Frank

I have not blogged in several months and it seemed like it would be quite a while longer before I posted another post. However, it seems I now have something to say.

Frank, not Sinatra, but Ocean…

A few days ago after trying to avoid all the media hype surrounding Frank Ocean and being uninterested after listening to iTunes track previews. I stumbled upon an interview he gave to BBC radio which gave me some perspective.

I was expecting another obnoxious, crude RnB/HipHop artist but I was pleasantly surprised to see Frank Ocean. Well prior to his now infamous Tumblr post about his same sex love, the interview showed an introverted, articulate, handsome, tastefully dressed, intellectually sound, genuine, thoughtful young black man.

Watching him speak about the thoughts behind his lyrically rich, idiosyncratic, musical gems left me totally disarmed and curious to get to know more about this seemingly new artist. I was further surprised to realize be wrote the beautiful ode to love and longing “I Miss You” for none other than Beyonce. By the end of the interview I watched some of his music videos and listened to the lyrics closely and chastised myself for glazing over such musical greatness.

The dark, yet strangely satisfying “Swim Good” and the lyrics of the eternally beautiful, vulnerability of “Thinkin Bout You” brought me to revisit the once overlooked “over-hyped” album, “Channel Orange.”

After listening to the entire album without skipping a single track I think I rediscovered a part of myself long lost. From the near 10 minute, time traveling epic “Pyramids” to the excessive consumption commentary “Super Rich Kids,” this album is complete.  I have not listened to an entire RnB/HipHop album without skipping any tracks since 1998’s now classic album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” After several years of constant disappointment by other artists Frank Ocean came along.

This 24 year old very talented, insightful, soulful, brave artist has created a beautiful, unique, modern musical masterpiece. Have a listen for yourself.

Beach House

"Teen Dream" by Beach House

My new musical obsession is the Baltimore, Maryland based duo called Beach House. I stumbled onto this group during a late night music exploration. After only 30 seconds of preview I was in love. The third album from Beach House “Teen Dream” was exactly what my soul needed at this point in time.

Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand of Beach House

This dream or sub pop takes one on a journey during every single track. I just turn this album on, turn off the lights, close my eyes and travel to places I never knew I could get to without being under the influence. Who needs drugs? Beach House is my drug.

Alex Scally on guitar and keyboards and Victoria Legrand on vocals and organ create emotional, existential odes to love,  life and nature. It is Legrand’s unique, soulful yet delicate voice however, which seems to cast a spell on me as I am haunted by the deep connection I feel to the stories told in each song. It is as if they took Nina Simone’s voice put in Victoria’s body and sent her to live with David Bowie and Pink Floyd and Joni Mitchel was her babysitter who gave her a keyboard for christmas.

Have a listen to “Used to Be” and “Norway” and you will see what I mean.

Personally I would love to see them nominated for a Grammy this year. But in reality they may be overlooked as they are not as popular as Lady Gaga. Mother monster if you can hear me…find Beach House! I think my head would explode if that collaboration ever happened.

Every time I make a find like Beach House I am more and more thankful the internet exists so persons like myself who live out on a rock in the ocean can experience culture as it changes.

Buy Beach House “Teen Dream” on iTunes today!

La Coacha does Nicki Minaj

I love this new Parody of Nicki Minaj “Check it Out” by La Coacha. I think this is so funny! I had no idea Nicki Minaj sang that song as La Coacha pointed out in the Parody. lol Other funny line…”I am the black Lady G” lol

How my heart behaves

Feist

“The cold heart will burst if mistrusted first
And the calm heart will break when given a shake.

This is just how my heart behaves…”

Kylie Minogue “Aphrodite” Review

Kylie Minogue "Aphrodite"

Kylie Minogue’s “Aphrodite” is a feast for the imagination. The fifth offering by the Australian Pop Goddess has hit #1 on the UK album chart this week. The album starts off with “All the Lovers” the lead single which is a sweet Pop Anthem. Here is a live performance of “All the Lovers.”

My favourite songs include “Get Outta My Way,” “Closer,” “Aphrodite,” “Too Much,” I guess I should just say I love the entire album from start to finish. Produced by Stuart Price and other Producers like one of my favourites Calvin Harris Aphrodite delivers…one word EPIC! I’ve listened to it 10 times since it’s release! This is definitely on my Best of 2010 list!

If you are a Kylie fan or a lover of good Pop music “Aphrodite” is just the thing for you. Get it now now iTunes!

Caribbean experience…”Two White Girls Pon a Minibus”

My friend Sherry sent me the song for this funny video of these girls experiencing their first journey on a minibus in Jamaica in the 1980s. “Two Girls Pon a Minibus” is sort of like what would happen if Paris and Nicole went to Jamaica and rode public transport.

I remember my first time arriving in Trinidad for University and taking a Maxi taxi (minibus). Coming from  the Virgin Islands where most people have their one vehicles I was a bit culture shocked. Although I must say that the buses in Trinidad are not overloaded as they are in Jamaica and Barbados but the sometimes deafeningly loud music and fast driving are accurate. lol

I remember missing my stop and being totally lost but pretending I knew where I was walking confidently as not to attract any would-be robbers. I eventually found my way and developed a love hate relationship with maxis. Although not the most glamourous travel option in Trinidad these buses have a special priority bus route which allows you to arrive at your destination in a fraction of the time. Perfect for students late for class unless of course the driver decides to make a pit stop at KFC on his way down the road.

Trinidad Maxi-Taxi

Share your Minibus/Maxi/Van experience.

Chris Brown cries…crocodile tears?

So I woke up this morning and saw all this talk about Chris Brown on Mario’s AKA Perez Hilton’s website and on the Yahoo homepage. So I decided to have a look at the video posted of Mr. Brown’s performance at the BET Awards. My first thought was who did Chris Brown or his management team have to sleep with or pay off to get him to do this Michael Jackson Tribute.

It starts off with the now iconic silhouette of a figure on stage similar to that of Michael Jackson behind a screen. Then the screen falls away and then the crowd is somewhat apprehensive when they realise that it is Chris Brown on stage but applauds anyway. He does some MJ moves and sings briefly. Then they show some images of the Haiti quake and BP oil spill with the intro to “Man in the MIrror” playing.

Then Chris Brown attempts to sing with a shaky voice then is completely useless and begins to sob uncontrollably. Watch the Video below…

In my honest opinion this was a staged attempt at winning public support for Chris Brown after his career was ravaged by the Rihanna domestic violence scandal. This comes after Mr. Brown was denied entry into the UK earlier this month to tour the British Isles.

Not to negate from his talent but I don’t think Chris Brown ought to be put up on a pedestal honouring the greatest entertainer of our time the late Michael Jackson. I just think that this is a blatant endorsement of domestic violence. What kind of message is being sent to young men out there? It is okay to beat your wife or girlfriend because you will get a slap on the wrist because that is what community service really is.

Not to say Michael Jackson did not have his problems but since his death MJ has undergone apotheosis which in music industry terms makes Chris Brown like a ex-convict turned preacher.  A sinner born again through the power of God or in this case dancing like Michael Jackson and crying at all the money he lost.

It would seem that it does not matter what crime you committed, you can cry in public then everyone will like you again. 14 months ago Chris Brown, music’s golden boy was the most hated man in music. It is alarming how soon people forget. I know people can change and learn from their mistakes but I still feel there was no justice in the Rihanna case. Basically I think he should have gone to prison for a few months to think about what he did wrong, not pick up trash in a park.

We’ll just see how far Chris Brown’s people will take this redeemed man in repair thing.

Album Review: Sia: “We Are Born”

“We Are Born” the new album by Australian singer/songwriter Sia is a soulful, bouncy pop treat! This new sound is a departure from the downtempo, sometimes brooding folk soul sound of Sia’s previous efforts. However different, this album still highlights the gem that is Ms. Furler’s voice.

Sia "We Are Born" (2010)

I discovered Sia back in 2008 when she released “Some People Have real Problems.” I instantly fell in love with the truthful lyrics and beautifully crafted songs, which transported me to a place of introspection. I must admit I was a little sceptical about the new direction of “We Are Born” but I am happy to report Sia does not to disappoint.

Here is the video for the bouncy first single “Clap Your Hands”

“Clap your Hands,” “ Be Good to Me,” “Bring the Night” and “Never Gonna Leave Me” instantly caught my attention along with the soulful, brooding “I’m in Here.”

Sia Furler’s “We Are Born” is a great record for an afternoon drive, fun afternoon with friends or a home alone dance session. Two thumbs and ears up! 😀 I got mah copy how about you?

Video: Robyn “Dancing On My Own”

Single off Boddy Talk Pt. 1 “Dancing On My Own” I think most people can relate to this song. Watching the one you really like dancing and kissing someone else and no matter what you do you end up dancing on your own. “So far away but yet so near But you don’t see me standing here.” I think the video is great! I can feel myself in the party. Another fantastic electro-pop tune from one of my absolute favourites. Robyn!

Stuff I Like…Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe (1st December, 1985 – Present)

She is the ultimate artist totally immersed in her art from its inception. I fell in love with her work after Suite I of her Metropolis project came out in 2007 and was re-relased by Bad Boy Records in 2008. Janelle Monáe transcends genre as her unique mix of soul, hip hop, classical and pop creates an addictive confection for the ears.

I love the aesthetic and concept. Robots in the future controlled by humans as soulless mind controlled slaves. However, Cindy Mayweather, an android, falls in love with a human, Anthony. This is not allowed and she has to escape immediate disassembly. While on the run she discovers something about herself, not only does she have a soul, but she is ONE, The ArchAndroid. The one who will bring the truth that will break the  constraints of society and allow the mind controlled masses to be delivered to true enlightenment.

I know sounds a bit heavy but this is incredible musical artistry and Janelle’s voice is amazing!  The story telling and social commentary make this a powerful album.

Nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artist 2009 Monáe is poised to change the world of music with her passionate vocals and awe inspiring performances.

For your viewing pleasure here is “Tightrope” the lead single from Metropolis Suites II and II: The ArchAndroid. Buy the Album on iTunes now!