Party people! I hope everyone has had a great week. Mine has been mostly sweet with a touch of sour but I roll with the punches.
This week’s OSF theme is Girl Groups. This was a rough one to narrow down! As I anxiously await Tuesday when Raphael Saadiq’sThe Way I See Itdrops, I thought about giving ya’ll some Motown sounds. Maybe some Marvalettes, Supremes, or Martha Reeves and The Vandellas.
Then I thought that since I’ve been in a sassy mood this week I should drop some Klymaxx, “The Men All Pause.” and “Meeting In the Ladies Room.” I play “The Men All Pause” is mood music when I’m headed out on a Saturday night.
However, as I’ve mentioned, the 90s is my favorite decade in music in part because of the proliferation of girl groups. So many to choose from: Jade, Changing Faces, 702, En Vogue, XScape, Total, Blaque, and two of the best selling female groups of all time: TLC and SWV.
And then there was Zhane.
Should be no need to introduce you to Zhane. For the one or two…
When I tell you I let my tape rock til my tape popped, I’m not exaggerating. My freshman year of college as I was getting over an unrequited love, I estimate Pronounced Jah-nay got about 8,873 spins and Mary’sMy Life twice that (but that’s another post).
They also won a hard fought spot on my Top Fifity Songs list. It wasn’t easy to choose just one from that album.
However, I got to end it with their first hit, “Hey Mr. DJ,” the ultimate party starter. I dedicate this one on the “request line” to DJ YZO of Industry Soul.You’re the greatest mannnnnn!
Where are they now?
Both Jean Baylor and Renee Neufville are both enjoying solo careers.
Jean’s album Testimony: My Life Story is available for download on her website. I think I am going to cop that!
I am long overdue. I have a backlog of albums to purchase but there are also some upcoming releases that I also need to get my hands on.
I’m also compiling this list because either I don’t know where to look or there are very few sites that have updated release info all in one place without me having to scan through genres I have no interest in.
This list contains albums I’m anticipating so it still won’t be comprehensive. I hope it can serve as a reference for soul and real hip hop music lovers out there. I don’t need to be the only out there eating PB&J!
As folks wander in and drop some gems I may have overlooked in the comment section, I will likely update this. I’ll likely make a page for it right up there at the top so you can locate it quickly.
Let me know whether you plan to high tail it to the store and get any of these. Or let me know your thoughts about what we can expect from any of these artists. Will I be jamming it or slamming it?
September 9th
I was kind of ambivalent about Hurricane (with the exception of “Pretty Baby”) but I have been feeling the cuts I’ve heard from Eric Benet’s latest album. He also is a very entertaining interview!
Take a listen to “Hunger,” the second single from Love and Life.
Kenny is too fly on that album cover! I’ve always been a fan of his sound. I look forward to seeing what he can bring to the remakes of some timeless classics. He dares to touch Donny, Marvin, Otis, Stevie, and Aretha all on one album?! Well rock on Kennywith your bad self! “Starship” is one of my favorite songs so I’m anxious to see what he does with that one in particular.
Not to mention, she’s from the City of Brotherly Love and you already know how much I stan for all things Philly. Reminiscent of the buzz around Chrisette Michele, this is surely one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year. As if she needed her rising star to soar any faster, she is opening for Maxwell on some (if not all) of his tour dates. Probably the quickest selling ticket ever for an artist who hasn’t released an album in years and one who has yet to drop one. Soul Bounce has been stanning for Jazmine for months now. If you’re behind, get into this.
The Internets are on edge waiting to see what Common delivers on Invincible Summer. It’s been described as “clubby,” which is not what I want to hear from him. However, I’m willing to give it a chance (although Bilal is M.I.A). Santogold makes an appearance, which I’m feeling. No album art has surfaced just yet (unless I’ve missed it). Meantime, I’m very content to stare at his beautiful mug in photos like the one above.
I am not feeling Joe’s album cover at all. Well, his milk dud head is sexy. The track that I’ve heard didn’t reach out and grab me. I’m going to give Joe a chance. I still believe he has another “All The Things” or “I Wanna Know” left in him.
You already know how much I love Ledisi. There’s singing and there’s sangin’. I was excited when I heard she would be making the most wonderful time of the year a whole lot better. This will be a welcome addition to my holiday soundtrack. I can’t wait to hear the spin she puts on some of the classics.
September 30
Two albums with cover controversy being released on the same day? Will that be the conversation or will we stick to the music?
Let me first say that I do hope the woman whose body this actually is or the graphic artist who did this photoshop job were well-paid for what is actually a beautiful album cover. I’m very much looking forward to an album full of JHud’s powerhouse vocals. I’m not blown away by the admittedly catchy “Spotlight.” I suppose I favor her ballads. I must also admit that I’m more excited about the next time I get to see her on the big screen.
At the end of the day, all I care about is the music. I’m definitely feeling “Magic.” I already know all I need to know because he’s opening for Mary J. Blige. He also gives good interview. The Evolution of Robin Thicke still gets play on the ‘pod two years later and I have the same high hopes for this album. I like the cover but I’m a tad disappointed that it is so reminiscent of The Evolution. Hey, I guess if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
October 18
When I first saw this album cover, I swore they had stolen it from my BFF’s wedding album. This is exactly how the set up for the ceremony looked. If I wasn’t so lazy, I would post the pics side by side.
As you know, I love all things Philly soul. I have loved Kindred’smusic since they arrived on the scene with Surrender To Love. I still get all gushy inside whenever they perform “Stars.” I feel the same about the first single, “House of Love.” I have supported both their albums and will continue to do so. After all, they got mouths to feed! I look forward to The Arrival in stores on the 21st of October.
October 28
Dear John,
Our relationship has been a little shaky since I ran (not walked) to the store to cop “Once Again,” as soon as Best Buy opened on the day it was released.
I ONLY LIKED ONE SONG ON THE WHOLE COTDAMN ALBUM!
You’ve started trying to make it up to me by giving me Estelle. “Stay With Me” is my favorite song on Al Green’s “Lay It Down.” So I agreed to go to counseling.
Then you dropped “Green Light” and performed another new track, “If You’re Out There” from Evolver at the Democratic National Convention. So I let you back in.
The agony! How much longer can “Vivrant Thing” wait for this album? Especially after he was one of the main reasons my bells got ROCKED by real hip hop this summer. I guess the good thing about this date is that I would have something to console me on the drive down to the Carolinas/ATL should the PAIN ticket steal this election.
December 16thbroke my heart with Ain’t Nobody Worryin and Soulife.
Anthony Hamilton, who has cleaned up very nicely I must say, will drop a new album called The Point of It All. Well Anthony, after I completely fell in love with Coming From Where I’m From, you
After two strikes, I still can’t quit you!
I guess you got that magic. Even if I’m not loving what he’s singing, I’m loving the sound of him singing it.
“Cool,” with David Banneris aiight. I like the sentiment. I could have done without Banner though.
Other releases I’m keeping an eye out for are:
Beyonce’s double album I Am….Sasha Fierce is due out on November 18th. I should have quit her after the mess that was B’Day but I’m hoping for another Dangerously In Love. Actually I guess I did since I only own Dangerously In Love. *shrugs* She’s doing two movies though so this may be another rushed H.A.M. Let me stop before her stans find their way in here. I’m not dealing with that shit.
After hearing the singles released so far, I see that I am not going to get my Dangerously In Love.
Thanks, B.
Sometime in June, September 23, November 11, December 9
Well, since the “Invincible Summer” has come and gone, our boy Common needed a new title. I can get with Universal Mind Control, which is also the title of his first single. I’m not especially moved by the video– <girly moment> outside of the fact that he is looking muy deliciouso. </girly moment> After being bamboozled and let astray several times this year, the word in the streets is that we’ll have a product in our hands by November the NEXT millennium.
India Arie (Testimony Vol 2: Love & Politics)
Maysa (Metamorphosis on October 14)
Janelle Monae (Suite 1: The Chase)
Maxwell (Black Summer’s Night)
Brandy (she sounds hot on John Legend’s “Quickly” so I’ll add her to the list. New album, Human, on shelves 12/9 but will likely be leaked a month before)
After January 1st, I will be keeping vigil for albums from D’Angelo and N’Dambi, and India Arie which are all scheduled to drop in the early part of the year…we hope, wish and pray.
Before we get into this week’s theme, I first have to send major congratulations out to the staff of SoulBounce and Afrobella, who both won WELL-deserved Black Weblog Awards. As you all know, these are my two favorite blogs hands down. I am subscribed to well over 200. Nuff said.
On another note, I know my blogging here has been light However, I often “microblog” on Twitter. I plan to start talking more about the music I’m listening to over there as well as my random musings that I don’t always have time to post here. So if you’re on Twitter, feel free to follow a sista. I’ll add you as well so I can get to know my readers a bit better.
Let get to the getting!
This week’s theme is “Disco Inferno!” We’re highlighting some of our favorite disco songs. When I saw this week’s theme, one song immediately popped into my head. After doing a little research, I found my thread.
It shouldn’t have surprised me to see that The Emotions worked with Maurice White of my Favorite. Band. Ever. Earth Wind and Fire on “Best of My Love.” Members of The Emotions collaborated on and off the stage with Earth Wind and Fire.
Here is “Boogie Wonderland,” by Earth Wind and Fire and The Emotions.
Beautiful music indeed.
Now boogie on over to the other OSF participants pages and keep the party going!
Don’t ask. It’s become a habit with each island I visit to take this same picture.
Anyway, a sista is back after eight days of relaxing, relating, releasing…and reflecting. I don’t know if I mentioned it, but I went to Barbados alone. This was not the plan, but shit happens. However, that monkey wasn’t stopping this show.
As it turned out, it was really for the best. Things happen just as they are supposed to. I was on my own time and did what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. Just what I needed.
I spent most of my days doing the above. I took one tour of the island and spent the rest of the days reading and letting the ocean waves and sweet sounds from the ‘pod caress my ears. Sitting out right at the water’s edge and letting the waves crash over me is always the most relaxed I ever feel. I need to retire to the beach and spend all day doing this:
I tell you though, that Mount Gay rum has to be 100 proof! Those rum punches were kicking my ass!
My nights were spent wining my body to soca and reggae…and trying to untangle myself from a “love” triangle. I’m not going into all of that here but let’s just say by the end, I was ready to get back to the DC area where I can go about my business virtually unnoticed.
Although I managed to stay unplugged for the majority of the trip, I was sure to catch the Democratic Convention pretty much in its entirety. I actually shed tears when Barack officially got the nomination..and when Stevie performed of course.
What’s interesting is that the Bajan people are talking about our elections as well. I was asked a few times what I thought about it all. I even heard a group of men discussing Michelle’s speech favorably at the table next to me in a restaurant. All I could do was smile.
I thought I would be feenin being unplugged for the whole week and all. But it really felt good. It gave me time to really be quiet and think. Before I left, I was really feeling out of sorts and unsettled for a lot of reasons. Now I’m back, refreshed, and ready to take on the 120-some odd days we have left in the year. (Can you believe that?)
Here are a few random pictures I took on the trip.
This is the Crane Beach Resort, which was named one of the ten best beaches in the world by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. I pretended to be rich and famous for a day. The first foot picture above and the one of me sipping were both taken at the Crane. I was in heaven. If I were to honeymoon in Barbados (doubtful), this would be it.
These are a couple of pictures of the Divi Southwinds resort where I spent the second half of my trip. I was real comfortable. It was easy to get caught up – just chilling.
Lastly, here are some pictures taken while I was on tour, on Dover Beach, and a view of the beginning of St. Lawrence Gap, which is where all the action takes place. Of course that’s where I was staying.
While I had a great time, I’m not sure I will go back. Unlike Jamaica where I would be tomorrow if I could. The island is unreasonably expensive, which I knew before I went but it was still a shock to my system. Some of the Bajan people (particularly the women) aren’t that friendly. But that wasn’t really a surprise either.
I’ve got my sights set on Brazil and/or St. Martin next year (in the folks timeshare because um, that’s an expensive ass island too!). The difference is, I will have a potential Mr. Vivrant Thang to pay share the expenses. Mark my words.
Fortunately, I came back just in time to catch Raphael Saadiq performing in DC. I’ve been to 26 shows and counting this year and I plan to do another list of top five shows I attended in 2008. This show will rate very high on that list. Regardless of whether you’re thrilled with the re-emergence of the Motown sound or not, as nOva of Soul Bounce correctly states, Raphael can do no wrong. Videos are already up on the YouTube channel and I’ll likely drop the review on September 16, that glorious day The Way I See It is released. He previewed several songs, as well as blessed us with some classic Tony Toni Tone joints. I acted a plum fool when he performed “Just Me and You” and “Ask of You.” Those are my sonnnnggggggs!
On an unrelated note, I’m also beyond hyped for the NFL season kickoff. I’ve mentioned in passing that I’m almost as big a fan of football as I am of music. I’m especially hyped that I’ll be finally fulfilling my dream of attending a game at the “Mecca” this year as I get ready to purchase a single seat right on the endzone baby! On October 5, those Deadskins are going DOWN! Too bad it won’t be cold enough for me to rock this yet. But the time is coming. God I love the Fall.
Stay tuned for a couple of posts I’ve been crafting about some interesting dating experiences I’ve had lately. The “Living The Single Life” category is pretty empty over there. It can’t all be about music…well, I guess it could be. But I got a couple of other things to say.
Yes, I’m still on vacation. There’s not hardly any of this going on:
I actually got it together enough to eke out one post for you while I am gone.
A lot of entertainment and music blogs feature an artist’s album cover ahead of the release date and readers offer their opinions – the good, bad and ugly. Cover art can influence music purchases. Now this probably wouldn’t apply for an artist you stan for. There are some artists I would support even if the cover was blank. I’d just think they were trying to make a statement! However, if you’re a visual person like me and you’re in the store digging in the crates, appealing cover art may catch your eye and make you discover something new.
As you can see by some of the art I have hanging on my walls, I’m drawn to albums covers that are artistic in some way. I have huge coffee table books on the work of artists like Romare Bearden, Jonathan Green, Gordon Parks, and Mark Baptiste.
So I just thought I’d share some of my favorite album covers here.
I love Me’shell Ndegeocello and Seal’s covers because they are works of art. The colors on Me’shell’s album are stunning. Seal’s cover looks like something you would see hanging on a museum wall.
The cover of Rainbow Children was different for Prince, likely because the album itself marked a shift in his sound. Art like this that depicts musicians engaged in their work or people dancing with abandon will always catch my eye. I love all the art associated with the release of New Amerykah, but I enjoyed this album cover for the same reason I like Michael Jackson’sDangerous. There are so many elements there that are open for interpretation. I could probably spend a whole day studying each of these covers and all the symbols represented. That’s the beauty of real art.
These album covers are the epitome of cool. Nuff said.
I like these covers because they each make strong political statements. In particular, The Roots album depicts a picture taken during the riots in the Civil Rights era. It was included in the book The Greatest Album Covers of All Time, which I need to get my hands on. I see that a couple of the covers I chose are included.
As I mentioned, I’m a big fan of Mark Baptiste and his artistic nude photography. He manages to bring out the beauty in all kinds of shapes and sizes. The Ohio Players were known for featuring nude women on their album covers, but it was never trashy. Like Prince’sLovesexy cover, it was sensual and suggestive. Simply works of art. I want to get Leon Ware’s cover blown up. Musical Massage…sounds good to me!
Now these are the group of artists whose albums I would buy if the covers were blank. However,these are my favorite covers from each of these artists. When I first saw Jill’s cover for The Real Thing, I was blown away. The sensual, come hither look on her face says it all. Perfect wrapping for the special surprises inside. Erykah’s expression, with that toothpick dangling for her lips somehow also fit the music inside. A lot of people didn’t like Mama’s Gun because it was much darker than her debut. To me, her expression sort of says, “I like this shit. You don’t? Deal with it.” What can I say about Mary ? All of her is there in the flesh. She’s not covering anything up here. No makeup, no flash. Just plain ole Mary. This album followed My Lifeand we all know what she was going through with that one. If you were like me, you used that album to get you through some things as well. Still do. On this album, she was still baring her soul while on the road to recovery and growth. This cover speaks to that. It’s simply beautiful. Another one I’d like to have blown up.
More works of art. I don’t own any Seal albums but I’d always heard people mention how intriguing his album covers were. I agree. I love the contrast of their darkened forms against the more vibrant backgrounds backgrounds.
I’m sure I’ll return to this subject again as I have many more to share. Share some of your favorite album covers in the comments. Has the cover of an album ever influenced your decision to purchase?
SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE 
