Thursday, June 30, 2011
Throwback - Musical Youth "Pass The Dutchie"
Even though all of them were not pint sized, they were still a young sensation for a hot minute, so it counts in my theme of the day.
New Music Video - Tinie Tempah "Til I'm Gone"
So I loves me some Tinnie Tempah(said in the voice of Santana from Glee), but I think the beat is semi-whack and Whiz Khalifa adds nothing. I do like the random appearance of Good Charlotte.
Throwback - Another Bad Creation "Iesha"
To continue with the pint-sized music video, here is Another Bad Creation's "Iesha," one of my favorite from the early 90's. If my memory serves me correctly, they were discovered and mentored by Bell Biv Devoe.
Throwback - Raven Symone "That's What Little Girls Are Made Of"
The pint sized Queen Latifah was serving up all sorts of fierce, wow. I so desperately wanted to be Raven back in the day; she was the insect's ligaments(the bees knees, haha, took that from Childish Gambino). This is who Willow Smith should aspire to be. Raven was even younger than Willow when she did this...I think. So friggin' talented. Haha, "I got more rhymes than Cosby got shows."
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Local Flavor - Alison Carney ft. Awthentick "Lifetime's The Right Time"
Her performance was shot at Vitamin Water's Uncapped Live. I didn't get a chance to see her there, but the space is pretty cool so I can see how it would have been a great concert. And it looks like she was having fun, which I love to see. You can download her new album Alison Wonderland on her bandcamp page here.
New Music Video - Coldplay "Every Teardroop Is A Waterfall"
Chris Martin fist-pumping sealed it for me, I love the video. They are continuing to find ways to make me like this song a little more. Well done!
Just Cause - John Mayer "Assassin"
This song was/is Tempur-Pedic....very well slept on, haha. I am an unashamed John Mayer fan who knows he is a d-bag, but loves his music anyway.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Mint Condition Have a Late Night
They still got it, but the lead singers voice doesn't sound as great on this performance. You may remember them from such baby making music classics as "Breakin' My Heart(Pretty Brown Eyes)" and "What Kind of Man Would I Be?." They are sometimes confused with Tony Toni Tone because the lead singers have similar voices, and the bands in general have similar sounds. Their new album 7 is out now and it is great. Listen to some of the tracks here.
New Music - Patrick Stump ft. Lupe Fiasco "This City"
More than likely written about Chicago, where they are both from, "This City" is featured on Patrick Stump's debut solo album Soul Punk. It is a generic version of Jay Z and Alicia Keys "Empire State of Mind," or any song about a city really. I mean that in a strictly observational way. Patrick Stump has a part of my heart but he has been disappointing me with most of what he has released.
Glastonbury - Tinie Tempah "Wonderman"
Tinie Tempah is just now making waves in the US, but the UK has been in love with him for a minute. The sea of W's in the air could rival the diamonds at a Jay Z concert...okay he's not quite there yet, but that was a heck of a lot of audience participation.
Glastonbury - Coldplay "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall"
Headliners, Coldplay performed their new single "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall" with enough strobe lights to be a Ke$ha concert. This live version is making me like the song more, and I'm sure if I was there I would have loved it.
Glastonbury - Jessie J "Who's Laughing Now"
My favorite Brit songstress,
Glastonbury - Janelle Monae "Tightrope"
She is without a doubt one of the most slept on artist out right now.
New Music Video - Drake "Marvin's Room"
Monday, June 27, 2011
Billboard Mashup Mondays - Yellowcard "E.T."
The violin is cool and the guitar sounds nice on the chorus, but it is pretty meh overall.
2011 BET Awards: Patti LaBelle Tribute
Wow Cee Lo, just wow. He looked like a 90's Baptist church lady. I know he was supposed to be Patti, but naw son. Loved the can of hairspray though, haha. I could have also done without Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose's canoodling in the shot. Anywho, Marsha singing my favorite Patti song was not quite there for me, but she can still blow and Ms. Patti seemed to like it, who's jewelry was phenomenal.
2011 BET Awards: Chris Brown
That first outfit though...why? This dude can dance. Yes, I am Captain Obvious.
Music News - Beyonce, Katy Perry, Glastonbury, BET Awards Gaffe
Beyonce Performance Makes Glastonbury History(Idolator)
Common Signs with Warner Bros. Records(Billboard)
UK Prime Minister's Aide Found Dead in Backstage Toilet at Glastonbury(Spinner)
Katy Perry set to reach Michael Jackson's record for No. 1 singles from one album, may also break it(NY Daily News)
Hodgy Beats Talks MellowHype, Earl Sweatshirt, Black Sabbath, Working With Nas, and Kangaroos(Pitchfork)
Rihanna Gaffe Leaves Audience Feeling 'Awkward' During Chris Brown's BET Awards Sweep
Sunday, June 26, 2011
New-ish Music Video - Floacist "Keep It Going" ft. Raheem Devaughn
The half of former duo Floetry that is not Marsha Ambrosius, aka the songtress, is the Floacist, aka Natalie Stewart. She released her video for "Keep It Going," off her album Floetic Soul, earlier this month.
New Music Video - Kindred the Family Soul "Magic Happen"
There should be a show called Philly's Got Talent. Along with them, Will Smith, Jill Scott, The Roots, and so many others, so much musical talent has come out of Philadelphia.
Just Cause - Beenie Man ft. Fambo "I'm Okay/Drinking Rum & Red Bull"
A year later, this is still my jam.
Just Cause - Penguins Kill Polar Bears "Lungs"
With a name like Penguins Kill Polar Bears how could I not post this. I've been meaning to post something about the Scottish band for a while, but...yeah. Anywho, check out more of their stuff here.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Foriegn Friday - AM444 "Shen Jing Mo Shao"
Country: China
Genre: jazz, experimental, R&B, a little bit of everything
Sounds like: Little Dragon, Morcheeba
Made up of: ChaCha of Uprooted Sunshine and Jay.Soul a producer/DJ from Amsterdam
Learn and listen to more here.
Foreign Friday - Mondrian "Or Unicorn"
Country: France
Genre: Pop
Sound like: Mondrian haha; a little like Death Cab for Cutie and Phoenix.
Foreign Friday - What's Up Africa
After a three week break, the bespectacled Ikenna returns with a new What's Up Africa.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Throwback - Sade "Cherish the Day"
In honor of their amazing concert yesterday, this week Throwback Thursday goes to Sade. They performed "Cherish the Day" as an encore; with Ms. Adu raised about 15 feet above the stage. Watch some of their other classics like "Smooth Operator" here.
John Legend opens for Sade
John Legend, the special guest on the tour, appeared to be giving his all to prove he deserved to be on tour with Sade. The R&b/soul singer ran through a string of his hits, decked out in an off white three piece suit similar to the ones Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake don in their Barry Gibb sketch for Saturday Night Live. As Legend started singing his version of Adele's Rolling in the Deep, one fan stopped walking to passionately sing along to the soulful cover. Demonstrating that he was the right man for the special guest job, Legend had the crowd in the palm of his hand by the end of his set. The audience sang, clapped, and stood up when he wanted. But his hold was nothing compared to the effect Sade had.
Read my review of Sade's performance here.
Read my review of Sade's performance here.
Just Cause - Sade "Pearls"
This and "Jezebel" could have brought me to tears yesterday. The concert was just one of those surreal experiences. I will post my review in a little bit.
Cover Stories - 2AM Club "If It Isn't Love"
They are just waiting for the type of break One Republic got, and this will not be it. When I read the title I instantly thought of New Edition, then I saw that is was indeed a cover of the New Edition classic and I sighed. I do like that they tried to make it their own, but it's meh to me.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
New Music - Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera "Moves Like Jagger"
I have been highly disappointed with Maroon 5's albums since Songs About Jane; I liked the R&B-pop over their newer pop-pop. But this track has potential, it has a funky beat, catchy chorus, and Christina doesn't overpower it like I thought she would. I definitely like it more than the other stuff they have put out recently.
Just Cause - Bot'Ox "Overdrive (Morgan Geist remix)"
The first time I listened to this I instantly thought of some 80's action/cop/spy/adventure type movie. Axel Foley sneaking around some drug king pin warehouse trying to take 'em down. As it went on, I thought about playing some game that has repetitive music; perhaps Beverly Hills Cop the game for Sega Genesis or something. Either way, it's pretty
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Album Review - Pitbull 'Planet Pit'
Quite the chameleon Pitbull seems to always be adapting to the current trend of music, but always putting his flavor on it. Which is what his does on his new effort, Pit Planet; an album of dance-club tracks that mostly leave me wanting more Reggaeton and less glow sticks. The tracks that do stand out are the ones they chose to be singles, "Give Me Everything" and "Hey Baby." Along with those, "Something for the DJs" and "Come 'N' Go" have something a little extra or different from the rest of the tracks. The rest of the tracks are just more of the same club fair being pumped out by everyone. Overall, the album is okay, I wish their were more standout tracks though. You can read my track by track notes after the jump.
The Funk Ark make Father's Day funky
The Funk Ark make Father's Day funky
This is my first review for examiner.com. The Funk Ark are a diverse ensemble of talented musicians who make exceptional African-Latin jazz/funk music. If you are in need of an Afro-beat/Latin jazz fix, check them out here.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Givers Have A Late Night
Givers were the musical guest on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon a week ago, and they did a rocking job. I was very impressed.
Cover Stories - Justin Vernon "I Can't Make You Love Me"
When I heard Justin Vernon, of Bon Iver, did a cover of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me" I didn't know what to think. The song is in my top ten favorite songs of all time, so I don't like it when people ruin it. Vernon did exactly what you are supposed to do when doing a cover, he made it his; a more somber, even more heartfelt version. His voice more soulful than I think I have ever heard it, like a mix between Brian McKnight and Ray Lamontagne, Vernon makes you want to let him know that he can make you love him. Listen to the cover here.
Billboard Mashup Mondays - Jeremih "Rumour Has It"
This weeks Billboard Mashup Monday is Jeremih doing a fairly similar version of Adele's "Rumour Has It." The most interesting part of this is the end when they incorporate "Under Pressure" and "Down On Me" for ten seconds. And him actually playing the drums.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Just Cause - Zero 7 "Swing"
There is no way you can not like Zero 7...c'mon, they are just so adorable. haha
Grouplove Discuss Debut Album
Grouplove talked to Spinner about their debut album Never Trust A Happy Song. If you don't know Grouplove get familiar here.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Foreign Friday - Carly Connor "The Road"
Her voice is pretty sick, especially for her age.
Origin: Glasgow
Sounds like: Janis Joplin mixed with Joss Stone(not exactly)
Foreign Friday - Rumer "Am I Forgiven"
Rumer - Am I Forgiven by Atlantic Records UK
Origin: UK
Sounds Like: James Taylor, The Carpenters, Carole King, Diane Birch
New Music Video - Rye Rye ft. Robyn "Never Will Be Mine"
I love the original, this version is....well it's good, but not great. I think the collaboration was a good idea, and the song is not bad, I just don't like it as much as the original. Robyn still lights my candle though.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
New Discovery - The Animal Upstairs
The In Between is an example of how demos grab attention. "Run For Your Life" hooked me and the rest of the demos kept me listening. Andy Mrotek and Sierra Shardae are a dynamic duo; like Matt & Kim but mixed with Paramore.
Standouts: "Run For Your Life," "Temple," "If I'm Still Away"
New Music - Maroon 5, Kelly Rowland, Gym Class Heroes, The Animal Upstairs
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Music News - Robyn, Kanye West, Madonna
Monday, June 13, 2011
Just Cause - Plan B "Love Goes Down"
Plan B - Love Goes Down by Atlantic Records UK
A great cruisin' song; soulful, mellow, and mid tempo. I love Plan B, as a rapper and a singer, and I really like this song, but I think James Morrison would have done a better job.
New Music - Joss Stone "Somehow"
Sounds a lot like something Train would record. I don't see it being a massive hit, but who knows.
Billboard Mashup Mondays - Sarah Jaffe "Hang With Me"
This weeks mashup is Sarah Jaffe doing a stripped down version of Robyn's "Hang With Me." The song is almost unrecognizable...in a good way.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Foreign Friday - Angela Aux "Make Music to Have Ideas to Make Music to"
angela aux - make music to have ideas to make music to by heiner hendrix
Origin: Munich, Germany
Genre: Experimental(Experimental-Krautrock-hip hop-funk-folk)
Definitely indie movie soundtrack type of music. Listen to more of his stuff here.
Foreign Friday - Chet Faker "Love & Feeling"
.com by Chet Faker
Origin: Australia
Genre: Electronica
You might know Faker from his inspired cover of Blackstreet's "No Diggity," which you can hear above.
Foreign Friday - Bez "More You"
Origin: Nigeria
Genre: Alternative Soul, Singer/Songwriter
Similar to: John Legend, Asa, India Arie, John Mayer.....
Bez standouts out in the hip hop centric world of Nigerian music today. His laid back, guitar strumming, story telling soul isn't just for Africans; he can easily navigate the international markets and become more than just another Naija artist. Listen to more of his stuff here.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Throwback - Pink "There You Go"
Speaking of Pink, you can see in this video how similar Krystal Harris was. Everyone loves Pink now, but back then she was just the singer with the Pink hair.
Throwback - Krystal Harris "Super Girl"
Krystal Harris - Super Girl found on Pop
The Backstreet Boys endorsed singer, showed Pink-like promise with her first, and I think only single. But the super girl must have came in contact with some kryptonite, because her career went nowhere fast.
Throwback - Avril Lavigne "Sk8r Boi"
While "Complicated" blasted Lavigne into the pop scene, it was "Sk8r Boi" that made people really think of her in the pop-rock genre. It was and is hard for me to categorize her as rock, but in comparison to Britney Spears she definitely was/is.
Throwback - The Donnas "Take It Off"
Aka The Electrocutes proved that girls could rock in the 90's. Remember this song, remember feeling happy that their were girls that could rock, remember hoping they were bringing about a change? If you said no to any of these, than...you were probably not a teenage girl at the time this song came out. Watch the video here.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Music News - Beyonce, Taking Back Sunday, Battles, Lady Gaga
Beyonce Responds To ‘4′ Album Leak(Idolator)
Lady Gaga's 'Born' Holds Atop Billboard 200, Despite Steep Sales Drop(Billboard)
Kasabian Unveil Details of New Album 'Velociraptor!'(Spinner)
Westboro Baptist Church to picket a Taking Back Sunday show(AltPress)
Battles Expand Massive Tour(Pitchfork)
A Record Label Resurrects The Radio Star(NPR)
Video: Out Da Box TV – 9th Wonder(Okayplayer)
Lady Gaga's 'Born' Holds Atop Billboard 200, Despite Steep Sales Drop(Billboard)
Kasabian Unveil Details of New Album 'Velociraptor!'(Spinner)
Westboro Baptist Church to picket a Taking Back Sunday show(AltPress)
Battles Expand Massive Tour(Pitchfork)
A Record Label Resurrects The Radio Star(NPR)
Video: Out Da Box TV – 9th Wonder(Okayplayer)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
New Music Video - Pusha T "Alone In Vegas"
Off of his much talked about Fear of God mixtape, Pusha T released his video for "Alone In Vegas." The video isn't going to change your life, but the track showcases why Pusha T is starting to eclipse The Clipse.
New Music - Skylar Grey "Dance Without You"
Skylar Grey-Dance Without You by DJ DECK 5
Sounds Lykke Li-esque...I like it. If this is any indication of what her debut album will sound like, I think its going to be a breath of fresh air.
Album Review - Jessica 6 "See the Light"
Jessica 6 is definitely a go see live act. A couple of months ago I saw them at U Street Music Hall. I went to the show after listening to two or so songs, honestly because it was something to do. I was completely impressed; from the music, the dancing, Nomi Ruiz's, lead singer, abs, everything exceeded my expectations. Their album See the Light was released yesterday, so I took some time to give it a spin.
I say this a lot, but I can see myself playing the whole album straight while cleaning my apartment; dancing and singing to make the cleaning more enjoyable. You know the "a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down" approach. Tracks like "Freak the Night" are mellow goodness that will permeate your brain, and then you catch yourself singing along without realizing you knew the words.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Just Cause - Kimbra "Settle Down"
One of my new favorite Kiwis, Kimbra has this Jessie J meets Bjork feel; beautiful voice, very talented, but would probably kick your ass if you looked at her sideways. I like this video for many reasons, but especially because they do my favorite dance at the end. Also, the little girl playing the housewife is creepily great at her role.
New Music Video Kanye West "Monster"
Watch it here; Nicki Minaj upstages them all of course. Overall, I like the Power video better...all 24 seconds of it.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
New Music Video - Linkin Park "Iridescent"
Tags:
Linkin Park, Music, More Music Videos
BETA TV - Dengue Fever
Shot in Hollywood, BETA TV showcases great indie and not so indie talent. BETA TV is nationally syndicated so you can more than likely catch it in your city. If it does not air in your city you can watch the performances, past and present, on their website here.
New Music Video - Emilio Rojas ft. Killer Mike "FTW"
I don't think I have ever heard so many F-bombs in one sitting.
New Music - Coldplay "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall"
I love Coldplay and probably always will. That aside, their new single ",Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall," is cute. For the majority of the song I was waiting for some sort of climax; an awesome explosion of drums perhaps. It isn't until about three minutes in that something changes, and even then it's a little anti-climatic. I definitely prefer "Viva La Vida."
New Music - Paramore "Monster"
The track, featured on The Transformer 3 soundtrack, is standard Paramore; easier to digest, teenage, popier Evanescence. "Monster" is a good song, but it doesn't come anywhere near "Decode" which was featured on The Twilight soundtrack.
P.S Just realized Paramore really like one word titles.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Throwback - Inspector Gadget
Perhaps the simplest, when it comes to lyrics, the theme has been sampled for several songs over the years.
Throwback Thursday - Goof Troop
I'm in a goofy mood, so this week's Throwback Thursday will be devoted to 80s/90s cartoon theme songs. Some of which are better than a lot of songs played on the radio today. Enjoy!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Jill Scott Anounces Summer Tour
Jill Scott's Summer Block Party tour will kick off in New York at the end of July with guests DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mint Condition, Doug E Fresh, and Anthony Hamilton.
July 28: New York, N.Y.
July 30: Detroit, Mich.
July 31: Chicago, Ill.
Aug. 3: Cleveland, Ohio
Aug. 4: St. Louis, Mo.
Aug. 6: Philadelphia, Pa.
Aug. 7: Washington, D.C.
Aug. 10: Los Angeles, Calif.
Aug. 14: Oakland, Calif.
Aug. 17: Memphis, Tenn.
Aug. 19: Atlanta, Ga.
Aug. 21: Virginia Beach, Va.
Aug. 23: Raleigh, N.C.
Aug. 24: Charlotte, N.C.
Aug. 27: Dallas, Tex.
Aug. 28: Houston, Tex.
New Music - Fool's Gold "Street Clothes"
Fool's Gold - Street Clothes by iamsoundrecords
I really like the track cause it walks the line between being a mess and being an awesome dance party song.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Golden Triangle Summer Concert Series
June 8: Sin Miedo (salsa)
June 15: Monster Band (funk, pop, dance)
June 22: Cazhmiere (top-40, dance)
June 29: Sam O & JFC (caribbean)
If you are in DC, get over the hump with some live, FREE, and great music. And apparently more ",you can expect the unexpected—whether it is impromptu salsa dancing, a marriage proposal, or something else entirely, there is always something more than just great music to keep you entertained." Find out more here.
New Music - Beyonce "Best Thing I Never Had"
Poor Beyonce, Lady Gaga seems to have stolen her loyal stans(stalker + fans). She seems to be desperate to put out a song her fans will actually like. I still think with the proper placement and with some time, "Run The World" could grow legs. It took "Sexyback" a couple of months before it became the ginormous hit that it did. I can understand why her team would want to try a different direction, but I'm not feeling it.
Music News - Lady Gaga, Muse, Coachella, Adele
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