"Lost in Time" is Right on Time

I saw that whack-ass review by Melanie Sims of ABC News and had to write something in favor of Eric Benet's new CD "Lost in Time." Eric baby, you did your thang! Unlike Chrisette Michele and El DeBarge, who I was eagerly anticipating, you delivered a beautiful, soulful project that is fluid in hits from beginning to end. I'm shocked that the song Chrisette does with you,"Take It," is more soulful than all the tracks on "Let Freedom Reign" combined.

"Lost in Time" is Eric Benet's best effort to date. I've always been a fan of his debut project, "True to Myself," and have enjoyed selections he's recorded since then, like the gem "Sweet Dreams" on Wayman Tisdale's "Way Up" CD. In the same vein, I'm glad Eric kept it real and isn't selling out like the rest of the so-called R&B artists that have gone mainstream. (The list is too long to mention names here!) So thank you for the soul, Eric. Thank you for the soul.

And as for you Melanie Sims, who told you you knew good soul music? Clearly, you don't know the genre and need to resign.

20 of the Best Holiday Recordings Ever!!!

So I've given you a list of some of my favorite holiday CDs, but in case you want to make a CD of your own and buy individual tracks from your favorite digital outlet, here are 25 of the best holiday recordings, in my opinion of course! I put the CD where you can find them in parantheses. Enjoy!

1. "This Christmas" - Donny Hathaway (A Donny Hathaway Collection)

2. "Santa Baby" - Eartha Kitt (What a Wonderful Christmas, Louis Armstrong & Friends)

3. "The Christmas Song" - Nat King Cole (The Christmas Song)

4. "Back Door Santa" - Clarence Carter (The Original Soul Christmas)

5. "Merry Christmas All" - The Salsoul Orchestra Feat. Denise Montana

(Christmas Jollies, The Salsoul Orchestra)

6. "Santa, Please..." - Toni Braxton (Snowflakes)

7. "Carol of the Bells/What Child is This?"- Yolanda Adams
(Christmas With Yolanda Adams)

8. "Christmas Fantasy" - Anita Baker ("Christmas Fantasy")

9. "Sleigh Ride"- Ella Fitzgerald (Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas)

10. "My Favorite Things" - Diana Ross & The Supremes
(Merry Christmas by Diana Ross & The Supremes)

11. "White Christmas" - Will Downing (Christmas, Love and You)

12. "Christmas Only Once a Year" - Chaka Khan
(Jermaine Dupri Presents 12 Soulful Nights of Christmas)

13. "What Child is This?" - Poncho Sanchez
(Playboy's Latin Jazz Christmas, A Not So Silent Night)

14. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" - Toni Braxton
(40 Years: A Charlie Brown Christmas)

15. "Ave Maria" - Kelly Price (One Family)

16. "Joy to the World" - Mariah Carey (Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey)

17. "Carol of the Bells" - Donald Lawrence Featuring The Tri-City Singers
(Hello Christmas)

18. "Hey Santa" - Ashanti (Ashanti's Christmas)

19. "Born in a Manger- Patti Labelle (This Christmas by Patti Labelle)

20. "Give Love on Christmas Day" - The Jackson 5 (Jackson 5 Christmas Album)

21. "Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive" - Howard Hewitt
(Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration)

22. "No Room at the Inn" - Mahalia Jackson (Silent Night, Holy Night)

23. "Carol of the Bells" - Mary Mary (A Mary Mary Christmas)

24. "Christmas Time is Here" - Brian McKnight
(40 Years: A Charlie Brown Christmas)

25. "O Come, O Come Emmanuel/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" - Daryl Coley & Beloved
(Christmas is Here)

12 Holiday CDs for Your Collection

Happy holidays to you all. I thought I'd give you some CD recommendations if you're kind of stumped or may not know exactly what's out there to choose from. I'm a soul music and jazz fan, so my selections will be coming primarily from those genres and range from contemporary artists to some of the legends who recorded fine product in my opinion. Here's a list of 12 of the best that I think will keep you satisfied from beginning to end, in no particular order, but the first two are definitely tops on my list.

1. "Snowflakes" - Toni Braxton (Gets my vote for the sexiest Christmas CD ever!)

2. "Merry Christmas" - Mariah Carey (This is gospel, pop, and everything in between!)

3. "Christmas, Love and You" - Will Downing (Another sensual take for the holidays)

4. "Christmas Fantasy" - Anita Baker (Anita's jazzy vocals go well with these tunes)

5. "One Family" - Kelly Price (Kelly brings the soul to Christmas)

6. "Christmas" - Kirk Franklin and the Family (If you need some contemporary gospel)

7. "Playboy's Latin Jazz Christmas: A Not So Silent Night" - Various Artists
(Contemporary latin rhythmic takes on classic holiday songs - Divine!)

8. "Jackson 5 Christmas Album" - The Jackson 5 (Classic!)

9. "A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector" - Various Artists
(Doo-Wop at its best)

10. "The Original Soul Christmas" - Various Artists (Soul music at its best)

11. "A Charlie Brown Christmas"- Vince Guaraldi Trio (Another classic!)

12. "Christmas Jollies" - The Salsoul Orchestra (A disco classic!)

Floetry is Dead. "Floetic Soul" Lives!!!

Gone are the locks. ( I will miss them!) Gone is Marsha. We devoted fans have the memories of "Floetic," "Floacism," and "Flo'Ology." Now it's time for "Floetic Soul."

This is grown folks' music. I'm very happy The Floacist, aka Natalie Stewart, released a seductive and uplifting collection of tunes that reminds you of the Floetry days yet unveils her own flavor and lets you know Floetry is a thing of the past.

Now I'm not gonna lie, I'm putting money on The Floacist succeeding and hope she outsells Marsha because in my opinion, she's the one with stage presence, sensuality, and artistry. I know some of you will disagree, but listen to "Floetic Soul" and leave me a comment and tell me if you differ.

My favorite tracks on this project are: "Breathe," "Need You," "You," "Alright Then" and of course, "Forever." "Floetic Soul" is pure sensuality and positivity, a refreshing musical retreat from a diminished music scene where the lyrics are all the same and bore me.

The Floacist proves that she is an artist in her own solo right. Good luck to you girl! Represent the lyricists, the evolutionists, and the woman who is not afraid to go bald and represent her femininity.

Ciara, What the Hell?!!!

Okay, I gave you some positivity with my independent soul artists, but now I've got to break it down a tad and talk about Ciara's "Ride" video. Now I may be a little late, but I just have to say, Ciara, what the hell?!!!

Just when I thought Beyonce's thick shaking ass was the ass the to see swirling around in a video, Ciara's teasing the viewer with her crotch, swirling and twirling her slim frame, and not leaving much to the imagination in that bathing suit thinly covered by the fur coat. Now here was a chick that I thought was the next Aaliyah. I was the loving the half-girly, half-tomboy image associated with the pretty face. Now as if it wasn't bad enough that "Fantasy Ride" was a a pop fiasco, it is clear that the "powers that be" in that silly corporate record industry have decided that Ciara needs to become the new freak toy of the industry. I mean, come on! Can the chick just dance and take us to the place where Janet left us?

Ciara, you don't need to grind so hard, baby! Some of us enjoy your smokin' choreography and like to leave something to the imagination. We already know you're a beautiful woman, but that grind was just plain ugly.

The Wait Was Worth It

Adriana Evans is a vocalist I have adored since her self-titled debut featuring the single "Seeing is Believing." So I was pleasantly surprised when I did an iTunes search and discovered she put out a new CD called "Walking With the Night." Adriana, I have been waiting for a follow-up CD to "El Camino," and this CD can be summed up in five words -- The Wait Was Worth It.

My favorite tracks? "Surrender" is the ultimate dance jam. Love the hook.

"Astral Projection." What can I say? I just love to hear her riff it throughout a song.

"El Sol." Loved the original ("In the Sun") on her first CD, but this one takes it up a notch and gives it a new flavor.

"Suddenly." Hmmm. Deep. A new take on the affair song?

Now only if you would tour the East Coast, in particular New York City, Ms. Evans, and I'd be straight.

Preview Adriana Evans' CDs on iTunes

Avery*Sunshine is Divine

I knew the minute I saw this sister's photo on iTunes with the short 'do she had something deep to say. Avery*Sunshine is a human artist. What I mean by that is, she is not pretending to have a flawless image. She presents herself as a woman who knows she is prone to making human mistakes and wanting life to go her way as we are all human and wish for ourselves at some time or another. That is why I am feeling "Ugly Part of Me," a song about knowing when you've said or done the wrong thing in your lover's presence but are human enough to admit your mistake and acknowledge the temporary absence of beauty in your being.

Another song I love and can relate to is "All in My Head," a song about knowing when the delusional state of your mind may be blocking reality in how you view your mate. And who can't relate to "Pinin' "? This is another reality check about that lover who got away that you can't get out your head. And finally, "Today," when things just don't go your way and you feel like you're about to break. (Love the chat with mommy at the end. It makes me smile every time I hear it. I miss you, ma!)

So while the lyrics may sound like mini-thunderstorms, the music, the voice, and these songs are pure Sunshine.

Preview "Avery*Sunshine" on iTunes

This "Godchild" is Pure Joy!!!

I love discovering artists who are original and not afraid to express their individuality in a musical climate that has created cookie cutter images that are just plain boring. That is why I hope EVERYONE who loves R&B, soul, or just good damn music will listen to "Godchild" by Joy Jones. Better yet, BUY JOY JONES' "GODCHILD" CD!

Ms. Jones, the cover alone is simply divine, but I was sold the minute I heard such rhythmic tracks like "Promised Land" and "This Joy." I love the lyrics throughout this project, so inspirational for the Black Woman divine. "Beautiful" and "Glass Boxes" are pure gems that honor the Black Woman's physique. And for those on personal spiritual journeys, I recommend indulging in the lyrical content of "Nomad," "Constellations," and "Over," the latter being a song about dealing with a loved one's transition. I thank you for putting this wonderful project on iTunes. It has become a favorite of mine, and I listen to it practically EVERY DAY because it is so uplifting. And thank you for stepping out of the box musically and giving music listeners like me a reason to write and know that there are artists out there breathing new life into the music industry.

Give me some feedback people and let me know if you agree that Joy Jones is wonderful discovery.

Preview "Godhchild" on ITunes

Toni, Toni, Toni!!!

I must admit, at first I wasn't feeling Toni Braxton's latest CD, "Pulse," but I was sold on "Make My Heart" from day one. And Bille Woodruff, you are the boy! That video is hot!!! It's nice to see some real choreography and video direction for a change. And Toni. Girl! You're sexy as ever in that black catsuit! (Meow!)

There is something amazing about the "Pulse" CD. In comparison to most music being produced today, this CD contains REAL SONGS WITH REAL LYRICS!!! This is truly a grown folks' CD. And a word of advice to any man (or woman) out there who wants to know how to truly love a woman, I say, LISTEN TO THE LYRICS ON THIS ALBUM AND YOU'LL LEARN!!! (And listen to Chante Moore's "Love the Woman" as back-up and you'll be a pro!)

Now the highlights on this CD are: "Make My Heart" (can you say, repeat?), "Why Won't You Love Me?," "Hero," "Wardrobe," "Hands Tied," and "Pulse," but hey, just play it all the way through, let Toni serenade you, and you'll be fine.

And damn you, iTunes for all of those hot exclusive tracks! "The Wave" is a killer, but you can't buy it separately, and I had to have a physical copy of the album so if anyone out there has that track, can you send it to me, please?

In the meantime, check out my favorite video of the moment. Ooh, Toni! Show these young girls what looking good looks like when you age like fine wine! YOU make my heart go bump, bump!

And thank you for bringing the short hair back! The shaved sides are divine!

Toni's "Make My Heart" Video

Auto-Tuned Out

Okay, back in the day when Roger Troutman and Zapp made classics like "More Bounce to the Ounce" and "Computer Love," Roger had a tube hanging out his mouth called a vocoder that gave his group a distinctive sound. Today, it's called "auto-tune," and frankly, I'm auto-tuned out.

It was cute for a minute with T-Pain, and worked on the a, a, a, a, a, alcohol jam with Jamie Foxx, but now it seems like EVERYBODY wants to be auto-tuned and do corny pop music and to me, it's starting to sound played out. I mean, Tyrese, what's up with you? Now YOU'VE gone pop and got auto-tuned when you have a soulful voice and can actually sing? Mary J., you don't need to be auto-tuned either. Give us another one of those "you're wrong!" songs and belt it from your diaphragm like you know how!

And music industry, stop having everybody do the same thing! Let the real singers sing. Let those who can't, dance. And can we please let auto-tune be a thing of the past?

Just a thought. If anyone agrees or disagrees, please let me know.

20 House Music Classics

Does anyone miss House music as much as I do? Well if you do, let's reminisce together over some of those memorable tunes that kept us on the dance floor, that we couldn't get out of our heads, and that had some of the catchiest lyrics, albeit only a few words that may have been looped throughout the song. Here is my list of 20 House music classics. Note, House music, not Dance music or Techno music. DJ, mix these up at the club and see if anyone sits down! And again, no repeated artist, and this list is not in any particular order.

1. "Whores in This House" - Frank Ski (1992)
2. "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)" (Red Bone Club Mix) - Crystal Waters (1991)
3. "Supermodel" (Tribal Mix) - RuPaul (1993)
4. "French Kiss" (The Songbird Sings Long Vocal Mix) - Lil' Louis & The World (1989)
5. "Work That Motherfucker" - Steve Poindexter (1989)
6. "The Bomb" (Radio Edit) - The Bucketheads (1995)
7. "Zulu" (Change Mix) - Circle Children (1994)
8. "House of Love (In My House)" (The Raise Your House Mix) - Smooth Touch (1994)
9. "Strings of Life" (Piano Mix) - Rhythim is Rhythim (1990)
10. "Witch Doktor" (Dark Ages Mix) - Armand Van Helden (1994)
11. "Throb" - Janet Jackson (1993)
12. "Let the Rhythm Pump" - Doug Lazy (1989)
13. "I'm Beautiful Dammitt!" (Club Mix) - Uncanny Alliance (1993)
14. "Didn't I Know (Divas to the Dance Floor... Please) (D.C. vs. Tom e's Original Dub)- E.G. Fullalove (1994)
15. "Beautiful People" (C.J.'s Club Mix) - Barbara Tucker (1994)
16. "Doo Doo Dub" - Luke **(Sorry! Not sure of the year!)
17. "Hot" (Danny's Runaway Mix) - Willie Ninja (1995)
18. "Percolator" - Cajmere (1997)
19. "Get Up!" (Parade Mix) - Byron Stingily (1997)
20. "Speculation" - Colonel Abrams (1986)

The Best Jazz Albums

Now, I would be remiss if I didn't do a list of the 10 best jazz albums, in my opinion of course. We live in such a pop and hip-hop world that this often forgotten genre doesn't get the props it deserves anymore. I want to keep it alive, the true jazz, that is, because like R&B artists, jazz has gone pop and many people believe that Kenny G is jazz. (And sorry people, Najee is not jazz either.) So, in no particular order, here is my list of the 10 best jazz albums of all-time. I hope it helps you expand your music collection.

1. "Journey in Satchidananda" - Alice Coltrane (1970)
2. "A Love Supreme" - John Coltrane (1964)
3. "Porgy and Bess" - Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong (1958)
4. "Jazz in Film" - Terence Blanchard (1999)
5. "Let Freedom Ring!" - Denys Baptiste (2003)
6. "A New Perspective" - Donald Byrd (1963)
7. "Speak No Evil" - Wayne Shorter (1964)
8. "Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus" - Charlie Mingus (1963)
9. "Good Night, and Good Luck" (Soundtrack) - Dianne Reeves (2005)
10. "Miles Ahead" - Miles Davis (1957)

The Best of Contemporary Soul

Now I couldn't do a Top 12 soul list without listing 10 of the best Contemporary Soul albums, could I? Now by Contemporary Soul, I'm talking about anything recorded in the 90s to present, and soul, to me, was personified in the 70s, thus the reason for artists of that decade comprising the previous list. So, I'm sticking to 10, and once again, not in any particular order and will not repeat, and am considering the albums I feel you can listen to without skipping a track. I hope you agree.

1. "Who is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds Vol. 1" - Jill Scott (2000)
2. "Worldwide Underground" - Erykah Badu (2003)
3. "Free" - Chico Debarge (2003)
4. "Self Portrait" - Lalah Hathaway (2008)
5. "Signs of Life" - Dionne Farris (2007)
6. "Flo'Ology"- Floetry (2005)
7. "Voodoo" - D'angelo (2000)
8. "Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite" - Maxwell (1996)
9. "Love the Woman" - Chante Moore (2008)
10. "Eric Roberson Presents: The Vault - Vol. 1.5" - Eric Roberson (2004)

An Update on the Future

So, I have returned, and being the air sign that I am, I'm going to allow the future of this blog to go where the wind blows me. As things come up, I will write about them, the things that move me deep in my spirit. But as I am also moved by things of the past in the world of music, I will share my thoughts on them as well.

So as I stated in my first post of this year, "The Future of Pagebu on Music," I believe in supporting the legends. To be true to my word, here is a list of 12 of the best soul albums of all time, in my opinion. These are albums you can listen to from the first track to the last. These are must-haves if you truly dig soul music. I didn't want to repeat artists, which is why I stopped the list at 12, despite some making such beautiful music several decades and the first three being composed by Curtis Mayfield. They are listed not in any particular order, but please, have a listen (www.lala.com is a great site) and let me know if you agree.

1. "Superfly" (Soundtrack) - Curtis Mayfield (1972)
2. "Claudine" (Soundtrack) - Gladys Knight & The Pips (1974)
3. "Sparkle" (Soundtrack) - Aretha Franklin (1976)
4. "Ask Rufus" - Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan (1977)
5. "Black Moses" - Isaac Hayes (1971)
6. "What's Goin' On" - Marvin Gaye (1971)
7. "Songs in the Key of Life" - Stevie Wonder (1976)
8. "Gratitude" - Earth, Wind & Fire (1975)
9. "For You" - Prince (1978)
10. "The Boss" - Diana Ross (1979)
11. "Express" - B.T. Express (1974)
12. "Everything is Everything" - Donny Hathaway (1970)

Everybody's Gone Pop

Usher. Alicia Keys. Damn, even Vivian Green. It seems like everybody that used to do such great R&B, music that spoke to your soul, has gone pop! Can we get back to the soul, please, minus the lyrics referencing infidelity?

Can it be disputed that "Confessions," "That's What It's Made For," and "Nice and Slow" are not classic Usher songs? With only a few exceptions like "Here I Stand" and "Lifetime," the rest of the "Here I Stand" CD is Usher going pop...hard. And never mind "Raymond vs. Raymond." Can you say, pop goes the weasel? He gives us "Papers" making us think we're getting another fine product like "Confessions" then he delivers a CD with no soul, no R&B, just pop, pop, pop!

What happened to Alicia Keys' good ol' days with songs that spoke to the spirit like "Fallin," "Diary," and "If I Ain't Got You?" I knew when the braids were gone and the hair turned straight what was up.

And Vivian Green, can you take us on an "Emotional Rollercoaster" again, please?

And finally, Mary J. has done the pop thang in a major way. Has anyone other than me felt that she should've left Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" and "Stairway to Heaven" alone? I'm only a fan of covers when they're done well, like when soul artists make pop or rock songs soulful, but Mary J., doing pop versions of these classics was not a good move.

If it's not Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke thinking their the white versions of Marvin Gaye replete with bad falsettos, then it's soulful artists making the transition to the pop world and leaving the soul behind to record mediocre songs. My thing is this, do what you do and do it well. You're all talented in your own ways, just be your true selves and let that talent shine.

And when are these music executives going to stop being greedy thinking they can sell more records if they mold their top-selling artists into pop molds of clay?

Maxwell, What the Hell?!!!

Just when I begin to accept that the 'fro is gone! Just when I start diggin' "BLACKsummers'night" to the point that "Bad Habits" and "Cold" stay on repeat. Just when I get over not being able to attend the concert you did with Chrisette Michele, I get excited when I see you touring with Jill Scott. Then I'm torn because you add a date at the Garden with Badu. Then my heart is crushed when I see the top ticket price is $256.50 at both shows. Maxwell, what the hell? You're breaking my heart all over again! Please, bring back the 'fro!

Baby, I miss that falsetto! It's not as sweet as it was on the Mellosmoothie mix of "Sumthin' Sumthin'." Nevertheless, I was ready to see you, baby, you and one of my girls. Why can't you have a menage-a-tois, with Jill and Badu on the same bill with you in the middle and bring that top ticket price down so I can hear that sexy voice when it speaks and look up at you with naughty thoughts while you perform and long for that 'fro again?

Is it just me, or is anyone else having a hard time during this recession? Maxwell, baby, I like ya, but I've got many other things I could do with $256.50, and buying a ticket way up in the air at Madison Square Garden is not one of them. If I can't see you up close, then I'll just listen to your sweet voice on my ipod instead.

Written with love.

The Return of the Bootay!!!

All right! I finally have some inspiration to return to this blog and it would be Erykah Badu, or shall I say her bootay, in particular, that got me back on track!

By now, with all the controversy, you have seen the "Window Seat" video. Now I've been reading some really unsavory things online about people's opinion of it and her, so Ms. Bootay, better known as Badu, I just want to say, go on with yourself!

There's no shame in my game. When I first watched it, I was hoping you would take it all off, but when you did, my mouth dropped open and I had to shut it and call myself cornbread!

Nonetheless, I love the artistic message and the retro evolution at the end, replete with the beads. I love the use of the JFK audio and the guts to film where he was assassinated. But most importantly, I love the bootay! I was like, damn! I give female props where they are due, and Ms. Badu, the bootay is nice!!!

But I shan't be so shallow. "The Return of the Ankh" is a nice comeback. I must admit, I think I'm still more partial to "New Amerykah Part One..." because it's got that Curtis Mayfield, socio-political, tell-it-like-it-T-I-is, thang going on, but I must say, I am feeling "Out My Mind, Just in Time," "Agitation," "Fall in Love (Your Funeral), "Incense," and of course, "Window Seat," 'cause I can relate to all these depending on my mood and what I choose to recall of my past relationships at any given point in time.

But Badu, for real though, what's up with "You Loving Me (Session)?"

And in case you haven't seen the video, check it out and comment for yourself.

The Infamous Window Seat Video

The Future of Pagebu on Music

Well, it's been some time since I've posted anything, so as 2010 has entered, I must sadly say that Pagebu on Music will be retired as it existed. As I have grown very disappointed in today's music scene, I believe that I would only be able to continue this blog if I wrote about the legends, or that rare, hot CD that gets released in this day and age. As a result, the future of Pagebu on Music may be in jeopardy and replaced with a blog of a totally different scope. As I try to decide whether to retire this blog, I strongly encourage you to support good music when you can find it, especially classic titles by artists such as Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Pharoah Sanders, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Teena Marie, Phyllis Hyman, Anita Baker, Will Downing, Stevie Wonder, George Michael, The Police, Marvin Gaye, Alice Coltrane, and Isaac Hayes, to name a few.

So stay posted. This blog may have a future after all.