Monthly Archives: January 2012

NEW MUSIC | The Dø – “Tightrope” (Janelle Monáe Cover)

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While it is certainly making its way around the musical blogosphere, I just couldn’t continue to breathe without saying something. The Dø’s spin on Janelle Monáe’s delightful “Tightrope” takes the art of cover songs to a completely different galaxy.

The duo gets their hands dirty with a nine-minute transformation that nearly leaves the original in the dust. The brilliant fury of murderous electric guitars, drums and horns against dark, sultry vocals give “Tightrope” an exhilarating new edge—raw, ballsy, and devilishly orgasmic.

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TWEET | Classic Reflections

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The fact that Tweet did not reign over the entire scope of 2002 with Southern Hummingbird still boggles my mind. As one of the best R&B albums of the past decade, the album is such a pleasant reminder of what we’re missing in today’s R&B: soul.

It’s not even the organic aura of the album’s production or the beautiful warmth of Tweet’s voice that make it remarkable. The greatest aspect of the LP is Tweet’s impassioned, genuine expression of her life experiences. There isn’t one track on the album that feels untruthful.

Even 10 years after its release, the impact is still the same. Undoubtedly, this is what timeless music sounds like.

Simply amazing…

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NEW VIDEO | Lianne La Havas – “Forget”

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Just when you thought the acoustic and remixed versions weren’t addictive enough, Lianne La Havas intensifies the high with the official video for “Forget.” In all ways, Lianne continues to lead the class of new artists who are poised for great things in 2012. Even though the video ventures on the simpler side, it’s a perfect fit for the song. Not to mention, Lianne lights up the screen like a natural.

OBSESSED

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LIVE | Bianca Raquel At World Cafe Live

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On Thursday I had the pleasure of watching Bianca Raquel take the stage in my hometown of Philadelphia. In her brief, yet strong opening set for Idle Worship, she commanded the audience with her bright personality and even brighter talent.  After sailing through some Nirvana, Kanye West, and No Doubt, she performed some original material.  “The Fuck It Song” (which quickly became a viral sensation via youtube ) showed why Ms. Raquel is one to watch. Poised, fiery, and above all, she can play.

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NEW MUSIC | Kinny – “Big Fat Liar”

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I don’t know who pissed Kinny off, but by all means, keep up the good work. In all of its fiery splendor, “Big Fat Liar” leaves a hell of a first impression. Raw, emotive, and unique, Kinny’s voice makes this track simply unavoidable. Not to mention, any scorned lover can find themselves in the song’s blunt lyricism. In all aspects, “Big Fat Liar” makes a big and bold statement; not just for the dirty game of love, but for what’s to come from Kinny’s album, Can’t Kill A Dame With Soul.

We’re intrigued…are you?

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WOLFWOLF | Happy Heartbreak

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After captivating our ears with the devilishly seductive “Love,” WolfWolf quickly peaked our interest. As the cravings for more struck, I turned to WolfWolf’s Happy Heart Breaks to satisfy my appetite.   In just eight tracks, WolfWolf transports listeners to an audio euphoria, a place that intoxicates the sexy funk of the 80s with the experimental colors of futuristic pop and hard-hitting hip-hop beats.

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NEW VIDEO | Incisive (feat. Shakka) – “This Groove”

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For all of you that don’t know, I detest the winter with every fiber of my being. If I could, I would hibernate for the entire season. Because this is simply impossible, I’ll opt to lose myself in the breezy vibes of Incisive‘s “This Groove,” which features Shakka. With their flawless chemistry, Incisive and Shakka create an unexpected jam that feels like a perfect summer day.

If you’re looking for a wintry escape or a simple feel-good track, look no further.

Here’s to hoping for future duets between these two…

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SANTIGOLD | Like She Never Left

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When I discovered that Santigold would be launching her hotly-anticipated comeback at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in NY, the pure joy I experienced rivaled that of a starry-eyed tiny tot’s first visit to Disney World. However, all of my excitement tanked when I realized my work schedule roadblocked my plans to attend. And a mini-depression ensued.

But I was soon rescued from the gloom with the pleasant surprise that was “Big Mouth,“ the first release from Santi’s sophomore LP, due this year. Needless to say, the heavens rejoiced.

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BRANDY | The Sermon

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If you ever wondered how Brandy earned the title of “The Vocal Bible,” just take a look at the R&B legend’s stirring rendition of the gospel classic, “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.” Tackling the song with encapsulating soul and conviction, the incomparably rare beauty of Brandy’s voice takes center stage, demonstrating why she is one of the most gifted vocalists in music history. With mesmerizing technique, Brandy uses her voice as an instrument, delivering mesmerizing vocals that many of her counterparts only dream of pulling off.

As the arrival of new music draws closer and closer, it seems that Brandy is finally owning her greatness. It seems a true comeback is on the horizon.

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NEW VIDEO | Santigold – “Big Mouth”

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To echo the words of A. Jamar, there is only one Santigold. Her debut is indeed a cult classic. After a lengthy four year hiatus, she has returned to reclaim her thrown.

If “Big Mouth” is any indication of whats to come, Santigold is not leaving any room for era. With consuming syncopation and irresistible zest, Santigold’s presence is forceful. The accompanying visual further intensifies Santigold’s fantasy world where sounds, style, anime, and surrealism crash.

Santiglod’s second album  Master Of My Make Believe will arrive this spring.

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NEW VIDEO | Emile Sandé – Next To Me

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After months of raking in swift praise and acclaim, it’s such a beautiful thing to see Emile Sandé‘s career blossom right before our eyes. The latest trek in her entrancing global takeover comes by way of a new visual for “Next To Me.” As always, Emile delivers another winner. Lyrically, vocally, artistically–again, Emile proves why she is one of the most exciting acts to emerge in recent years.

“Our Version of Events” arrives next month…

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NEW MUSIC | Jade Alston – Single On A Saturday Night [Mixtape]

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…And let the new music pour in.

Meet Jade Alston, Philly based singer/songwriter who just released her debut mixtape, Single On A Saturday Night.  Reppin for the ladies indeed, Jade tells a story of a newly single lady balancing the emotional roller-coaster of love. R&B’s self-proclaimed Carrie Bradshaw combines honesty and sultriness through her music. With a voice reminiscent of  Toni Braxton, I can’t help but love what I’ve heard thus far. Above all, its her point of view that is most striking-its feminine yet masculine edge shows true promise.This Jade Alston is definitely one to watch.

[DOWNLOAD]- Single On A Saturday Night

Jade Alston Connect [Facebook|Twitter| Official]

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NEW MUSIC| Beach Heart – “Sky Shatter”

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Within 10 seconds of pressing play I was hooked.  By the time the track stretched to its four-minute mark I was already engrossed in a rampant Google search.  I needed to know, Who? When? and most importantly Where?… can I hear more music that is. To my dismay, I did not discover much, however I did find out Beach Heart is based in San Francisco.

“Sky Shatter” is fucking incredible. The production reaches another level of greatness. The soaring synths & inaudible vocals have me transfixed. To make it all better, the track is available for free downland via Soundcloud.

” Sky Shatter”

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