Sunday, August 22, 2010

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