Where the food sounds good, and the music is pretty tasty too.
Take Reggie B‘s smooth vocals, add dark side of the moon bass, then pour this concoction all over honey warm synths and what you get is what Philadelphia-based DJ Diplo has wrought. Teaming up with Star Slinger on the remix of the Manchester producer’s first ingenious single “Dumbin’ (feat. Reggie B).” Diplo is one of those reliable cats you can depend on to consistently bring it, and this isn’t an exception. This is the perfect track to chill to, and contemplate your next best move. Peace.
At times an artist’s true beauty isn’t fully experiences within the album format. And obviously that is one of the reasons why attending concerts, and witnessing live performances can be so amazing; at times even magical. Take Selah Sue for instance. I’ve listened to her album and its a good LP, but in many instances it sounds too strained and controlled. She doesn’t sound free to fly. Not so with her live work, which allows her true self to shine bright, and let’s listeners know that this unlikely songstress is very capable of making a believer out of any naysayer. I’ve posted two excellent examples so you can witness for yourself this young woman’s raw beauty and passion for the songs she embodies and brings to life. First up is “Summertime” which is taken from her self-titled LP Selah Sue. The second selection is a cover of Erykah Badu’s song “Appletree”. Both of these are stand out performances and I hope you enjoy them too. Peace.
Selah Sue LIVE: Summertime, Bring Me Joy from Raj Scheijen on Vimeo.
48 minutes a 2 seconds isn’t a long time up against the whole of eternity, right? So spend this meager amount of time listening to something utterly languid, beautiful and choke full of soul. This is Meshell Ndegeocello exploring a gentler side to music making, and it’s mostly uncharted territory for her. That’s saying something for an artist who in her past has portrayed a “brasher” type of music (Go back to Plantation Lullabies in 1993, you’ll love it). Ms. Ndegeocello has released numerous albums, played for the Rolling Stones and Madonna, etc. Yet, because of her notorious work effort she isn’t resting on her laurels, instead she’s doing what she loves to do and that’s make gorgeous music. The new album Weather is due for a November 8th release, so cop it, spin it and enjoy. It’ll be 48 minutes and 2 seconds of total bliss. Peace.
Stream the entire album here at NPR’s First Listen here.
I’m pulling this out of the vault in anticipation of Santigold‘s forthcoming release. No date yet on when that will be, but a brotha’s hopeful. The track “Go” featuring the Yeah Yeah Yeahs Karen O is testament to the next level shit evident in Santigold’s music. But really, do we expect anything less from Ms. Santi White, one of Brooklyn’s finest? I think not, especially since she has signed up with fellow homeboy Hova. You heard right it’s official, Santigold is now under new management, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation is at the helm. The track “Go” is a banger, so crank it loud. Peace.
P.S. Hell, I’ve even resorted to rockin’ my RES cd. Ya’ll said this Fall, well HELLO! It’s Fall
Devonté Hynes is one of those people you never heard of, but you may be familiar with their work unawares. Mr. Hynes has produced a lot of music, most notably for Florence & The Machine, Theophilus London, and Solange Knowles just to name drop a few. Although he has produced music for himself in the past it is his new material that is shining bright all on it’s own. Blood Orange is the product of so much blood, sweat and tears, no pun intended. Seriously it’s akin to gospel music in how it moves the listener with heart conviction. It has taken almost 2 years to complete, with so many ups and downs along the way it almost didn’t see the light of day. But I for one am thrilled to see, or rather hear, its magic and power. Check out the release “Champagne Coast” and let it swirl through your head on repeat. Peace.