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Top Ten Songs Of 2008 That You’ve Likely Also Had In Constant Rotation

22 Monday Dec 2008

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones

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by vivrant thang on Top 10 Songs of 2008

We’re nearing the finale of of my year-end countdown. For those just joining us, here’s what you’ve missed.

Next  up, are my ten favorite songs (plus some honorable mentions) that you’ve likely had in heavy rotation as well.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Now that I think about it, this should have been an easy choice. Sweetness has been a recurring theme throughout my year end list:  Hil St. Soul’s “The Sweetest Days” and Angela Johnson and Julie Dexter’s “How Sweet Life Is.”  Hmm…may be something to ponder for the ’09.

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7. Eric Benet, “You’re The Only One”

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.

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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!

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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.

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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!).

Very Honorable Mentions

Erykah Badu, “Master Teacher”

John Legend, “I Love, You Love”

Anthony Hamilton “Please Stay”

Q-Tip “You”

Musiq Soulchild, “SoBeautiful”

Robin Thicke “Sidestep”

Avant,”When It Hurts”

As always, share your favorites in the comments.

I Can’t Even Begin To Explain…

04 Monday Aug 2008

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, Let's Rock: Concert Reviews

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by vivrant thang on jill scott

…how YOUR girl Jill Scott cut up on Saturday night. I’m not going to have time for a full concert review because for one, I’ve got about sixty other videos I need to download before those (Raheem and Chrisette Michele, Bilal, J*Davey, Rahsaan Patterson) – although I am SO tempted to push hers ahead of the rest. Once again, Jill had me mesmerized.

You can find concert reviews, video and pictures here and here.

Some additional thoughts:

I need more more more Estelle in my life! Understandably, her set was short since she opened ahead of DC go-go legend Chuck Brown, The Roots, and Jill. She did about five or six songs – including my fave “Substitute Lover” which I’ll be rocking hard in Barbados because of its Caribbean flavor.

Was great to see V, Ra-Re Valverde, and Chinahblac backing Jill. I mentioned V in my last review.  You should get to know Ra-Re. She has an album out called “A Beautiful Mess“ (love that title because that’s how I refer to myself on many a day!) Her talent has been co-signed by some of the greats. Get into her.

I was officially done with Jill for the night when she opened her “trying to get you laid” part of the show. She did “Come See Me” and then noticed some folks starting to leave. She says, “They got to go! They can’t even make it home. They got to get to the car right now!” Then she did “Crown Royal” and talked about the great old school love songs and how when you invite your man over, you got to take the batteries out of B.O.B (your battery operated boyfriend) and put them in the remote for the stereo.

DEAD.

When you press play, you hear this:

ChinahBlac put a HURTING on Teena Marie’s “Portugese Love”

V killing the Isley Brothers “Between The Sheets.” He could do no wrong with me since the Philly show when he reminded me of how much I love Atlantic Starr’s “Send For Me.”

Ra-Re did her thang on Prince’s “Do Me.”

I was done.

Video evidence is coming because my description just can’t capture it.

Jill-ism of the night: “Shit on your shoe don’t keep you from walking.” Hate on me indeed!

She ended her set of mostly tracks from the new album with a nice up-tempo, house version of “Lyzel in E Flat (He Loves Me).” The encore included The Roots and Chuck Brown joining her on stage for “It’s Love.” She praised Chuck for introducing her to that go-go sound. Chuck Baby didn’t really know the words and I was begging Jill to take the mic back and just let him ad-lib which is what she eventually did and it was pure fiyah!

As she has been doing at every show, she came out as everyone was filing out to do “And I Heard,” the song she says came to her in her sleep. Some crazy woman kept yelling out “Obama!” I guess she wanted Jill to do an Obama freestyle. Jill simply warned us not to continue making this race about a black man running. We better focus on his politics or we might “fuck it up.” I see her point but that’s impossible.

What I love about Jill’s concerts is that I’ve seen her three times in the past year and a half and her shows are never the same. I love how she changes up her arrangements and the set lists are different. She’s just versatile like that and I love her for it.

Just as my high was just starting to come down, I head on over to catch up with one of my favorite, most-respected bloggers, Afrobella and see that she has called me a “brilliant” music blogger while referencing my Rock The Bells review in her excellent review of the Miami show.  She is certainly at the very top of my list of favorite female bloggers so that damn near had me misty!

While we’re on the subject of favorite bloggers, I’m sure you’ve heard about the Black Weblog Awards. Voting is now underway. I would never tell you how to vote, except if we’re talking about the general election 🙂 However, I would invite you to consider throwing your vote in several categories to the good folks over at Soul Bounce.  Nova, Butta, Harlem, and Ill Mami bust their hindparts every single day to bring you original, extremely well-written content about the latest and greatest in the music industry – and that’s hard to find on the Internets.

Here are the categories they’d like your vote in.  Frankly, they deserve all of them but I’m sure they will take as many as you can spare! If you’re not convinced, take a listen to them speaking about the evolution of Soul Bounce and why they do what they do on Friday Favecast.

So head on over and ROCK THE VOTE.

I didn’t vote Soul Bounce in every category. Afrobella, Friday Favecast,  AverageBro, and Black and Married With Kids, and Crunk and Disorderly were just a few of sites that got my vote as well.

Whichever way you vote, just do it!

Monster post coming this week. Stay tuned!

photo credit: African Olmecca