher, Robin Thicke, LL Cool J, Trey Songz, Tevin Campbell and Tyrese, and the results were about as sexy as undercooked fish. Now, Quincy Jones is continuing to grieve by releasing a brand new collaborative collection of vintage tracks this month (March 24th to be exact), and yes, he's going to have Robin Thicke re-imagine Michael Jackson's 1982 classic, "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) on this upcoming venture. Uh, cue the Price is Right losing horn. 

Song Stuck In My Head: Raheem DeVaughn With A Little Help From His Friends

"Nobody Wins A War" - Raheem DeVaughn ft. Jill Scott, Algebra Blesset, Bilal, Chico DeBarge, Dwele, Citizen Cope, Ledisi, Shelby Johnson, Rudy Currence, Chrisette Michelle and Anthony Hamilton (2010)

At times I can be a jerk and not give two Fig Newtons about socially clutching songs, and especially charity singles (*cough* "We Are The Fail" *cough*). Yes, to me I get tired of the preach and would rather see the practice, but there are times that I do become a Stay-Puft Marshmallow and give into something that actually speaks some sort of truth and is displayed in a very effective manner.

Raheem DeVaughn recently released his latest musical concoction, The Love & War Masterpiece, and nestled towards the end of it is the sprawling testament, "Nobody Wins a War", which includes some of the top names in the soul music scene today (just see above cause I ain't typing all those names out again). The song is actually everything I would LIKE to hear on a social cut/charity ploy awareness: honesty. The melody is perfect, the melding of all the talented vocalists works were no one is compeating with one another and it doesn't feel like "hey, sit down and got damn listen to me do a socially conscious song!!", it seems not forced and much more fluid. Bravo. Madame Jilly ends the beast of a track with a rousing freestyle...and all I can ask is: can this woman start recording audio books?

Crisp N' Fresh: Paloma Faith Goes 'Upside Down'

Talk about a pop o' color! Paloma Faith is pumping out the videos and singles from her fantastic 2009 debut, Do You Want The Truth, Or Something Beautiful?, and the latest to get the single treatment is the quirky modern big band of "Upside Down". The video displays much of what Paloma is known for and that is 1940's Hollywood garb and lots of red lipstick. Something about the video seems a bit off, as it gets a bit tiresome and tedious towards the end, and kind of loses the spark of the opening. There is a nifty little homage (or maybe it's just me seeing things) to the Chattanooga Choo-Choo dance the Nicholas Brothers and Dorothy Dandridge did way back when in 1941, even complete with umbrellas.

First Impressions: Solange Rebuilds Brick By Brick; Preps New Album

 Yes, I'm still rooting for Solange Knowles. Why? Did you listen to 2008's Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams?? If not, you missed a charming and ambitious album that shocked the hell out of me, considering how Solange was never on my radar till then. We have already established she is the younger sister of  Voldemort "that singer who must not be named" yet, she has proven herself to not count her out as the second banana to her sibling.

The singer is currently in the process of following up the flower child soul of her sophomore effort, and recently has dropped a sort of musical teaser to what the third effort is to entail. "Under Construction" is a spooky lil' production by the Thievery Corporation, that indeed shows how Solange likes that murky "indie rock" sound she's been hinting at since she covered the likes of MGMT and Of Montrel (even recently performing with the latter). The singer debuted the song on her blog over the weekend, free for download. And you know what? It's quite good, especially if you're in the mood for something a little left of center. A dusty and echoing groove occupies this track, and it creeps along nicely.

Solange states the song won't be on the new disc, but if it this is what she is going for, she's hitting all the right notes on how to be experimental. Hopefully, this new set from Solange, won't get lost in the shuffle and be sorely overlooked like Sol-Angel, but maybe people will warm up to Solange or at least applaud her for bringing something new to the R&B mix. Sure, she's not singing that well...but take this thought to brain: Sometimes a good singer can make a bad song, and a bad singer can make a good song. Before you contradict the gospel, listen below.

Under Construction

Recycle It!: (Slow) Dance With Death Metal Disco Scene's Take On Whitney

Wild card remake time. Boredom is sometimes a good thing, because I wouldn't have found this remake of a sage Whitney Houston classic if I hadn't been so. And before you groan about re-do's of La Houston...this is not an American Idol post dealing in the further strangling death of "I Will Always Love You". This is something much better. London based duo, Death Metal Disco Scene is comprised of  singer Scorch Shepherd and producer/writer, David James Billing, whose credits extend to co-writing for Kylie Minogue's 2004 Body Language and doing remixing magic for Bat For Lashes and Lily Allen. The duo is currently swirling around in electro-dance circles, and are currently on the rack to release an album, although unsigned to any major labels. In the meantime, the two currently took on Whitney Houston's 1987 classic, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" and shine it in a new light...or should I say, a new darkness? Imagine that the electric charge of the original got shorted out and was morphed into a burning slow dance. It's downright icy, sleek, yet oddly soothing, in a nighttime groove type of way. 

Okay, okay, it's nothing compared to Whitney's fire blaze of a single cause I'm a right purist for that shrill synth opening and Whitney's jubilant "whooo!" , not to mention I can never get tired of seeing Whitney romping around in tu-tu's with frosted blue eyeshadow. Though it's never a bad thing to experiment and slow down the tempo of a dance classic.

And for vintage sake...

Crisp N' Fresh: For Those Who Would Love To Duct Tape A Jerk To A 'Rocket'

Ever had one of those moments where you feel the need to teach a louse of an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend or even that annoying jerk who seems to just agitate the hell out of you a lesson? Where you duct-tape them hostage, drive them on a trip to hell in a big rig, and then strap them to a make-shift rocket and just blast them the mess out of this world? No? Just me?

Well, Alison Goldfrapp becomes the hero for all those scorned by lovers and pests, by emulating a more extreme take on the themes of Misery, and she didn't even need a block of wood between the ankles. The video for Goldfrapp's fantastic single, "Rocket", is equally engaging as the surging track, and from the visual, the song takes on a whole new context. Though the dance of the sunglasses-adorned chicks is a bit hokey, overall, this is visually entertaining (get a load of that rocket) and downright not a bad idea.  

Head First drops in stores March 22nd. 

Audio Vision: Erykah Badu Hypnotizes On Fallon With 'Window Seat'

With a top hat adorned on her crown, Erykah Badu glided into the soothing and peaceful "Window Seat"  for a lush performance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, last night with great ease. It seriously doesn't take much to enjoy this song, as it has massive suction power due to the melodic piano's and crisp percussion. In turn, it didn't take much to find my calm center and become engaged when viewing this simple, yet effective performance that proves from all sides that "Window Seat" is one of 2010's best cuts.

Badu, of course, wears an outfit that only she could muster fashionably (if I wore those spandex pants, I'd be a fool in heat), and her presence (or that mojo she possesses) on stage just draws you in from the first moment that you don't want it to end when it does.  On Fallon, Badu sounds as if she was in an intimate bar setting, not on late night TV, and her pairing with The Roots on backup is always the perfect combination and something that should happen often. Bias? Maybe. But you can't tell me that this wasn't a smooth ride of a performance.

The Return of the Ankh will be in stores, March 30th.

First Impressions: JoJo Graduates With "Wait A Minute", Young R&B Starlets Take Note

Before you go, "Another JoJo leak?" humor me please with the latest musical adventure from Ms. Levesque's camp that came my way. The song sure brought back memories of what JoJo is truly capable of doing, and what I've been stressing to people all these years about her talent! It is true, R&B/Pop starlet, Jojo has had more leaks out for the last two years than my kitchen faucet and mix that with the strife she has been enduring with her record label, Blackground Records, it was hard to even tell what is going on with the girl musically. Yet, from the sound of "Wait a Minute (For Your Love)", this is exactly the quench of thirst that the R&B market has been needing.

JoJo tackles a breezy, horn and piano jazz and neo-soul lounge number with sizzling results as she dons a Jill Scott mindset and delivers, a definite graduation for JoJo from her other hits such as "Little Too Late" and "Baby, It's You". It is said that this song isn't going to be included on JoJo's upcoming (and repeatedly stalled) third effort, All I Want Is Everything, as JoJo said the track didn't fit with the rest of the album, but maybe she should reconsider since this bravely steps into territory that current R&B starlets never dare to do. 

Wait a Minute (For Your Love)

Wipe Off The Dust: 'Lonely' No More, Recalling Val Young

"If You Should Ever Be Lonely" is one of THE best songs of the 80's that you've probably never heard, or heard and thought [insert 70's and 80's singing diva of your choice here] did it. And no you crazy Lambs, Mariah Carey didn't do this song first...Never do some realize (even myself, at one point) who Val Young is, and what a fantastic song her biggest single is. You'll find out, and soon...and you'll thank me later. 

Young was a subsidiary project of the late Rick James back in 1985 when her debut album, Seduction was released. Young was another addition to the James' protege camp, that at the time was rivaling with Prince's spin-off tribe, with the inclusion of the Mary Jane Girls and Teena Marie. Young had previously been apart of George Clinton's Brides of Funkenstein where James got wind of her. He dubbed her the "Black Marilyn Monroe" (only a few sistas can rock a stark blonde 'do) and got her signed to Motown. Young's sound got high chart positions in the R&B/Hip-Hop and Dance charts, as the title track reached #7 and "If You Should Ever Be Lonely" got the #1 mark, but she didn't chart in the Hot 100. To me, "If You Should Ever Be Lonely" had every right to be a massive crossover pop hit especially since it embodied lots of electric guitars and a driving rock-pop beat. It favors on a slight Pat Benetar vibe or Madonna during her Chic-Like A Virgin days, and strangely on Seduction it's the oddball song that sounds less influenced by Rick James. Still there is no telling what effect the song would've had if it had entered the pop charts, especially on Young's career. The song is also oftly ignored on those 80's countdown lists, which is understandable, but it has every right to be there ready to knock off the repeated finds of Toni Basil's "Mickey" and Culture Club's "Karma Chameleon". 




Young's Motown reign ends with 1986's Private Conversations, the last solo effort and one that was poorly received. There is a rumor that the album contained tracks that were meant for the proposed third Mary Jane Girls album, (similarly called Conversations) that never saw the light of day. Talk about messy. It's also music nerdery knowledge that the Girls and Young dissolved from the charts due to the troubles that Rick James' had with Motown around that time. Talk about double messy. After her solo career stalled, Young's voice has been lent to numerous back-up gigs, especially a bushel of rap collaborations, including some with 2Pac and Nas. Still she's always known for "If You Should Ever Be Lonely", and it's a great song to be associated with.

Crisp N' Fresh: Gorillaz Go On A Death Race

High speed chases in dusty sport cars abound in the visual for Gorillaz's stellar single, "Stylo". If "Stylo" didn't make you picture driving at high speeds down a dusty highway, then prepared to have your thoughts scrambled. Since I have profusely loved the living life out this song, there was nothing more that the video could do to make me enjoy the it any further. Yet, there is something ambitious here, not to mention the most exciting five minutes of a music video we'll get all year. It is action packed that plays more like a demented Fast and the Furious, with 3/4 of the Gorillaz gang racing from the law, complete with blazing shoot-outs. The ending gives us an inkling that this chase isn't over and it should arise with the next visual (my money is on the De La Soul assisted, "Superfast Jellyfish"). 

Oh, you'll either laugh, give the ultimate side-eye or be perplexed out of your noggin' when you see Bruce Wills popping up as a road assassin. I did all three. See cool and geeky collide in the most entertaining way.

Plastic Beach will be in stores March, 9th.

First Impressions: Comparing and Contrasting Estelle's Double Dares

Double the fun, double the eclecticism. There is no telling what direction Estelle is going for on her third set, All of Me, and proof is in the mousse with two brand new tracks, "Freak" and "Lights of the City", both of which debuted over the weekend. Not that it's a bad thing because the two contrasting tracks keep things interesting, and interesting is quite an understatement concerning these new offerings. 

A glow stick occupants' dream, "Freak" is that annoying hip-hop song that I tend to feel brain cells dying whenever I do play it, yet there is endurance due to the beat, and the beat is sharp. The track is nothing short of electric as Estelle exuberantly chants and the sound of the track is crisper than other hip-pop tracks plaguing the top 40, thus it gives you a lot to crunch on. Yet, the David Guetta production reminds me of Fergie's "Fergalicious"...massively, especially when Kardinal Official comes into play. Things do get better with the interpolation of Soul II Soul's "Back To Life" in the chorus, but to me this feel like a step down for Estelle from previous works. No doubt this little puppy will be remixed up the wazoo and will be at a club near you, so get ready to burn up the floors with this one.

On the flip side, "Lights of the City" is smoother and quivers with grinding guitars and synths that emulate strings. Driving percussion and a persistent sounding Estelle keep this song on it's toes, and it's structure, in contrast to "Freak", is just as biting, yet gives a softer blow. It's not the finest cut that Estelle has done, but I'm hearing some echos of Lauryn Hill not to mention a bit of Pink somewhere wedged in. More my style, yet people may not get excited over this as akin to "Freak".

With that, All of Me, is leaning towards being quite an ambitious jaunt for Estelle, one can only wonder what is coming 'round the bend next.

Crisp N' Fresh: Into The Forest of Good & Bizarre With Little Dragon

Walk into a eerie and imagery filled forest in Little Dragon's visual for "Blinking Pigs", where the song become a soundtrack to your trek over, under and through the woods of bizarre circumstances. This video perfectly fits with what the band from Sweden achieves with their flair for quirky n' frosty electronic funk that goes off the beaten path. "Blinking Pigs" comes off of last year's impressive, Machine Dreams, and it's nothing short of being revitalized here. The words can't describe what kind of adventure you'll go on by viewing this vid, so click play and be transported out of your Monday doldrums into a place where seeing is truly believing.

Be sure to keep an eye out for Little Dragon, as they will be appearing on the upcoming Gorillaz's album, Plastic Beach (out March 9th) on not one but two tracks. Jackpot.