We have been given free reign for the first OSF of the year.
For those of you who have the station TV One, you may have already seen the ‘Unsung’ ‘series which spotlights artists whose lives and/or career were tragically shortened for one reason or another. So far they have shown the stories of Donny Hathaway, Phyllis Hyman, the Clark Sisters, and Debarge. If you haven’t caught it yet, it replays every so often so please make it a point to catch one or all of the episodes. There are plans for more shows and you can let them know who you think should be featured next.
Today, I decided to celebrate the music of Debarge, Phyllis Hyman and Donny Hathaway. Let me know your thoughts on this series and who you would like to see featured next (Lauryn Hill or Aaliyah anyone?) and some of your favorites from these artists.
Debarge, “I Like It” (“All This Love” is my ultimate favorite. Made my top fifty list)
Donny Hathaway, I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know (“A Song For You” is #1 on my list)
Do yourselves a favor and LISTEN to this song. Fellas, take notes!
Phyllis Hyman, “Living in Confusion” (her version of “Betcha By Golly Wow” with Norman Connorswill be my wedding song. “You Know How To Love Me” and this song are tied for second.)
Be sure to stop by the othe OSF participants pages and see what they came up with this week. Looking at the upcoming themes, we are going to really get into some good music in these upcoming weeks so stay tuned!
I have everyone has been enjoying the last days of 2008. I’ve been off from the 9-5 since December 22nd and have used the time somewhat wisely. I’ve spent the time reflecting on the year that has passed and preparing for what’s to come in 2009.
Overall, 2008 was a good year for me. Life is certainly better than it was in 2007. I did lose a couple of longterm frienships this year. But I don’t believe that everyone is meant to ride with you until the end of the road. I wholeheartedly subscribe to that whole reason, season , lifetime school of thought. While I have a far much easier time letting go that most people, I do take time to clearly identify the reasons that a particular person was in my life and why it’s time to let them float on.
I celebrated one year of blogging here back in September. Truthfully, I neve expected to make it to a year, which is the reason I started out on a free platform. I am amazed at the direction that this blog has taken and so very grateful for you, my dear readers, that come here to see what I have to say. Your comments both on and offline have really kept me going. And it makes me want to go further.
Looking back at my 2007 blogging goals, I think I have tackled some of the most important ones.
Commit to a regular writing schedule Certainly more regular than I was when I started this blog. I actually get antsy if I haven’t written anything in a few days.
Continue strengthening my writing skills I think they’ve gotten better. I still got so far to go. For the most part though, I think ya’ll understand the words that are coming outta my mouth
Interact more with other bloggers in my niche My name is Vivrant Thang and I am a Twitter and Facebook addict. I do pledge to do more with Facebook and Linked In in 2009 though.
Attend Blogging While Brownand Blogher conferences Attended neither one. I blame that on my new job. I have my eye on a couple of conferences next year though. I also have my eye on new furniture and two vacations in 2009 as well. About that sugar daddy….
Move blog to it’s own domain with more of a “vivrant” design I’m glad that I didn’t proceed with this because I’m just now settling on a strategy for the direction I want to take this thing. It would have been a disaster to move ahead with a dot com without a plan. This will be done fist quarter of 2009.
Increase my readership and comments Done and done! I am thrilled with the developments and look forward to more in 2009.
There are some good things on the horizon for me in 2009. I’m in the process of starting a small business with a partner. I also have a column that should be debuting soon. I’ll announce it when it’s actually live. That last experience showed me to keep my trap shut until things come to fruition! I’m also working on a couple of other things that should increase readership here and on my You Tube channel.
You know with all good things must come a soundtrack. So I’ll finish out my best of lists with my top five inspirational songs of 2008. I hope that they move you into action the way in the same ways they have helped me.
Happy New Year my dear readers!
Jazmine Sullivan, “Fear” (read post about my fear)
I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season thus far. Mama Viv arrived in town on Wednesday and we’ve been having good times watching movies, cooking, and dranking! The martinis and wine have been plentiful and will continue to flow through next week as New Years Eve promises to be a good one for me this year.
Which brings us to the theme for this week: Songs You Can Drink To.
I immediately thought of my first choice, “Rather Be With You,” by Bootsy Collins. That song just makes you want to kick back, put your feet up and sip something real slow. Or for those that like to get down in other ways, it’s the perfect song for that as well. Some of you may remember this from the Academy Award worthy film, Baby Boy.
While we got our minds on Snoop, although I think this will be a popular choice for today, I just have to post “Gin and Juice.” I used to wear my Doggystyle cassette out! Knew all the words. Mama Viv and I were just at the liquor store joking about how we were going to be sipping up on some gin and juice.
I doubt there will be a lot of posts today so would be a great time to visit some of the other Old School Friday participants. I would probably have taken the day off as well but I get antsy if I go more than a few days without writing something here. Enjoy the rest of your holiday! I plan to.
Next up, are my ten favorite songs (plus some honorable mentions) that you’ve likely had in heavy rotation as well.
1.Erykah Badu, “That Hump”
I was one of the few that dug New Amerykah from first listen. There were many standout tracks for me. However, once I heard that slow, thumping bass line of “That Hump,” I knew it was a song I would have on repeat. Many a day over the past year, I was right there with her. I look forward to what’s in store for Part 2. If you want a sneak peek you must follow her on Twitter. (And yes, it’s really her). If nothing else, you will be thoroughly entertained.
2. Eric Roberson, “Let Me Know”
I first heard this song on the radio late one night and nearly lost my mind. Is that Erro?! I heard he had a new song out but had no idea it would have a soulful house flavor to it. It’s hard to sit still when this one comes on, as evidenced by my very shaky video of his performance this past summer. I won’t even bother to try to capture it when he comes to DC for Inauguration Weekend. I’m just going to let my hair down and follow his command and “shake it!” I hope we see more of this on Erro’s next project.
3. Jazzanova f/ Leon Ware and Dwele, “RockinYou Eternally”
This entire project would be on this list if I had the room. However, this remake of this 1981 classic by Leon Ware featuring Dwele drew me in from first listen. When this comes on, I have to just sit back, close my eyes and just groove. I dare to say it surpasses the original for me. I have said it before and I’ll say it again, Dwele needs to stick to guesting on other’s projects and step away from the solo material for a minute.
I would also encourage you to take a listen to Leon Ware’s new project Moon Ride. Like Al Green’sproject, it’s simply good ole classic soul that doesn’t seem dated. Both projects would make great stocking stuffers for that seasoned person in your life who is still hip but has no use for what’s on the radio.
4. Al Green and John Legend, “Stay With Me (By The Sea)”
This was another album that you could just let play through. Classic Al, but it didn’t feel dated. That’s what happens when you get Questlove involved (who is also on Twitter here and here – and yes, it’s really him. Ya’ll better get it while it’s hot!). There were so many outstanding collaborations but there was just something about John and Al that made the perfect combination. Or maybe I’m just a big ole romantic at heart.
5. Q-Tip, “Life Is Better”
I had about four different songs here as my top pick from Renaissance. “We Fight/We Love. ” “You.” (I had to give this one an honorable mention). “Gettin Up. ” “Manwomanboogie.” They have all been in constant rotation since I got my hands on this album. However, Norah Jones’ sound (which I wouldn’t have recognized had I not looked at the liner notes) and the hip hop history lesson made this song a must-add. However, what pushed me over the edge was re-watching my videos from the concert last month. This song just begs for live instrumentation.
6. Foreign Exchange, “Sweeter Than You”
Another album where it was absolute agony trying to choose my favorite. This is also my album of the year. When I saw the live performance of “Sweeter Than You,” I felt like I was transported back to the 1920s and 30s, one of my favorite eras. I could picture myself sitting in one of those jazz clubs dressed to the nines and smoking those skinny cigarettes. Phonte on the mic crooning and then the band comes in. Watch and you’ll see what I mean.
I’m glad Eric released this as the first single on his album. In my opinion, this is the standout track on an otherwise so-so album. This is vintage Eric, taking me back to his first two releases which still remain in constant rotation to this day. It makes me feel sexier than “Chocolate Legs” does (although I must say his acapella version and explanation makes me rethink that statement. Hell nobody said the man couldn’t sannnng any woman’s granny panties off. No dispute about that!) Overall, this album, sans this simply beautiful song, just didn’t do it for me.
photo credit: tamara dulva
8. Raphael Saadiq “Oh Girl”
It was love at first listen. It’s the track I keep going back to on this album. It you don’t want to throw this on and grind real hard with your boo, something is wrong with ya! I had to include the live performance with this one because the choreography only enhances the listening experience. And looking at that picture, that is one seasoned gentleman I wouldn’t mind getting down on one knee and crooning to me!
9. Estelle, “No Substitute Love”
Another outstanding release where it was hard to pick a favorite. I need at least one island flavored track on my list each year and Estelle does that so well. Besides, the sentiment was one I had to express a little too often this year for my taste. Here’s hoping for a better 2009 in that respect.
10. The Roots f/Chrisette Michele and Wale, “Rising Up”
In the words of DJ Stylus, it’s plain and simple. This. Joint. CRANKS. Impossible to sit still on this one. That go-go beat, over which DC native Wale represents, is infectious. Even if you don’t get down with go-go, there is no way this track doesn’t move your body. Except if you live in Baltimore. They were stiff as hell when The Roots performed this at the show up there back in May. I can’t forget my girl Chrisette Michele who is absolute perfection on this track (come back soon!).
It’s the most wonderful time of the year indeed! Tis my favorite season, although I’m always conscious that this time of year is rough for so many – my family included.
My favorite Christmas song ever is Donnie Hathaway’s “This Christmas” followed by “Silent Night” by The Temptations and “Let It Snow” by Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight tied for second. I figured we’d see a lot of those songs today so I decided to go a different way and present a few of my favorite classic hip hop Christmas songs.
SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE 