First Impressions: Enter Adele's Roaring 20s On '21'

Someone (I can't think of who at the moment) described the late Phyllis Hyman's singing as if she had a tear in her voice. It's an apt description for the late Ms. Hyman, as well as an applicable one in the description run down of Adele. There are a minuscule amount of songs that I actually feel, but Adele's voice does the hard-to-come-by task of making you feel each song that spills out of her. It happened with songs on her 2008 debut, 19 ("Hometown Glory" and "Chasing Pavements"), and now 21 contains those same 'tears'. This time 11 tightly produced 'tears' (courtesy of Rick Rubin, Paul Eptworth, and Fraser T. Smith) that further distances Adele from her peers in classy abundance and let's her share her corners of confessional standpoints with her listeners once again. You do indeed feel each of these corners as the crash and burn of a relationship provoked Adele to structure big middle-finger anthems and tear stained pillow ballads on this set.

21 is filled with the same growing pains of her debut, but it just further continues Adele on the path as one of today's most notable London bred soul vocal machines, right behind Amy Winehouse and to some extent Joss Stone (two other women who also sound like they grew up in the back rowed pews of a Georgia Baptist church). In early reviews that I've scanned, some have complained of Adele sounding (surprisingly) 'too radio friendly' on this, even 'too over-the-top' and 'less focused on the lyrics'. The biggie is some are feeling disappointment over her 'abandoning her soulful roots'.

Some people just ask for too much.

Recycle It!: The Many Spectrums Of "Ain't Nobody"

"Ain't Nobody" is a great song. We can stop right there at that sentence. Post done. But I won't, cause that's not how I do things. "Ain't Nobody" is also Chaka Khan's signature song next to "I'm Every Woman" and that Prince cover she made all her own. Erroneously this song is usually associated solely with Chaka Khan, when in fact it is the final release she had with band Rufus. The song was initially (or so rumor says) intended for Michael Jackson to place on his Thriller album, but it was declined. Yeah, go on ahead...salivate at the once possibility of MJ putting a falsetto to this tune.

Well it's still a winning situation, as we all know that Chaka really brought the sexy back (sorry, Mr. Social Network Timberlake) and just slayed vocally all up and down to the right and left of the song. Written by Rufus member, David "Hawk" Wolinski, "Ain't Nobody"'s home originally rested as a bonus cut on the 2 LP set of Rufus' live album, Stompin' At The Savoy (a great album if you can get your hands on it). It was later placed on the Breakin' soundtrack, thus becoming a pop-n-lock jam. Even though released in the time of music video experimentation, the song never got a real glossy visual treatment, unless you count this strange and rare vid:



Whoo, that song is good isn't it? A lot of other people think so too, it has been covered numerous times over the course of two decades. The song just doesn't gets old. So with a little free time, I rustled up the best versions I could find (some you may know, some may be new to you) and decided to let you guys pick for funsies which covers of "Ain't Nobody" you like the best. Let's look at the contenders...

First Impressions: The Magic, The Musiq and "Anything"

Been jumping this since Monday, but now finally getting a chance to put my thoughts down about this here collaboration between Musiq and Swizz Beatz, which I instantly liked on first listen. That Central Line "Walking Into Sunshine" sample (great rarity) has a bit to do with it, but I particularly like how seeped in the spirit of early 80's funk "Anything" is. It feels sort of like The Fatback Band's infectious "I Found Lovin'" with a little slab of Cameo on the side. Real nice summery groove this has that instantly warms my winter up.   This is not only Swizz Beatz second entry for his Monster Mondays project, but the kick-off for Musiq's upcoming album, TheMagicTheMusic. As much as I like a bulk of the material Musiq puts out ("So Beautiful" in 2008 was just so insanely wonderful...), if TheMagicTheMusic continues with this synthesized-80's funk revival sound, Musiq will most definitely have a listener with me. Lend your ears to the track and snag it for yourself below, if you already haven't done so.

Musiq Soulchild ft. Swizz Beatz - Anything 

DL: Musiq Soulchild ft. Swizz Beatz - Anything

Crisp N' Fresh Vids: Cocknbullkid Says To 'Hold On To Your Misery'

What is one thing you hold onto that keeps you motivated? For Ms. Anita Blay, aka, Cocknbullkid, she 'holds on to her misery', wearing her sadness to provoke motivation. She tells this and many more reasons how so in her new single and in its accompanying visual. I know it sounds like some psycho-babble reverse psychology mess, but once you see the cute little mini-Cocknbullkid's dancing and acting out all of Ms. Blay's emotions, you'll understand what she's talking about. 

As for me (and I might have mentioned this before), I have a bad habit of holding onto anger, but it motivates me to write. So instead of fighting, I fire up the old word processor. That sounds very coffee mug motto worthy: Words Before Fists...or something like that.

Well, just ignore me, and watch this extremely cute video (with an extremely great song to boot), and also keep ears open for Cocknbullkid's debut album to drop this year...sometime in the Spring I've heard.

Camino: HardCandyMusic

Artist Watch: The Adventures Of Maylee Todd

I love a quirky person. Well, not too quirky, you know, like the weirdos you meet at the bus stop or liquored up ones in bars with cover bands as headliners. In the music sense, I like a singer who colors out of the lines, thinks out of the box, and then wears the box as a hat. Maylee Todd is one of those 'wear the box as a hat' types. How so? Well, she plays the Paraguayan harp. She plays the guitar. She's got a saucy humorous wit. She calls her backing band, Pegwee Power. She's got a zinger of a debut, 2010's Choose Your Own Adventure (like the name, remember the books?)...and if my words can't express any more variance, then check the album art for Adventure. See I told you. Still it's all cool, as Adventure is quite an engulfing experimental romp with songs like "Summer Sounds" and "Aerobics In Space" (which feels very Issac Hayes "Shaf"t-like from the jump) playing into the ‘Bossa-meets-Funk-and-Indie’ sound that is biographically described. It's a short collection of instrumentals and vocal exercises, yet you get fully acquainted to this Canadian's roundabout style---and the funk doesn't let you down.

Todd has been popping up in her homeland with having a spots on Much Music and appearing live with acts like Aloe Blacc and Little Dragon, among others. If I could compare Todd to someone, it would be Janelle Monae with a nod to Nelly Furtado in her Folklore days, but that is just being a lazy music journalist again. She's really cut from her own McCall fashion pattern. You can find Maylee on all the social networks here, and then snag Adventure on her Bandcamp page for less than $20. But before you do that last bit, take a listen to two of my favorites, plus view "Aerobics In Space" music video after the cut for a wild comic book superhero treat. Take this adventure now...

Maylee Todd - Aerobics In Space


Maylee Todd - Summer Sounds 

Crisp N' Fresh Vids: P!nk's 'Perfect' Personal Message

Like Marsha Ambrosius before her, P!nk has made her art speak for itself by bringing awareness to the  unsettling surge of suicides, cutting, and school bullying with her new video for Greatest Hits...So Far single, "F**kin' Perfect". Starring Tina Majorino (Big Love, Napoleon Dynamite, and Corrina, Corrina), the video follows a young woman through her adolescent isolation into adulthood, and how she overcomes. For those who have experienced or known of someone who has been in a similar situation, this video really hits home. 

Brash and always never afraid to stir the pot up a bit, P!nk is one of few pop artists that continues to be genuine and sensitive in her delivery of a heavy handed subject like this. Many probably wouldn't even attempt to tred these waters, but she did. Since she knew she will be rattling nerves with her visual, P!nk also gave a special statement about why she chose to focus her single on these issues, and why we shouldn't ignore these escalating problems. Her message and the video (which is NSFW) is after the cut:

First Impressions: Mya Emerges With In The "Fabulous Life"

Why I like Mya...I'll never know. Why I keep up with her is another mystery. Maybe because I feel that she set up the handbook from what Ciara, Keri Hilson, and others of R&B/Pop starlet fancy nowadays are flipping through like Cliff Notes to weak result. Or maybe it's because I loved every bit out of 2003's Moodring. Whatever the reasons, Mya was a great early noughties answer for Paula Abdul as she danced up a mess during that time--plus had energetic songs to boot.

Since the US is giving her the cold shoulder, Mya has been feeling more love in Japan and as she has already released and found success for her last two albums, Liberation and Sugar & Spice there. Now she's releasing Fabulous Life this year with hopes to not only stay true to her J-Pop following, but also get the States excited again. She's bringing the fun again with the album's very Kylie Minogue-ish title track which popped up this past week in all of it's synth-disco pop goop. 

If you remember "Free" from ten years ago (!!), "Fab Life" is it's poppier younger cousin. I was setting up to cringe at this, but I found myself actually enjoying it. This is just step one for this project as Mya is already working on the video to her next single, "Love Is The Answer" (she's even donning a blonde wig for the occassion, slightly taking a cue from Donna Summer's Mistaken Identity  days---glad to see no blue contacts though...) plus mapping plans for not only as 7th, but an 8th album. Looks like I got some more keeping up to do! For now, keep in step with Mya with taking a listen to "Fabulous Life", if you're in the mood for something on the poppier side.

Mya - Fabulous Life

The Tape Deck: Think I Better Let It Go...

Eddie Murphy 'discussed' during his 1983 Delirious comedy show about male singers' and their different approaches to music. He joked that he liked masculine voices like Teddy Pendergrass because he "scared the bitches into liking him"  (you know the gruff proclamation of "you got, you got what I need!!" part in "Only You"). Well, consider me scared and attentive as I have been in a Pendergrass mood this for a few days now. Ironically (and sadly) it's been a year to the month in which he passed on, thus there is no time like the present to revel in one of the sultans of quiet storm. Also it's not too early in the week to be thinking about that love thang, if ya know what I means. Women clutch those underoos in throwing anticipation and men take note on how to treat the ladies...the smoothie Tape Deck to your week is after the cut...

Album Watch: Beth Ditto Is Dancing On The Edge With New EP

There are just some days you need to hear Beth Ditto place her vocals over some icy meditative dance pieces, and today is that day. I had no idea the vivacious front woman of The Gossip was even releasing an EP of this sort, but seek and you shall find---and what a find it is. 

Produced by Simian Mobile Disco (whom had Ditto guest spot on their track "Cruel Intentions"), the four-track self-titled EP, is densely drenched in brooding dancefloor splendor. Being a child of the 'ultimate dance party' 90's and a fan of Freestyle from the likes of Shannon, Expose, and Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, I gobbled this up as the EP hits on all those styles and techniques. The set really has a great feel of the early crackles of 80's Freestyle (think of the starkness of Debbie Deb's "When I Hear Music") with a slight 90's House influence, and Ditto's voice was just born to do it. Only problem with this set? It's too damn short!

Two of my favorite tracks are for your listening pleasure below, and you can purchase the EP via download here. The EP will be released internationally in March, but purchase now if you want to feel the groove right away.

Beth Ditto - Open Heart Surgery 


Beth Ditto - I Wrote The Book

Audio Vision: Little Dragon Getting Ready For Round 3

Aside from Roxette and Robyn, Little Dragon are my other favorite act from Sweden, and somewhere the music gods are smiling down because the alt-soul outfit are going to follow-up 2009's Machine Dreams with a brand new album this year.

Man, 2011 just keeps getting better as they days go by...

The band is embroiled in touring at the moment and at one particular show they pulled out brand-new track, "Little Man" from their soon-to-drop Ritual Union to test on an eager audience. I hate that I haven't gotten around to catching them live (missed them about two Christmases ago in D-Town), but maybe that'll change. For the moment, get a view of how Yukimi Nagano and the guys engage on the stage and hear what to expect from Ritual Union. I know most didn't care for Machine Dreams, but I really loved it (especially tracks "Looking Glass" and "Fortune"), and really have no doubt that Little Dragon will fire it up again this year for album #3.

Camino: SB 

Crisp N' Fresh Vids: Is Mara Hruby's Marley Rendition The One You're Feeling?

Before we get started, I know what you're thinking: Another rendition of Bob Marley's "Is This Love"? Jeez, Marley did other stuff.... I was this way too, especially when we just got through hearing Bilal and Corinne Bailey Rae take on the track, plus have department store smooth jazz versions to endure. It is just the go-to Marley cover for any genre, and sometimes I get weary. 

But....I like how newcomer Mara Hruby takes on the Marley classic, so I had to share this. She has even better covers on her EP, From Her Eyes, one I introduced you guys to before the year slipped through the hourglass, but this tribute is a nice and melodic start. The song even has a sweet little video of Hruby taking us through a calming evening of book shopping and carousel riding in New York City. So give Hruby a chance if you haven't.

Album Watch: 'Bright Lights' and Bigger Cities

If you've heard Lights, the debut album of Ellie Goulding, and if you fell in love like I did with tracks such as "Starry Eyed" and "This Love (Will Be Your Downfall)" then you know Goulding was a gem for in the chalice of 2010. She's hoping to duplicate the success that befell on her last year towards Stateside shores with the release of Bright Lights.  

Pretty much Bright Lights is a re-hash of what Lights had to offer, plus six new tracks. How's that for generous? Included in the set is her take on Elton John's "Your Song", a dreamy little synth catch called  "Animal", and current first single, "Lights". Usually re-releases draw a aftertaste in my mouth, but if it's to get Goulding a wider fan-base, then so be it. In fact, six songs added to the stunning ten of Lights is a quite a treat. Personally, I hope she ignites, she's got her smart pop thing going a la Robyn, but done where if you subtracted the dizzy synth production (courtesy of Starsmith), you'd get some real soulful folk underneath. I also adore Goulding's sweet and precocious vocal, it's just refreshing to hear it amid a sea of same-old-same in the pop market.

To get acquainted (or re-acquainted) peep her video, for "Lights" after the cut, as well as indulge in track, "Animal". Oh, and as a bonus, peep her cover of Sam Sparro's "Black & Gold"...it's not as staggeringly epic as the original, but it let's fetch happen.

Ellie Goulding - Animal


Ellie Goulding - Black & Gold (Sam Sparro cover)

Audio Vision: The "Two" Jessie J's

You know what is bizarre about Britain's newest hot shot, Jessie J? She sounds miles better than what "Do It Like A Dude" leads you to believe.

Ms. J took the top spot on the annual BBC Sound of... list (a list that also includes Jamie Woon and James Blake), and it's a little amusing that I've been reading around the webs (comment boxes, forums, etc.) that "Do It Like A Dude" isn't "that good". Yeah, that's what's heavily produced production and mainstream butchering gets you. 

It's really jarring how the music industry is, especially in handling vocal talents such as Ms. J, where you can really hear marketing tactics in play. It's almost like the part in Little Mermaid where Ursula the Sea Witch yanks Ariel's voice so that she can be with that hunky Prince Eric and keeps it in the shell necklace for her own private scheme. When I see videos of Jessie J where she's singing without all the synthesizers and just sangin'...I can't help think that she has been "Ursula Sea Witched" with her voice being completely drowned out and controlled by heavy production. 

Yeah, what's new? Still, it's really slick how it's being done, and I can't help but think prematurely that Jessie J's upcoming debut, Who You Are, will be filled with this same "gimmick", just to sell records. But the funny thing is...the girl can actually sing...

Exhibit A: Blogging pals over at Pinboard blog have set up yet another segment of their Rehearsal Rooms series (they've done others of this sort with of my favorites such as Electric Wire Hustle and Jamie Woon), and the intimacy is no different as you get to hear what "Do It Like A Dude" should sound like without all the trimmings and trappings.



Exhibit B: Jessie gave an impromptu performance last week in a New York subway of her upcoming song, "Who You Are", just with a boom box as an loose accompaniment.



I know I'm pointing out the obvious, but when you read a YouTube comment about Jessie J being the "White Nicki Minaj" (???) based on the original version of "Do It Like A Dude", you have to chuckle sadly at how this industry tends to tricks people. 

Camino: Pinboard/PunchBowl

The Tape Deck: Fit For A King

Happy Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

Not necessarily all the songs in this week's Tape Deck are meant to be in line with Dr. King and his legacy. Some songs were picked simply because they have apt keywords like "king" and "freedom" in their titles. Still, their are few notable tracks sprinkled about that keep King's dream of freedom, positive changes, and equality for all in thought. 10 tracks for you to consider on this special day :) 

1. Happy Birthday - Stevie Wonder (1981)

Take 5 Friday: Magic Aphrodite, Pop Dust, and Singing About Antique Fish Tanks

 Re-heating leftovers of the week...

1. Love Is The Drug: If I could marry Jose James' voice, I would. It's just that good. Maybe it's me being a girl n' all, but a guy has to have a certain type of voice to really get me riled up and excited---okay, that's a little overly confessional, but I'll class it up with this unreleased number from James' Blackmagic sessions that bubbled up this week. "Vicadin" has James and Flying Lotus collaborating (those two need to do an album together, stat!), and the results are a laid-back groove that chills you ever so slightly. Perfect to put on to slow your roll down on this Friday. You can listen to it here, and also listen to another track, the tribute "Coltrane (Alice)" as an added smooth operator bonus.

2. Antique Fish Tank: By no means am I a Josh Groban fan (okay, the guy can sing a damn Christmas song), but if he did an album of singing the greatest tweets of Kanye West, I'd buy it. No gift card needed. Not sold on the idea? Watch this clip from Jimmy Kimmel's show as Groban discusses his new "album" and sings the greatest tweets of Mr. West. If you follow 'Ye on Twitter, you know what this is all about...

Audio Vision: Some Alice Smith Performances That I Have Never Ever Seen Before

It's been so long...like Anita Baker sang.

Now if these visuals have been seen before, forgive me, but I had no idea that Alice Smith did these very intimate performances back in the Spring of 2010 at a venue in Philly. I think at the time I was preoccupied with getting my rump out of college and not paying attention to Smith making a quiet little comeback. She's been doing so in small increments, as she unleashed the beast that was the song, "Fire" last year on the touring circuit.

On these visuals she's 'debuting' two new songs, "Moving Lights" and "Martha" from a new album called, The Last After---or so the YouTube description informs me. And as you would expect, both performances are well worth marinating in. Smith is a top-notch vocalist, which is why folks like myself clamored over her 2006 debut, For Lovers, Dreamers and Me. She just has a real great tone to her voice, it's gravely but also quite lush. From these it appears like Ms. Smith is working her way towards following up her debut, and I'm glad for that.

Is it just me or is she channeling the 80's Sade look here...you know with the earrings, stark red lips, blazer and a slicked back bun? Just me? Okay.

Have at it above and after the cut.

First Impressions: Missy Elliott and Timbaland 'Take' On Old Tricks

What is with everyone claiming days of the week to drop free music? Swizz Beatz nabbed Monster Mondays, Kanye West (who started it all) has G.O.O.D. Fridays and now Timbaland has Timbaland Thursdays. So what day can Audio Diva have? Hmm?

Nevermind that, what I'm focused on is Timbaland kicking off the event of copious amounts of free music by getting back with old friends. That friend is Missy Elliott, someone who we all know Timbo works exceptionally well with. This time they give us "Take Ur Clothes Off" and it's really almost as if these two never parted ways...well, almost.

The problem I have with this is the beat and the structure. It feels like 2003 again, and not in a fuzzy nostalgic way. More like Timbaland just brushed off an old beat akin to if he found some month-old pizza in the back of the fridge and was hungry enough to nuke it with the mircrowave. As much as I like Timbo, he's getting right stale with his beat work. Now Missy Elliott on the other hand really spits her game, but even her verses aren't anything to write home about, and frankly, she's being cheated on this. Hopefully this is just a test run for something bigger (and better), but I'm sort of disappointed over this reunion. Maybe next Thursday will be better...

So I'll be the old lady threating kids off my lawn with my rhinestone cane about this track, because it's just not the late 90's/early 2000's anymore.

Timbaland ft. Missy Elliott - Take Ur Clothes Off 


DL: Timbaland ft. Missy Elliott - Take Ur Clothes Off

Audio Vision: Laying It All Down With Class

You can't really go wrong with Fatih Evans or El DeBarge. Put them together...kapow wow! The two appeared on Lopez Tonight on Wednesday singing their duet, "Lay With You" from DeBarge's comeback effort, Second Chance (which was one of my favorites from 2010). It's a great song and is a reminder how much Evans and DeBarge are important to the R&B game as we see the two generations from the genre (DeBarge in the 80's, and Evans in the 90's) collaborate on something for folks who like that classic touch.

Evans always makes for a nice duet partner (see Robin Thicke and Teena Marie)...maybe she should release a duets album next? Just a suggestion... If you missed this lovely performance like I, have at it.

Crisp N' Fresh Vids: It's All The Way Live For Jamiroquai

If you haven't heard, Jay Kay and the gang are prepping to tour Europe in the Spring...so it's really quite obvious they are getting folks prepped for the gig with their new video for single, "Lifeline". Featuring visuals of nothing but tour footage, screaming fans, and someone's spot on Buffalo Man tattoo (that had to have hurt), "Lifeline" is a crash course in what to expect when you do divulge into one of their shows. Next to "White Knuckle Ride" and "Hey Floyd", "Lifeline" was my other favorite slice from Jamiroquai's latest album Rock Dust Light Star, which I admittedly haven't fully digested. Usually music videos with themes of touring and meeting fans draw criticism for being yawn inducing and overindulgent, but I have a soft spot for videos that follow in this vein, as it gives me a chance to live vicariously through concert go-ers and see what they see, especially since I don't get to hit up concert venues that much. While I wait patiently for Jamiroquai to bring their groove to the States and for my wallet to be full to actually go to the show, this visual will suffice.

First Impressions: Emily King To Take Second Flight?

Emily King's East Side Story album was very good to me (and my ears) in 2007. Very. It was just a great feel-good album that in the time I religiously played it, it hit all the right notes, vibes and words for me. Well, it still does, but at the time, King was fresh and new on the scene and she wasn't someone who was from the typical- over-hyped-singer-songwriter- underground-music-snob-praising basket---and I liked that about her and her album, which had spunk and was genuine from the jump. With songs like "Walk In My Shoes" and "U & I", King's debut (which became nominated for a Grammy) really locked into my attention, and like any other music junkie, I wanted another fix. As if she took the phone off the hook to avoid the bill collectors, King sort of dropped off the music map, and with the added news of her departure from J Records, the question came up: Where is Emily King and is when in hell is she coming back with a follow-up to East Side Story?!? Well, good things come to those who wait, as King is apparently preparing for second flight in '11. Or so I'm led to believe...

Poking around on the Internets led me to King's Soundcloud page, and what popped up were not one, but four songs that are shiny and new to my ears. I don't know where "Georgia", "Radio", "Down" and "My Friend" came from or where they are going to go, but who really cares about the technical stuff? It's new, it's good (especially "Down"---some goodness right there) and it's Emily King coating them all with that honey butter voice she's got. I have to gamble that these are the first inklings from an upcoming album, but whatever the case, if you've been anticipating to hear something fresh from this vocalist, by all means check the streams before and after the cut to be pleasantly surprised at what Ms. King is prepping for round two.

Emily King - Georgia

Crisp N' Fresh Vids: 'Lost In The World' With Andy Allo

Must be covers week this week...If you can reach into your memory bank, I spoke highly of singer-songwriter-adorable 'fro sporter Andy Allo on the strength of her 2009 debut, UnFresh. The album ended up being one of my favorites from 2009 due to tracks like "DreamLand" and "Hooked" reeling me in to this Sacramento-based singer's funky acoustical style, not to mention every single song was worth pressing the repeat button---multiple times.

I'm quite glad to see that Ms. Allo is still plugging away. Just yesterday she was a featured guest on BET's drama-com The Game, and word is that she is prepping a mixtape of some of her favorite hip-hop covers that we'll get to devour when springtime rolls around. At the moment we have an appetizer in the form of her spin on Kanye West's "Lost In The World" from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. As "Lost In The World" was my favorite cut from MBDTF (even ending up on my top 10 tracks this past year), it's really a treat to hear Allo take this on, and head on she goes with it as she strips it down giving it a serene down-tempo vibe. Covers like this I like, because it shows an attempt to take on a song of such familiarity and power and transform it  (see Mara Hruby's male covers for a further example). Kudos to Allo for this. Now I'm wondering what other covers she has up her sleeve for this mixtape? *rubs hands in anticipation* 


Camino: OKP

Album Watch: Corinne Wants To Be Your Lover On New EP

While I'll be knocking back a shot and playing Def Leppard's "Love Bites" over and over on Valentine's Day, Corinne Bailey Rae is all about the love on her upcoming, The Love EP which will drop on the romantic day in February.

Remember last year when Rae dropped a special and lovely surprise in the form of Bob Marley's "Is This Love?" Well, the song has a home now as the EP will feature it, as well as four other cuts that Rae defines as her personal favorites and covers that define her time "snapshots from around the world".  Rae is also covering  Paul McCartney/Wings' "My Love" (actually my favorite song ever from him), Belly's "Low Red Moon", Doris Day/Sly and the Family Stone's "Que Sera Sera" and Prince's "I Wanna Be Your Lover". Eclectic music taste palette Ms. Rae has.

Her take on Prince's "I Wanna Be Your Lover" (which leaked with the news) is delightful and plays very much in step with the original, so no new spin on it. It's usually always a challenge to tackle covering Prince, especially on well-known classics such as this. Excuse me for being a grouch, but at times, I wish some singers would find other Prince songs to cover. When someone plucks out of obscurity "Pop Life" or "Sometimes It Snows In April", then I can really get excited. Not to say Rae doesn't pull it off, she effortlessly does as always, but to me it seems this, "I Feel For You" and most of the tracks on Purple Rain, are the most overplayed covers by his Purple-ness. Eh, I'm just being nit-picky, but if you want to have at it, listen below.

Corinne Bailey Rae - I Wanna Be Your Lover (Prince cover) 


Camino: SB

Audio Vision: In The Comforts Of Home, Adele Spellbinds With 'Someone Like You'

Good golly. As the anticipation for 21 mounts, Adele keeps us on our toes with this recent delivery of her second single, "Someone Like You", a song that I haven't gotten a chance to really marinate with---until now. Lucky for us, Adele invited MSN Music into her home to give us a live vocal of the follow-up single to "Rolling In The Deep". It comes to no actual surprise that the track is beautiful and the richness in Adele's voice is the gift that keeps on giving, but really her delivery on this track is really a master class on vocalizing diction and control. I'm no expert on voices, as I'm a member of the 'singing n the shower' brigade, but her voice really emotes a lot and it's the reason why take heed every time. In addition to the living room performance, she also gives a small chat about the subject matter of her upcoming sophomore record just in case anyone needs a recap.

If you thought "Rolling In The Deep" was provocative, then this track will make you believe (again) that 21 is going to make fans extremely happy with its contents when it is released this month on the 24th.

Camino: HCM

Buzzy Wuzzy: Janet Jackson Is About To Get 'Up Close & Personal' In The States

One of the best things about being a Janet Jackson fan/stan/cult member is that whenever her royal bad assness tours, you feel that it's Christmas all over again. In the simplest of terms, it's an event and it connects like-minded individuals sharing a common vision pushing toward---okay, you get the point.

Even though Jackson won't be visiting my neck of the woods (she must not be a Spurs fan...*sticks nose in air*) with her upcoming Number Ones: Up Close & Personal tour, she recently added some US and Canada dates to the roster, which no doubt should send fans, like myself, in a whirlwind of excitement and premature plans to start selling blood to obtain tickets. As promised, she's visiting 35 global cities in honor of the 35 number one hits that she will perform at the show. Last year, her camp devised a poll to pick the venues where the tour should make a stop and fans sent in suggestions, with Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taipei being the first stops announced.

Jackson has expressed that the show, with a set-list derived from her Number Ones album package, is to be her most intimate yet, and that each show that she performs will be different from the last---so expect the unexpected when you go. She further discussed in a recent statement:

"These concerts are not about special effects. This is a love affair between me and those of you who have supported me and my work for all these years. I'll be singing and dancing from my heart. The music will all be songs that you've made number ones for me. Let's go!"

Well, escapade me.

The tour kicks off at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo show in March and concludes in Las Vegas in April. Further dates are after the cut.

First Impressions: Follow Lykke Li Down To The 'River'

And the great expectations just keep piling up...How could I forget about Lykke Li and her upcoming sophomore album, Wounded Rhymes? Well, I did, and yes, I'm anxiously awaiting that album drop considering I truly loved every single smutty thing about it's first single, "Get Some" (as well as it's B-Side "Paris Blue"). Wounded Rhymes is shaping up to be a goodie as the latest song, "I Follow Rivers" is just as exceptional. In fact, I think I like this the best with it's sinister strut and tribal blips and beeps. It's highly infectious and atmospheric as you do feel as if you're submerged underwater right from the bubbling beginning. The rhythmic soulful chant vibe really shows that Lykke is testing out something a bit brasher this go around and in my world, it's welcomed. Take a listen below to hear this adventure.

Lykke Li - I Follow Rivers

Recycle It!: Yes Indeed! To Marsha Ambrosius

Let the tribute covers commence! Sy Smith and MdCL kicked off the Teena Marie appreciation with their re-imaging of "Lovergirl" and now Marsha Ambrosius dusted off Marie's "Yes Indeed!" for a crowd at a North London venue and--to no surprise--put a killin' on it. Soul Culture caught the performance and has shared it with everyone and I'm glad that they did, considering that this is a Teena Marie song you don't get to hear often, and that the song is the perfect canvas for a multi-texture toned voice like Ambrosius'. Overall, this suits her effortlessly. 

I said in the post about the 8 Best Teena Marie Albums (which I'm happy to state has been the most popular post on this blog in the last couple of months) that "Yes Indeed!" was one of my favorites off of Marie's 1981 album, It Must Be Magic and according to Ms. Ambrosius, it's her favorite as well. Another top notch tribute to add to the basket. Peek the Lady T original after the cut to get educated (or re-educated) on the original.

The Tape Deck: Tina & David

It was David Bowie's 64th birthday over the weekend, and I was watching Angela Basset shake her tail feather as Tina Turner in What's Love Got To Do With It this weekend...so the idea to put two-and-two together comes in. So a short deck this time with 7 songs, 3 favored songs from each artist, and one of them together. I know, I'm barely scratching the surface with these two great artists, but I'm keeping it simple. Without further word distraction, here's your Tape Deck playlist idea for the week.

1. Tina Turner & David Bowie - "Let's Dance (Live)" (1986)

Take 5 Fridays: Robots, Fandoms, and 'Revolutionary Pop'

 Re-heating leftovers of the week...

1. Robotics: Just moments after Jazmine Sullivan released some tension about her departure from the music business, an unreleased Salaam Remi produced track, "I'm Not A Robot" (no relation to Marina & The Diamonds track) came hot on it's heels. Coincidence? Well, it's more definable than all those dead birds and fish popping up, but "I'm Not A Robot" is Sullivan's standing on her soapbox and expressing her feelings about her being embroiled in the business of music saying she "wants out of this program". The song is actually quite good, and I can think about two song off of Love Me Back that could have been substituted for this. Sullivan has since deleted those fiery tweets and stated she's "fine", but from the sound and leak of things, Ms. Sullivan just needs to take a breather and gather herself this year. Listen to the track here.

2. Idol Warpedship: This week people found out that Lauryn Hill is really a big ol' selfish meanie and thus teenage dreams of idol worship came tumbling down. Over at The Black Snob and FlyBlackChick they watched it happen and discussed the 'miseducation' of being a Lauryn Hill fan. This comes in at the wake of Hill delaying the start of her recent concerts, angry fan reactions, and her supposed and delayed "comeback" which has been in the works since...gah, since I was still wearing braces back in the turn of the millennium. As unprofessional it is and as aggravating to ticket holders and fans who expect quality for the price they plop down, still I'm not surprised at both sides actions. I won't get into Hill's unprofessional actions, but as a graduate of the "uber-music-fan of so-in-so" you have to understand that it's sometimes not about you, the fan, even though you get stuck in the middle of the 'fandom' and expect so much. It's just a little annoying to me that some fans need a 12-step-program to get through the fact that sometimes those artists they love and worship words dearly, aren't the demi-Gods that they make them out to be through their music. It's a crushing blow, yes, but sometimes, a slap of reality is what you need, and these two articles provide it.

Album Watch: 'Love, Tweet' To (Finally) Be Released

Add this to my 'Great Expectations of 2011', but Tweet is finally finally releasing her Love, Tweet project this year.

I know. Don't hold your breath, Audio Diva.

But...Tweet has reinvigorated the possibility. Tweet 'tweeted' about the news (Tweet, tweeted, ha!) earlier this week, and she also dropped the word: 'mixtape' into the pot claiming that a mixtape will be in the works to help tide us over and hear what she has in store for the full course meal. I've been starving since 2008, so I guess an appetizer is worth the wait...

For those who have had amnesia over the last couple of years, the Love, Tweet album has been in talks since '08, with songs such as "Love Again", "Real Lady" and "Anymore" wandering around aimlessly online being claimed as new material for the record. The album never materialized after Tweet left her record label, Umbrella Records, and with this record label strife, the album just sat in limbo. Now for 2011, it might get to be the follow-up to Tweet's earlier albums, 2002's Southern Hummingbird and 2005's It's Me Again. Or so I hope. Tweet is one of many who seems to always have an album sitting in limbo due to the record label just sitting on the project  (i.e. Teedra Moses, Van Hunt), hopefully, Ms. 'Southern Hummingbird' will get out of that trap.

To refresh your memories and hear the 'what if' of Tweet's work with Love, Tweet, the songs "Love Again" and "Anymore" are feature after the cut...and I will interject that the songs were actually top notch. Hopefully, they will get breathed a second life if placed on the new record.

Crisp N' Fresh Vids: Raphael Saadiq Can't Live Without His Retro 'Radio'

How's this for the quickness? Just mere days after Raphael Saadiq unleashed the beach blanket bingo of new single, "Radio", we now have the visual. Sticking to his retro guns still, Saadiq goes deeper into vintage territory and takes an eclectic cast of characters along with him. Blending modern with vintage styles has always been ideal, as the video extract elements from the 1960's and forms them with modern dance club visions, yet somehow, I'm not convinced with this, as this is a little rusty (and somewhat cheap move) for Saadiq. The song has marginally grown on me over the last couple of listens, but it's nowhere near what he did on The Way I See It. On another note, did anyone notice the girl in the video looks decked out to imitate Lady GaGa? Concerning the song, maybe it's subliminal message about how music video and music star image killed the influence of radio? Or how the music industry needs to go back to basics? I don't know. Just ignore me and my Friday mind. Watch the video and be a judge for yourself.

Crisp N' Fresh Vids: Marsha Ambrosius Delivers A Message With 'Far Away'

Music can provoke so much---we know this. Just some artists know that they can utilize their musical gifts to evoke thought-provoking messages that stick to the ribs long after the song dissipates. Marsha Ambrosius' has done just that with her new music video for her single, "Far Away". The Just Blaze produced track, which is to be on her upcoming, Late Nights, Early Mornings, was written in remembrance to a friend that she lost to suicide. In the visual, Marsha does the difficult task of handling art with a meaningful, personal, and powerful message, especially one that touches on topics that are tough to formulate into words and visuals. Like the pro that she is, she passes the test with flying colors.

In a bold and beautiful visual, Ambrosius puts the poetics into motion with a message to bring awareness against bullying, a message that can hit home for numerous people. With the staggering and unsettling number of teen suicides this past year, this video is timely and an eye-opener to a serious problem that society sometimes tries to brush under the rugs. So take a peek after the cut to view the official video, and give a big thumbs up to Marsha for bringing this conversation back to light and for being an artist who brings meaning with beautiful compositions such as this.

First Impressions: The Dial Is Still Set On Retro On Raphael Saddiq's 'Radio'

It would be like Raphael Saddiq to release in the throws of winter a track that feels like you're doing the mashed potato on sandy beaches with your friends Bunny and Biff as they giggle gleefully in the background. You laugh, but you can just feel the sand between your toes and the the summer heat on your back when you get a whiff of "Radio", Saddiq's first single from his upcoming album, Stone Rollin' (out this March). Taking malt shop cues from the likes of Jackie Wilson and The Beach Boys, "Radio" is a go-go in it's 50's and early 60's throwback sound. In fact, this is even more thrown into the vat of nostalgia than his last (and great) effort, 2008's The Way I See It. It has been rumored that Stone Rollin' is to be Saddiq's Electric Ladyland...at the premature moment, I'm not really hearing that. Nonetheless, the track is delicious and Saddiq could sing about plastic forks, and I'd always be pleased with the outcome. 

Raphael Saddiq - Radio

Song Stuck In My Head: Nona Hendryx Tells You To 'Keep It Confidential'

Nona Hendryx and "Keep It Confidential". This is the good stuff.

Off of her 1983 album, Nona, "Keep It Confidential"  The album  also featured an array of guests such as Nile Rodgers, Sly Dunbar and Kashif. Even a strong female backbone appears on the staggering "Designed For Living" alone (Laurie Anderson, Valerie Simpson, Nancy Wilson of Heart, Tina Weymouth of the Talking Heads...oh, and Miss Patti LaBelle herself). But that's just external trivia to impress your friends about. At the root of Nona is "Keep It Confidential", which is probably my favorite off of it, as it's a song that really shows off Nona's attention to detail, lyrically and production wise. It just has a real nice post-disco gloss to it, like a leftover from that era that got scrubbed with some dirt from the early 80's punk scene. Sort of the akin to the basis of Blondie's "Heart Of Glass" sounds, just a bit colder and more soulful. Love how this song begins oh so quietly and then goes into a bubbling dance beat.

The lone performance I could find of the song features Nona on a stage that looks like someone got excited with the dry ice machine and decided to jack the set of Diana Ross' "Pieces Of Ice" music video. Nonetheless, Nona churns it out, live, no lip synch or tricks. Real and raw, like she always is.

First Impressions: Grabbing Into The Groove Of Fitz and The Tantrums

Just when I thought I was up to my ear drums in 1960's nostalgia groups, singers and albums, here comes a group that sort of reinvigorates that now tedious concept. If you're going to do a throwback sound, Fitz and the Tantrums know you have to take it to the river. Fitz and the Tantrums are a sextet that have been stepping around for some time on the Los Angeles scene, opening for the likes of Maroon 5, and due to their raucous, soul stomping sound, they've gathered a following.

I started off on the right foot, because my first impression came in the form of "Moneygrabber", which is just delish. It's almost as if Tina Turner's fringed dresses from the 60's (or really two years ago) were back in motion when I heard it. The song is feautred on their 2010 debut album, Pickin' Up The Pieces, and on it are more goodies such as "Winds Of Change" and "Breaking The Chains of Love". Oh, how I was sleeping on this.

The group could easily get thrown into the void of like-minded bands, specifically Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, but actually I like this better. It's not too tepid and it's just the right amount of nostalgia that it doesn't feel forced, like some nostalgia minded outfits can turn out to be. Lead singer, Fitz sounds like a blend between Daryl Hall (whom they jammed with on his Live From Daryl's House webcast) and oddly David Bowie, along with co-vocalist, Noelle Scaggs the two are bringing back that Ike & Tina trade-off of vocal exercises to a T. Just causing a ruckus for all the right reasons this group is. Take a listen to "Moneygrabber" and see if you like to grab this groove, because you can tangibly for free here.

Audio Vision: Kermy West Unleashes 'Monster'

While we try to figure out if the Kanye West video for "Monster" is unfinished or not (is it?!?), how about we look at those lovable Muppets trying their *ahem* claws, hoofs, and paws at the crazy good track off of West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy? Taking footage from Sesame Street, The Muppets Take Manhattan, The Muppet Show, The Muppet Christmas Carol and The Muppets Movie, the Muppets got chopped n' screwed and captured at their most "ruthless". Dig if you will this picture show featuring the "skillz" of Kermy West, Faw-Z, Rizz Rat Von Count, and Piggie Minaj.

Raise your hand if you remember when Cookie Monster rapped about eating fruits and vegetables. See the Muppets have been hardcore rappers before there really was such an attitude.

Camino: Mash

Artist Watch: Being Taken Captive By Christina Perri's 'Jar Of Hearts'

When I first heard "Jar of Hearts", I nodded my head going, "Yeah, this is a ballad." Usually ballads and me don't get along. Sort of a dirty little secret of mines considering how I'm supposed to be open to all avenues, but a ballad has to strike a chord with me, has to hit all the right nerves, has to mean something, and can't sound overtly schmaltzy. This one covers that checklist and then some. The woman behind the haunting poetics is Philly native and guitarist, Christina Perri, an artist who is currently gaining ear attention, strictly from this song. I'm getting Sara Bareilles or Diane Birch vibes from this, but Perri's got a vocal execution all her own.

Featured on Perri's current release, The Ocean Way Sessions EP, "Jar of Hearts" picked up steam when it was featured on So You Think You Can Dance over the summer and is being downloaded like crazy right now. I came across it on my many haunts through We Are Hunted, and thought it was just divine. Perri is currently working towards making a full-length album, but do a YouTube search and you'll find her taking on a number of songs that should no doubt lead way to how the album should take shape. For those who like to slow the roll down with a concisely constructed ballad from a star on the rise, then check it out at all costs (her performance on Conan is after the cut). Beautification right here.

Christina Perri - Jar of Hearts

Album Watch: Great Expectations of 2011

It's that time again...

Looking into the crystal ball it looks like 2011, musically, is shaping up to be just as brilliant as last year. Hopefully, most of what has been speculated or confirmed at the moment of post press lives up to the high hopes I have prematurely placed on them. Plus, I also hope there are some surprises in store this year as well, in order to give me a real nice fix for my ears.

Like last year's 'great expectations', let's take a peek-a-boo at what we can sort of expect this year to bring us in terms of new projects from some artists that you may be familiar with. Note that, album titles and artist's minds are subject for change, so this "mini-list" is just something to to sort of get you all hot n' bothered about all the tantalizing treats coming to your headphones this year.

Artist Watch: Ain't No CocknBullKid About It

Ooh. To. Be. Ah. CocknBullKid is a name that I've been hearing for a good long while, but finally got off my lazy arse to fully engage. Once again, I was sleeping on what a vibrant find this UK star-in-waiting is. Cut from the same cloth as electronic spunks such as VV Brown, Santigold, MPHO, and Janelle Monae, getting into CocknBullKid's (aka Anita Blay) groove was a breeze. She had a song called, "One Eyed Closed", that caught my attention when I happened by on a blog surfing whim. It was one of those "if you like MPHO and VV Brown you'll like so-in-so" moments. Pressed play, and I was hooked.

In a flourish of angelic vocals from the Blay, 'Secret Agent Man'-esque basslines, and dazzle shimmers of synths, "One Eyed Closed" rocks a good one. Then...I had to know more. She has a Mary Poppins bag of songs since she's been recording since 2008, so it wasn't a chore to seek out even more musical goodies. Goodies came in the forms of her upcoming/currently buzzing, "Hold Onto Your Misery" (which you can hear after the cut) and her tart 80's Freestyle-esque "Clean Apart" from the time when she was just known as 'TheCocknBullKid' back in '08.

Blay has already won over a number over critics and bloggers, and her upcoming debut album, Adulthood, has got some anticipation rushing behind it, which is highly understandable considering the material that has already emerged. Still not sold? Take a listen at "One Eyed Closed" (see the music video after the cut), "Clean Apart", and her exceptional cover of  tourmate, Marina & The Diamonds' great pop caper "Shampain". Big big tunes we got here from a singer who we might be hearing even more from as 2011 progresses.

One Eyed Closed


Clean Apart


Shampain (Marina & The Diamonds Cover)


Camino: DiscoN/RCRD LBL

Buzzy Wuzzy: Jazmine Sullivan Hangs Up Her Mic

With the new year comes changes, and if you're Jazmine Sullivan, you're making a big change. Sullivan took to her Twitter to make an announcement that she is hanging up her mic and leaving the music industry. 

She quotes:

I'm trying to figure out who I am, without a mike, paper or pen. I promised myself when it wasn’t fun anymore I wouldn’t do it. And here I am. I’m not saying I won’t ever sing again in my life becuz I dont believe that. But in this moment, rt now…I got some things to figure out”.

Such a shame. After hearing her last album, Love Me Back, she showed such promise, but in some respects I do feel her situation. Maybe fame came too swiftly and it overwhelmed? Maybe she didn't want to bend to label pressures to make her into something she wasn't? Or maybe the industry, as we all know, just didn't sit with her?  Whatever the case, I wish her the best, and hope that she does decide to return after she takes that time for herself, because she's one of the few young vocalists out there that was really bringing back that singer-songwriter vibe.

Camino: PB / SNL

Recycle It!: Yep, Smells Like J*Davey Spirit

You know the feeling after the holidays. The doldrums. No more presents, holiday TV specials, acceptable pound packing pig-outs. So what better way to unwrap a little gift from J*Davey to make you feel a bit better? Everybody's favorite indie electronic soul darlings have a cure for that present you didn't receive this Christmas, their cover version of Nirvana's seminal hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (remember the deodorant too?) free of charge and full of that spirit the duo possesses. So does it live up? Purists of the original might frown on this as really no cover can live up to the original and Jack is no Kurt Cobain, but the dreary, plodding tone is still intact, just with a more electric soul flair that sets the mood right.While we are still waiting for a real tangible album from the duo, they always tend to apologize for the wait with a free download every once in awhile, and this one is a nice homage to add to their collection of work. So get a whiff of this.

J*Davey: Smells Like Teen Spirit


DL: Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana cover)

Album Watch: Returing To Paradise With Sam Sparro

Sam Sparro is making my 2011 dreams come true with the first inklings of Return To Paradise, his upcoming sophomore set, coming to fruition. And does he deliver...

Taking a late hall pass to this, it's exciting to know that Sparro has contracted ultimate dance party fever this time latching onto being inspired by 90's House. His newly released "buzz single", "Pink Cloud" is evidence of this style as it is a non-stop dancefloor burner, that for 90's children like me, it is a right blast from the past.  In addition to fans a neat holiday treat by dropping the Pink Cloud EP. The EP, which Sparro dubs an "art project" and not a "single", features the title track, it's remixes (by noted DJ's Julian Brody, Saint Le Roq, and NguzuNguzu) and a brand new song, the B-side, "You's A Nasty", which follows in the same spatty House vein as 'Cloud'. Man, I feel like doing the Romy & Michele dance to all of this.

I adore Sam Sparro, as his 2008 self-titled debut is just plain fantastic, so hearing that he's following that project up with Return To Paradise this year is like drinking that champagne I had on New Years all over again. It's just kind of a shame his voice is taking a ride in the backseat on these tracks, but he has promised that Return To Paradise will be full of that soulful tone we adore so much. Thank goodness. Take a listen to (the NSFW and NSFYourHips) "You's A Nasty" and head on over to Sparro's official page for something free and special.

Sam Sparro: You's A Nasty

DL: Pink Cloud EP

Camino: SB / EQ

The Tape Deck: New New New

Happy New Year! Two days shy of saying that, but...eh, whatever. As you can see some "new" things are happening on the Audio Diva blog (i.e., the layout), and things will continue to be fresh as the year plugs onward. I'm excited, and you should be too. To get you in the mood for all the new sheen over 2011, I'm bringing back The Tape Deck with 10 songs that are enriched in celebrating "newness", whether it be in attitude, love, or just that workout plan you're trying to not do. If you can think of any more that fit into the topic of "newness" (the catch is the song has to have "new" in the title), then the comment box is open for playing the game. We all get to start fresh this year, so let's get to it!

1. New Attitude - Patti LaBelle (1984)


2. Brand New Jones - Robin Thicke (2003)