Solange Knowles’ stylish new visual for “Losing You” , directed by Melina Matsoukas. If only we could all just head to South Africa and dance away the pain when we lose someone’s love….
Archives for category: Music
On the third anniversary of his death, I celebrate the life and legacy that is Michael Jackson. Here are a few of my favorite clips and videos from the late great, MJ.
In August 1983, James Brown brought Michael Jackson up on stage during his performance at the Beverly Theater in L.A. 25-year-old Jackson was inconspicuously watching the show from the audience one minute and the next, blessing the crowd with a brief dance and vocal combo.
During a performance of “Billie Jean” on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever on March 25, 1983, Jackson executed the first ever moonwalk. This video never gets old!!
It’s hard to choose a favorite Michael Jackson video but these 2 are definitely in my top 5!!! “Smooth Criminal” and “Ghosts”
Every so often, an artist comes along and ‘wows’ you with their unique and refreshing style of music. They’re like new stars that become visible from Earth. There are billions of stars in the sky but only a number of those shine bright enough to the point of sheer brilliance. You’re happy they’re there and that you get to experience it.
I know Kimbra is new on the scene and she still has a lot to prove…..but she made a damn good first, second, and third impression for me. I first heard her on Gotye’s ever so popular song, “Somebody That I Used to Know”. I enjoyed her strong voice on the mellow track and heard that she would soon be releasing her debut album, “Vows”. Speaking of “Vows”, it is a MUST listen. I would review it but I’m still taking the album in. I’ll post a review at a later date. So, first impression was Kimbra’s feature on Gotye’s song. Second impression was a live performance of her singing, “Settle Down“, at SXSW (and no, I didn’t catch that performance live; I ‘youtubed’ it). An artist’s live performance speaks volumes to me especially when they’re new to my musical universe. Third impression was the work of art that is her debut album, “Vows”. I’m looking forward to seeing more of her and can’t wait to get my thoughts about her album on here for everyone to read.
For now, check out her video for, “Settle Down”. You’ll be able to tell right away that she’s one-of-a-kind.
I made the dish from my earlier post while listening to The Alabama Shake’s album Boys & Girls. My chicken Marsala came out fantastic so I think that’s a clear indicator of just how amazing their album is. All of the emotion that I felt come from the lead singer’s voice, went into that dish. Anyway, I highly recommend this album. It’s a debut but it feels like they’ve been making albums together for years. EVERYTHING is there. If you’re not a big fan of bluesy, soulful rock….I guarantee you will still enjoy this album.
NPR is streaming it……check it out. Just play the entire thing. No disappointments. Album is out April 10.
Fave tracks: “Hold On”, “You Ain’t Alone”, “Goin’ To The Party”, “Heartbreaker”, “Boy & Girls”
Aussie rapper/T.I signee Iggy Azalea, grammy-nominated producer 
Diplo and ATL rap team FKi just debuted the visual for “I Think She Ready” (from FKi’s “Transformers in the Hood” Mixtape), exclusively on SSENCE. The video, which follows Azalea as she’s getting ready, is “the world’s first interactive shoppable music video”. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. The artists were styled entirely by SSENSE and an interactive hotspot technology from wireWAX makes it possible to shop for Azalea’s, Diplo’s, or FKi’s looks directly from the video. You can get every item you see in the video as fast as you can say, “I want that!”. Watch and shop the ground-breaking video HERE.
**I want that ring she had on in the video!!
It’s raining here and I’m listening to music. Sounds fun, huh? Anyway, I was imagining some songs that would be great to dance to in the rain. I’m not talking about a choreographed dance either. I’m talking about that free – eyes closed, like nobody’s watching, just moving to the music – type of dancing. It’s these sorts of things that we should take advantage of. How often do we use nature to ‘let go’ or relax? Since it’s been warm lately, getting caught out in the rain doesn’t seem so bad. I think I’m going to add this to my bucket list:
- Rihanna x “We Found Love”
- Fun. Feat. Janelle Monae x “We Are Young”
- Adele x “Set Fire to the Rain”
- Outasight x “Tonight is The Night”
- Whitney Houston x “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”
- Kanye West x “All of The Lights”
- Metro Station x “Shake It”
- Lady Gaga x “The Edge of Glory”
- Tom Petty x “Free Fallin’”
- David Guetta feat. Kid Cudi. x “Memories”
- Kings of Leon x “Sex On Fire”
- Gorillaz x “Feel Good Inc”
- The Wanted x “Glad You Came”
- Prince x “Let’s Go Crazy”
Norah Jones will release her fifth studio album, Little Broken Hearts, produced by Danger Mouse on May 1st via Blue Note/EMI. I cannot wait for this album. It’s just the kind of ‘mellow’ that I need right before my crazy summer. So far, “Happy Pills” and “Travelin’ On” have made me quite pleased with the collaboration (although, I’m never disappointed by Norah or Danger Mouse so I should’ve known the duo would be grand). NPR is now streaming a new track titled, “Say Goodbye”. I think I like this one the best so far. Find the stream below, followed by the album’s tracklist and itunes pre-order link. I believe there is an instant free download of “Happy Pills” when you pre-order.
Little Broken Hearts Tracklist:
01. Good Morning
02. Say Goodbye
03. Little Broken Hearts
04. She’s 22
05. Take It Back
06. After The Fall
07. 4 Broken Hearts
08. Travelin’ On
09. Out On The Road
10. Happy Pills
11. Miriam
12. All A Dream
Follow @NorahJones on twitter to stay up to date on the album.
Okay, so, I’m posting this 2 days late BUT I’ve just been so wrapped up in listening to it. Vol. 2 is right on the heels of Art Dealer Chic Vol. 1 that was released last month and it is even more amazing! He really has a way with words. His lyrics and melodies float over stellar production so effortlessly. And his vocal arrangements are always such a pleasure to hear. This man is talented. The download link below will also give you an option to download Vol. 1 (in case you haven’t heard it yet). All he asks for is your email and a description of your hopes & dreams.
Miguel – Art Dealer Chic Vol. 2 (EP) (Tracklisting):
1. Arch N Point
2. ALL
3. Broads
Art Dealer Chic Vol. 2: Free Download
He released a sexy video for “Arch & Point” featuring my girl, Galen Hooks:
Spinner.com has put together a list of the “Best Movie Soundtracks: The 15 Film Music Compilations That’ll Change Your Life.”
Here’s the list, which isn’t ranked:
“Reality Bites” (1994)
“Pump Up the Volume” (1990)
“Colors” (1988)
“Natural Born Killers” (1994)
“Dazed and Confused” (1993)
“Singles” (1992)
“Trainspotting” (1996)
“Garden State” (2004)
“Judgment Night” (1993)
“Go” (1999)
“The Crow” (1994)
“Romeo & Juliet” (1996)
“Kids” (1995)
“Pretty in Pink” (1986)
“8 Mile” (2002)
I love this list but wait a minute…..no “Purple Rain”, “Moulin Rouge”, “Forrest Gump”, or “Grease”? You do know what my next post will be, right?
The Girl Who Could Fly 