Remembering Rhythm & Blues

Remembering Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

2009-06-26T19:17:00.008-04:00

This. isn't. happening. Please tell me that this is all a dream and Michael is somewhere in his hyperbaric oxygen chamber giggling with Bubbles. Someone please slap the hell outta my back and remove this annoying lump in my throat. A lump that comes then goes then reappears at this very thought - Michael is dead. *shivering* Naw, this just can't be. Not Michael Jackson, born August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana? This thought just doesn't compute. Sadly, no matter how much my brain wants to throw this thought away like yesterday's used Kleenex - Michael Joseph Jackson, the seventh child of the Jackson family and THE undisputed KING OF POP is DEAD! :sigh: Michael's music has been a constant throughout my entire life and never ever EVER in my wildest dreams did I believe I would see a moment like this. so. damn. soon.

I was born in 1979. Six months after my birth and one day before my dad's birthday, Michael Jackson released his fifth studio album, Off the Wall. My family, like most families around the globe, has had a special connection to his music. Not many artists could transcend generations, but Michael was special. With his brothers, Michael gave my parents songs to groove to like "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", "Mama's Pearl", "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "Dancing Machine" ~~watch me get down, watch me get down~~. My parents would share stories about the times they would gather around the television to watch The Jackson 5 and ironically when my siblings and I became older, we did the exact same thing each time one of Michael's videos would premiere on network television.

The first Michael Jackson song I fell in love with was "Rock With You", which is directly attributed to my father playing that song over and over. This song turned my young world inside out and it was from here that I grew to have such an appreciation for the creativity and innovation Michael brought to music. Moving through the years, my ears have had the pleasure of falling in love with a multitude of songs from Michael, all of them as uniquely different than the last. From "Ben" to "Butterflies", my iPod is chock-full of musical memories that take me away to another place in time. Far away from the pundits making their rounds on TV with their talks of Michael's 'dark side'. Far away from the pained faces and countless tributes. Oh no, the tragic news of Michael's death doesn't live within the hallowed walls of my iPod. See, in here, Michael Jackson is alive, singing, and still doing all his famous dance moves. Yessir, Michael Jackson will definitely live on - forever.

"If you enter this world knowing you are loved and leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with."
-Michael J. Jackson

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Michael Jackson

Remembering R&B Joins Twitter

2009-06-15T00:13:00.004-04:00

Hello readers! It's mid-month and if you don't know by now.... June is Black Music Month! In honor of this beautiful month, Remembering Rhythm & Blues has established a presence on Twitter and we're tweeting some great R&B music from the past to the present, along with some interesting features. Here are SOME of the features we have lined up:

'Follow the Sample' - Each day during the month of June, we will feature one original song and all the known artists that have sampled the original song -#musicsamples
'Today In R&B History' - Ever wonder what happened way back when on today's date? Well, we scour the 'net for those buried treasures so you don't have to!
Not Quite A #1 Hit - You might know all of the hits, but what about that gem of a song that only peaked at #86?
Topping The Charts Thursday - Each Thursday, we're counting down the top #1 hits of a particular year using the the following hashtag - #topthurs
SexySaturday - It's time to unwind and relax to some classic and current slow jams... can you handle it? #sexysaturday
Did They SANG It? (Fiyah or Failure?™): Everyone with a video camera thinks they can sing, but can they really 'sang'? Look for us to tweet videos of these questionable singers and YOU get to be the judge!

That's just a small sampling of the R&B goodness we got going on, so do be sure to follow us and tell a 'tweeple', um, we mean a friend. =)

Reminiscing On My First Maxwell Concert

2009-05-23T10:40:00.017-04:00

So long I've searched for you
So long but now it's true
-Reunion, from Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite

I remember that summer day in 2001 like it was yesterday. It was a warm, sunny afternoon in Washington, DC. I was three months pregnant and trying my best to maintain my growing belly in three inch wedge sandals. As I took every step towards Constitution Hall with my boyfriend, I just knew I was going to fall over, but I. just. didn't. care. Shoot, I was with my man, I was looking cute, and we were going to see one of my favorite singers of all time, MAXWELL! My man knew how much I loved Maxwell and he liked his music too, but I… I was a totally obsessed and all my friends could attest to my passion for Maxwell. I had his pictures all over my desk at work, a screensaver of him on all my computers, and I played his music all damn day long... Come to think of it, when the concert day finally arrived, I think my coworkers were happier than me as they'd finally have a whole day without listening to me and my talks of Maxwell.~~Whatever haters!~~

I'm always here
I'm in yo ear, yeah
Love’s stereo so don't you fear
Don't fear…
Cause it’s our reunion…

When the day of the concert arrived, the first thing I had to do was capture the moment with one of those street photographers that seem to be at almost every concert. Man, I was excited! As we made our way towards our seats, I started getting really nervous. My boyfriend didn't mention that we would be sitting left of the stage, IN THE FRONT ROW?! OH MY GOODNESS! *faint* Was I really about to see Maxwell and at such a close range?! I felt my growing baby kicking inside of me, signaling me to chill out. My hormones went in straight overdrive, yet I managed to relax a bit as Res came onstage to perform songs from her 2001 album, How I Do. My girl did a great job of warming the crowd and keeping all the men entertained, but I was about to pass out from all the anticipation... Where was my Max!? Moments later, and not a pre-term delivery needed, alas the man of the hour was making his way onstage…

No girl can ever compare
To you my dear
Girl it's our reunion.

Watching him move across the stage was definitely a photogenic moment and at that instant, I wish I had a camera. DUH!? He looked so surreal in his white pants and fitted shirt and throughout the night, he rocked me back and forth to songs like Sumthin, Sumthin’, Welcome, Whenever Wherever Whatever, and one of my all time favorites - Suitelady (The Proposal Jam). As soon as that sexy sweet song started to play, I turned to look at my boyfriend wondering if he was going to top off this already wonderful night with a proposal for his ‘suite lady’. Hmmmm. Instead, he squeezed my hand, leaned in, and gave me a long, loving kiss. :sigh: If I wasn't feeling so damn nauseous, I would've jumped up and shaked-a-tail-feather right there in the aisles with all the other sistas. Still, all was right in the world that night and I had such a wonderful, beautiful, sexy, soulful time and naturally, later that night, so did my man! *wink* The days following that concert, I kissed and cuddled my man, thanking him over and over again for giving his ‘baby momma’ the best gift ever - the self-confidence and understanding that no matter how much I love Maxwell, I would forever be w/as his girl!

Since last we loved
No-one's come near....

Two years later, my then boyfriend became my husband. We married in 2003 and of course, Maxwell songs were in heavy rotation at the reception! O, and ya'll remember that little kicking bun in the oven? Well, he’s now an active seven year old with a little brother, who’s four. Lately, hubby and I don't get out that much anymore to attend concerts, but believe you me -- when Maxwell rolled back into DC for last years concert - I was right there once again, enjoying a reunion that was long overdue and grooving to old and new songs, such as Pretty Wings, Bad Habits, and Help Somebody from his upcoming album BLACK, which is set to be the first album in Maxwell's BLACKsummersnight trilogy.

We’re back together, hey
We’re back together, yeah
It’s our reunion…

Dearest Maxwell,
Happy Birthday bruh!! Many thanks to you for the sweet, sweet memories! Your music continues to be such an inspiration to me when I’m writing or driving or sleeping or getting dressed or just cleaning the frickin’ house. Hell, you were the reason I started this blog! The beautiful spirit that you so easily convey through your music gives me the motivation I need to continue towards my own dreams. I’m anxiously waiting to hear more tracks from your new album and enjoying your every tweet on twitter ~~because I have them ALL coming to my cell thanks to SMS, what bliss!~~. May God continue to bless you and keep you in His care.

Peace & Blessings...

Updated 5/23/09 8:52PM: I should've mentioned this earlier but in 2007, a different and older version of this story originally appeared in a fan appreciation book that was created just for Maxwell for his birthday. Also, if you watch this video, right at the 2:27 mark, you will see my lovely photo ~~and I can't stop freaking screaming about it because I'm such a goober for not seeing this video earlier-ugh!~~.... At any rate, Maxwell mentioned on his twitter that he would be ever so grateful if folks would donate to www.Haiti.org. Additionally, if you're just as excited as I am about the arrival of Maxwell's new CD, then you have to join Maxwell Fan Forum for all the latest info! :)

The Very Best of Maxwell

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Jumping Back Up and Walking Down Piety Street with John Scofield

2009-04-29T20:21:00.000-04:00

Recently, I wrote over here how I was going through a little touch of the blues and in need of another dose of liberation. Luckily enough, I got a copy of John Scofield's latest contribution to music, Piety Street (2008).

John Scofield (born December 26, 1951 in Dayton, Ohio)[1] is an American jazz guitarist and composer, who has played and collaborated with Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, Charles Mingus, Joey Defrancesco, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, Pat Martino, Mavis Staples, Phil Lesh, Billy Cobham, Medeski Martin & Wood, George Duke, Jaco Pastorius, John Mayer [4], and many other important artists. At ease in the bebop idiom, Scofield is also well versed in jazz fusion, funk, blues, soul, and other forms of modern American music.

Long-loved spirituals, such as His Eye Is On The Sparrow, Walk With Me, and I'll Fly Away never sounded this... different. His bluesy, yet funky soul spin on these beloved classics just makes you want to through your spirit into the rinse cycle and wash away all the negativity of the world. Shoot, after the long day I've had today, it was quite a delightful treat to take a walk down Piety Street. I'll surely be back a'round for more.

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John Scofield Piety Street blues jazz

Wishing for 'Sunny' Days with Melba Moore

2009-03-25T18:24:00.001-04:00

Melba, Melba, Melba. Sista, what words could I possibly use to describe your Tony award winning talent? [Insert wonderfully fantastic compliments here] I'd love to gush over your voice, which goes hard over disco beats or catches a soulful melody with such ease, but well, I've got the "wishing-I-was-somewhere-warm" blues. Since Spring stepped on the scene last week, I've been hoping for much nicer weather, yet every other day I'm greeted with more cold and clouds. And now the weatherman is calling for rain!? :sigh: Come on sun, it's time to come on out and stay awhile....

Download Melba Moore's The Other Side of the Rainbow (Capital Records, 1986) here and Retrospective BUDDAH, EPIC, EMI, CAPITOL 45s here

Listen to a full playlist of Melba Moore's music here

Watch Melba Moore & Friends-Lift Every Voice & Sing (Let Freedom Ring) here

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Mind Blowing Decisions With Heatwave

2009-03-18T21:27:00.004-04:00

I am sincerely getting old. Either I'm going crazy or doing way too many things at once. See, I just knew I created a blog post for one of my favorite 70s bands, but alas, when I did a google search - I came up with nada. At 30 years young, you'd think I'd have a better grasp on this memory, yet daily I'm walking around with a notepad and pen like it's my life support, simply because I'm afraid to forget. Enter Heatwave. Johnnie Wilder's voice does something to me. Him and Keith give me all kinds of feelings that are just too hard to quantify. I mean, let's take a moment and reflect on Look After Love, a track from their 1982 album, Current. Now there's such a sweet simplicity to this song that makes me do a double-take, step back, and remember... Man, with this song, I can clearly see the road ahead of me and I have no problems turning 'round to examine the past footprints. Everything is right there in Mind Blowing Decisions too. The arrangement, the instruments, the vocals; all of them together point me in the direction of relaxation... :long sigh: Soon I'm singing the refrain-Must decide how to go is (he) mine I want to know... Luckily by the end of one of their albums, all my mind blowing decisions are easily answered. Long live funky soul!

Download Heatwave's Greatest Hits here.

R&B Heatwave funk music

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Releasing the Tension with Al Green

2009-02-18T21:01:00.005-05:00

You know, ain't nothing technical about Mister Albert Greene. His music is so classy, yet raw, timeless, but aged, in a fine wine kinda way. Mr. Green came into my life around 5:20 this afternoon in the most interesting way. I was sitting in the bathroom, ahem, just reflecting on my day, when his voice came through the mindless haze of spreadsheets and meetings, singing... How can a loser ever win? The smoothness of that delivery, of that simple question, halted my thoughts. All the emptiness, pain, and soul of his voice, immediately eased my mind. Please help me mend my broken heart... Shit, I broke out in song, right there in the stall, wrapped in the essence of knowing that my pain could be so much worse and as crazy as I know this already sounds, I washed my hands and walked right out of that bathroom, just la-la-la-la'ing all the way out the office, feeling like I just wanna LIVE again.

This song, no, better yet, this man, moves me to do some really strange things (but I ain't the only one...

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Sam Cooke Said It Best - A Change Is Gonna Come

2009-02-16T17:14:00.004-05:00

I'm conflicted. Seriously caught up, down, and around with keeping my blogs online. Lately, and I think I may have discussed this in previous posts, but more and more, a lot of what keeps me away from this blogspot, is knowing that, it's a public blog. Go figure. I mean, seriously, what kind of mess is that? Crazy, I know. I've shared so much thus far, what's clogging up the flow now? Especially when there's room in this blogosphere for so many varied voices, for so many different perspectives. O who am I fooling? I need to stop hiding. Plain and simple. Excuses are for the weak! Rather than watching hoochies drool all over Ray J on VH-1, I should have my ass doing what really brings me joy - music and writing. I mean, don't get me wrong, I've been doing major writing with the novel, so my eye is still on the prize, but this blog (and the others) have suffered in the process. But no more. There aren't any excuses. Shit, my President is black, and if that isn't proof positive that big dreams can come true than I don't know what is. So what does all of this have to do with Sam Cooke? Well, naturally, I'm talking about change, silly. And not just seasonal change, I'm talking B-I-G monumental change, like the change that beautiful black man and his family are bringing to the White House; to this very country that's been divided by the foolery of the last eight years. If there's ever been a time for Sam's 1964 single to be more poignant, now would definitely be that time. Change is everywhere. The economy is in a downward spin, the environment is suffering, and Chris and Ri-Ri are fighting in the damn streets; I mean, things are more different than ever before! And who knows what's coming around the bend? For me, change smacked me HARD as a laid up in a hotel room on Wednesday, February 11, 2009... I'm 30 years old and so so much is still left undone and like Sam said, it's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die... I put so much pressure on myself to get it all in, to run that race, to hit that target and though it's rather exhausting, secretly, I wouldn't have it any other way. At this point, I can't relax for more than a day or two before it's back to the hustle. Some of that comes from working downtown. It has me wrapped too tightly and I'm using the wrong avenues to loosen up, but hell, I'm working on it and hey, isn't that what change is all about? Yeah, it has been a long time since I wrote here, but sure as the sun is gonna come up tomorrow, change is gonna come right along with it.

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Rockin A 90s Girl Mentality in 2008

2008-10-19T17:01:00.011-04:00

The year was 1994 and the song was 90s Girl by BlackGirl. With Teddy Riley producing, this joint has continued to hold strong many, many years later.

BlackGirl was a successful R&B/dance vocal trio consisting of Pam Copeland, Nycolia "Tye-V" Turman and Rochelle Stuart from Atlanta, that formed in 1992 on the Kaper/RCA/BMG label, like other R&B acts Eric West and Questionmark Asylum.

BlackGirl released their debut album in 1994 titled Treat U Right, the LP went Gold (for sales of 500,000 copies in the US), and reached the Top 50 of Billboard 200. The groups first single "Krazy", reached #37 on the Billboard charts, the single spent 15 weeks in the Top 100, but it was its follow up that took BlackGirl into the Top 20 of the US charts, the Teddy Riley produced single asserts itself as a posse of renegade women who will not succumb to the sexism their moms and sisters did, the single "90's Girl" reached #13 and spent 20 weeks in The Top 100 (it also became one of 1994's biggest R&B singles according to Billboard Magazine), the albums third single, was a Daryl Simmons-produced ballad, drastically reworked from the original album version "Where Did We Go Wrong", the groups third Top 40 hit, spent 20 weeks in the Top 100 as did "90's Girl".

After scoring 3 Top 40 hits on the Billboard charts, and becoming one of R&B's top female groups, Blackgirl appeared in a TV spot for Chrysler, singing special lyrics to their hit single, "90s Girl", they then joined R&B star R. Kelly for a six-week tour.

Late 1994 the group released the holiday single "Give Love On Christmas Day"/"Christmas Time", the single didn't sell well though it did make the Billboard bubbling under sales list. The group then teamed up with Aaliyah, En Vogue, Mary J. Blige, Vanessa Williams, For Real, and SWV for the single "Freedom" from the movie Panther. The single became BlackGirl's 4th Top 40 single, when it hit #18 within weeks.

Towards the end of 1994, BlackGirl earned two Billboard Music Award nominations for Top R&B Group, and Top R&B New Artist. On March 3rd 1995, BlackGirl released their version of the soul classic "Let's Do It Again". Written by Curtis Mayfield, the Staple Singers' version of the song went to No. 1 on Billboard's Top 100 back in 1975, with a '90s hip-hop-flavored version BlackGirl managed to once again make the Billboard Top 40, the single hit #25 in 1995.

Summer 1995, BlackGirl earned two Soul Train Award nominations, one for Single Of The Year (By A Group, Band Or Duo) for "Let's Do It Again" and Album Of The Year (By A Group, Band Or Duo) for Treat U Right. They then released 90's Girl in the UK, the song was a Top 10 success on the R&B chart, and reached #23 on the UK Pop chart. The group appeared on the single "Hey, Look Away" by Questionmark Asylum in late 1995, the single flopped when it reached the lower 50's on Billboard's Top 100.

In 1996 the group deciced to break up, some of the members went on to work with the likes of Janet Jackson, Toni Braxton and Jermaine Jackson. After the break up Nycolia went on to write, or record back up vocals for Pink, Deborah Cox, Case, Toni Braxton and Will Smith.

So it's 2008 and while there are good songs out here today that support a woman's independence (such as Destiny's Child Independent Woman), this classic song made me recognize the inner strength of womanhood more because it didn't couple the song's message with a whole bunch of materialistic bullshit. Granted, it's cool to have all kinds of "woman thou art strong" songs as there's something to be said about a lady that can stand on her own two, but BlackGirl still holds a special spot in my heart for this jam. Check the chorus:

I'm a 90's girl
In an ice cold world
Won't be used for sex (a 90s girl)

I'm a 90's girl
In an ice cold world
Show me some respect (a 90s girl)

I'm a 90's girl
In an ice cold world
Independent and strong
I can make it on my own (a 90s girl)

Yup, it's still an ice cold world, but through the cold, I feel the warm voices of these three beautiful sistas telling me to remain strong and keep the faith!

Click here to download the 90's Girl (Encore Extended Alternate Remix) with three additional songs. (Thanks to The Soul Vendor!)

Click here to download BlackGirl's 1994 album, Treat U Right, via MEGAUPLOAD

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BlackGirl 90s Girl

Making Promises, Promises with Christopher Williams

2008-10-18T19:22:00.006-04:00

Somewhere between the way yesterday ended and today, I'm feeling a new sense of direction, or better yet, a sense of rejuvenation. Wait, let me put it this way, a sista is getting her groove back, but unlike Stella, this smooth groove didn't come from the Caribbean. Instead, I have Mr. Christopher Williams to thank for my renewed stride and subtle confidence.

Christopher Williams (born Troy Christopher Williams on August 22, 1967, in The Bronx, New York, U.S.) is an American R&B singer and actor. Williams, who emerged during the late 1980s as a recording artist for Geffen Records, has scored many hit singles, notably "Promises, Promises" (1989), "Talk to Myself" (1989), and "Every Little Thing U Do" (1993). The single "I'm Dreamin'" (1991), from the New Jack City soundtrack, became a #1 single on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks charts. After a six-year hiatus from recording music, he returned to the music scene with Real Men Do on the indie label Renegade, in 2001. It received a glowing, flattering review in Ebony Magazine that summer.

In between solo pursuits, he has been a contributor to Alex Bugnon's "As Promised," with a jazzed up version of Mary J. Blige's "All That I Can Say"; featured on "In Your World" with Twista & The Speedknot Mobstas, a very up-tempo track on the soundtrack of "Doctor Dolittle"; and on the Cafe Soul All-Stars CD with a single titled "Used To Be." Although he has been considered "out of the game" by some, there are numerous artists from several genres who give full credit to him for writing lyrics, performing, producing, editing, collaborating, and simply "doing a favor for a friend." In 2005, it was reported that Williams died of an unknown illness, but this ended up just an Internet hoax.

See with the music of Christopher, I'm remembering the innocence of my youth, enjoying daydreaming back to the sweet memories when I first heard his voice coming through the radio. The year was 1989 and I was a wannabe grown girl, trying to hit the "OOOOOOOOOOO" notes in this song right along with him. Not to mention, this dude was (and still is) FINE! But now, instead of being a young girl making promises, promises that I don't keep, I'm feeling the need to attack my life with a ferocity that's unknown. Shit, I'm approaching the BIG 3-0 and I really don't have time for the same silly game of procrastination. Now, don't wake me if I'm dreamin', but all I see is a future where every little thing I do is a step towards my true purpose in this crazy world.

Click here to download Promises, Promises, from Christopher Williams

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Back Down Memory Lane With Minnie Riperton

2008-10-01T23:44:00.001-04:00

Evening music lovas. It's almost midnight here in DC and I'm making my way back to blogging. It's funny because I've been creeping onto my own blog, reading some of the older posts and it got me to thinking about Ms. Minnie Riperton and soon, I needed to stop creeping over here and start writing again about the music that I love so much. These months away have truly been a roller coaster ride and like Minnie said, "I feel the happiness... I feel the pain... Here am I... back down memory lane... I'm in the sunshine... I'm in the rain..."

And as I get back to remembering my favorite genre of music, I can only hope that memory continues to serve me well...

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When It Rains: Floetic Thoughts

2008-01-07T21:44:00.000-05:00

This post isn't really about nothing, so please forgive me. It's late and I'm pouting over the fact that one of my most favorite groups are seriously trippin. Marsha and Natalie from Floetry have yet to share any new tunes. Instead, last year, Marsha declared the death of Neo-soul and Natalie had to pretty much wrestle her spot away from Amanda Diva. These sistas had such an awesome chemistry and there's just no way, I could take any replacements so Marsh and Nat - GET IT TOGETHER! :-) Either way, I'm happy to FINALLY have this "new to me" song... I know this is a bonus track, but I'm not sure what album it's from, but I thought I'd share with you all... Now, if you know what album this is from, please let a sista know. :)

Songs Available For Download:
Floetry - When It Rains (Bonus Track)

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idiomag - A Personalized Music Magazine??

2008-01-05T09:33:00.001-05:00

Already, 2008 is shaping up to be an interesting year. I'm a big computer technology geek, so when I got this email describing the latest way to receive music news via the web, I had to check it out. Interestingly enough, it's not just a website, it's a personalized magazine. Well, hush my mouth!

idiomag is a high-quality, digital magazine currently personalized to each individual user's interests in music. It keeps them "in the know" about the artists and genres they love, as well as finding new artists that they might like. It includes feature articles, reviews, galleries and interactive elements in an engaging format that users can access whenever and wherever they want it.

Users can read the article, play the track, view the video, check for gigs, and go off to buy the mp3 or ticket or share their views with their friends. We utilise all the knowledge this generates about our users and their interests to deliver the most relevant experience and to target the most compelling advertising.[Source]

So, I visited the site, plugged in my LastFm username and BAM! - I had a ten page magazine with articles on Beyonce, Robin Thicke, Kelis, and Mariah Carey. How cool. Yet, naturally there's a drawback. None of my older musical greats came up with any news, but there's plenty of reasons why that could be - no current news. LOL! Maybe in the future, idiomag, while capture content that rediscovers the greats of music. Hmmmmm. Well, I subscribed to my magazine, so hopefully as the days go by, things will improve. Either way, here's to the future in music magazines!!!

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Contemplating Resolutions With Otis Redding

2008-01-02T20:43:00.000-05:00

If you're reading this blog, then there's a good chance that you already know what to expect when you hear the music of Otis Redding. In 1989, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame said his name was "synonymous with the term soul, music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of funky, secular testifying" and years later, this statement still holds true. So today, I was driving to work, listening to Otis and Carla's 1967 duet, New Year's Resolution, and I'm thinking about how this year gives me another chance to get it together. Like Carla says, Oh, I'm a woman and women makes mistakes too, but will you, will you forget the changes that I put you through. So I'm thinking - what issues/quirks can I work on to make my relationships with others better? At first, I can't really think of anything as my ego is hell bent on not acknowledging that I could ever be in the wrong, yet that quiet little voice pokes my brain with the thought - Stop expecting everyone to think and/or say what you think they should, how can you seek your own freedom when you're dictating to others? Hmmmmmmm. There's definitely some truth to that. That's why my little mantra lately has been, "If you're not under 5 years old, then don't expect me to babysit your every move or tell you exactly what you need to do". 2008 is all about new beginnings hence why I'm starting this year off right, with complete honesty and hard truths.

Shoot, Redding's music can do that to you. Make you want to search down deep within your soul for true purpose and meaning. Take his hit song, (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay. There's so much self-reflection with it's mellow groove and honest lyrics - I'm just sittin on the dock of the bay, wastin time.... Yes indeed, Redding inspired me to create a simple list of New Years' Resolutions:
1. Strive for patience
2. Strive for freedom
3. Strive for adventure
4. And above else, to thine own self, be true....

Songs Available For Download:
Otis Redding & Carla Thomas - New Years Resolution

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Celebrating The New Year With Mass Production

2008-01-01T19:26:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, folks! The vacay from blogging is over and now it's on to another year with more music. So how did you all spend your New Years Eve? Well, mine was a firecracker!!! Hubby and I had a nice dinner, saw a movie, and proceeded to ring in the New Year the right way - in the bed! Seriously, when I'm not working, I'm pretty much a low key kinda girl and I really don't go out that much. I mean who needs to go out and party when you can party right in your own home? Speaking of partying, I purchased a new toy for myself and let me tell you, I thought I was loving old music before? Please! A whole new world opened up when I started turning my LPs into mp3s. Man, I love the snap, crackle, and pop of old albums and one of the first albums I recorded was my dad's album, Three Miles High by Mass Production.

Mass Production was an American funk/disco musical group, best known for their 1979 hit, "Firecracker". Based in Richmond, Virginia, the ten-piece group had a series of minor R&B hits in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The song is commonly misattributed to Brass Construction.

Mass Production consist, Kevin Douglas, James Drumgole, Agnes "Tiny" Kelly, Larry Marshall, Gregory McCoy, Emmanuel Redding, Ricardo Williams, Samuel Williams, and Tyrone Williams.

Their best-known songs were, "Firecracker," which hit number four on the R&B charts in the late summer of [[1979],and also the killer cuts "Cosmic lust" and "Shante". The group stayed together for several more years, scoring a string of small hits, before deciding to disband in 1983.

"Firecracker" was sampled by 2 Live Crew in 1989 for their own hit single "Me So Horny", from the album As Nasty As They Wanna Be.

Yes, this group is widely known for their hit, Firecracker, but it's their song, I Don't Wanna Know, that gets my blood flowing. I'm a sucka for a slow jam and this joint fits the bill. And I can't forget about their other song, Next Year, from their 1979 release, In The Purest Form. It's such a beautiful song to listen to around this time and as I step into 2008, I'm blessed to know that I'll be able to rediscover old jams in the coming months.

Mass Production - Firecracker

Mass Production - Turn Up The Music

Song downloads available with this post:
Mass Production - I Don't Wanna Know
Mass Production - Next Year

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A Groove Theory: Just Keep Tryin'

2007-11-14T23:07:00.000-05:00

Today is starting out to be a real eye-opener. Today, I've been contemplating how much I say I want to succeed and achieve all my dreams, but instead I'm half-assing. Straight up, my behind is a chronic task jumper. I move from one thing to the next, sometimes getting it done and sometimes not. I mean, I created a schedule to help use my time wisely, but then I don't adhere to it. WTF? And as much as I want to beat myself up about it, I know that's just a waste of more time. I gotta keep moving forward. I can't get side tracked by that feeling of being overwhelmed. I should know really know better by now. Ain't nothing in life worth having comes easy! But for real, that's easier said than done. Nobody's life is free of issues and/or problems and that's why the lyrics from Groove Theory's 1996 single, Keep Tryin', really resonates with me:

You've been
Missin'
Out on all the chances
you've been given
Is it something
Within
Holding you back instead of livin'
Your day is coming
though it seems far
Things will be clear when
you love who you are
Nothin' can stop you as
long as you listen to
your heart
Chorus:
Lift your head to the sky
And keep tryin'
Believe in u
And it will take you higher
You have
Sorrows
Everywhere you turn
they seem to follow
If you
Let go
Happiness will come to you tomorrow
Your day is coming
though it seems far
Things will be clear when
you love who you are
Nothin' can stop you as
long as you listen to
your heart

I read some where that the best way to achieve your goals is to work towards doing ONE thing a day that's helps you to get to the desired result. I'm gonna try to do that more often because dreams with no focus or direction are going to remain just that - dreams. Funny thing is, I don't know what direction I want to take anymore, but I can't give up! I gotta keep tryin' because it's just too easy to quit now.

Song downloads available with this post:
Groove Theory - Keep Tryin'
Groove Theory - Tell Me

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A Musical Tribute To Gerald Levert

2007-11-11T22:54:00.000-05:00

As promised over here, I've created a playlist of all the jams that I feel invoke the best memories of Gerald's music. I had so much fun making this joint, I swear, I would've posted it sooner, but I was too busy singing... LMAO! Enjoy!

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Remembering: The One Year Anniversary of Gerald Levert's Death

2007-11-10T18:33:00.000-05:00

It seems like only yesterday. Looking back on all those blog posts on the death of Gerald Levert, I still can't believe that today marks a full year of his passing. It feels quite surreal that he isn't physically here anymore. Musically, he's all around, but it still shocks me when I hear his voice. I mean, I haven't been able to really listen to any of his music without getting somewhat depressed. Yet, the depression doesn't last for too long. Shit, Gerald's music is too damn soulful for that. In no time, he has me singing along or dancing to one of his cuts. But enough of my rambles, let's get on to the good stuff - his music! I've complied videos that I hope you all will enjoy. Life is a truly a blessed gift and Gerald's sudden death should remind us to enjoy it. I'm sure our R&B Teddy Bear wouldn't have it any other way!! Additionally, I'm working on an Imeem playlist honoring Gerald, that I hope to have finish and posted on this blog by tomorrow, so please check back.

Rest In Peace Gerald!

A Dedication to Gerald Levert, a USNTV News Special

Patti Labelle, Eddie Levert, Gladys Knight, Yolanda Adams - "Wind Beneath My Wings" from the 2007 BET AWARDS

Johnny Gill, Eddie Levert & Keith Sweat honor Gerald Levert

Gerald LeVert & Eddie LeVert - Wind Beneath My Wings

Gerald LeVert & Eddie LeVert - Already Missing You

Gerald Levert - I'd Give Anything

Levert - DJ Don't (Da Remix)

Check out all the news articles surrounding Gerald Levert's passing from Cleveland's The Plain Dealer

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What The Funk? Prince Alienates Fans, But Delivers "PFUnk" For The Masses

2007-11-10T17:40:00.000-05:00

The Headline Reads: Prince Attempts To Alienate Entire Fanbase In One Fell Swoop

I made a SLAMMING playlist a few months back on the Purple One's music and ever so often, I'll drop by Imeem to listen to it, but the recent news of Prince going after his fans disturbs me...

Prince’s lawyers have recently sent cease-and-desist letters to Prince fan sites, demanding that they remove all photos, artwork and fan-submitted, Prince-related pictures. That includes, oddly, photos of Prince-inspired tattoos and license plates. Now, three such sites — housequake.com, prince.org and princefams.com — have banded together to form PrinceFansUnited.com.[Source: Rolling Stones]

Man, I can understand how these webmasters are feeling. I mean, sharing your love of an artist's music shouldn't have to come down to all of this. I can't front though, this whole situation makes me nervous, but being true to form, Prince couldn't wait to respond...

Prince has personally responded to accusations of alienating his fanbase after demanding unofficial websites remove his image - by posting a seven-minute song online taking aim at fans' concerns.

The hitmaker came under fire earlier this week, after his representatives demanded three websites take down any unauthorized pictures of the star, citing copyright infringement. The fansites joined forces as Prince Fans United and hit back at the threat of legal papers, vowing to fight the case on behalf of the superstar's millions of fans worldwide.

But Prince has now registered the similar web domain name of PrinceFamsUnited.com, where he's posted new track PFUnk, a reference to both the name of the fans' protest group and George Clinton's P-Funk bands Parliament and Funkadelic.

The new song contains the lyrics: "The only reason you say my name / Is to get your fifteen seconds of fame / Nobody's even sure what you do / I don't care what people may say / I ain't gonna let it ruin my day."

He later adds: "I love all y'all, don't you ever mess with me no more."

Surprisingly, Prince fans on the affected websites love the song, citing it as a return to his 1980s peak form. [Source: Hip-Hop Elements]

Okay, what the hell? One minute his lawyers are serving cease-and-desist letters and the next, Prince is posting music online for his fans to download FOR FREE! Some one tell me what the funk is going on?

PFU has been contacted by Prince's Management and we are currently in discussions. We are hopeful that an amicable resolution can be reached wherein all can co-exist peacefully on the internet. However, if the talks are unsuccessful, the Prince Fans United Group vows to continue its fight. In the meantime, Prince has provided "Prince Fans United" with the song named "PFUnk" for your listening pleasure. [Source: PFU.com]

My goodness, I LOVE THIS NEW JAM! It's a shame that it comes at a time when I really want to hate Prince for being so determined to run his career/image the way he wants. I mean doesn't he know it's THE FANS that make him who he is?? Geez, in the words of Rodney King, can't we all just get along? Like the man suggested over here...

A better approach may have been to ask for the fan sites to add a link back to the site. Links equate to attribution on the Internet and would support the free flow of content without punishing content creators. They could even go a step further and ask the fan sites to link to a contextually relevant item in the official Prince store.

Now that's a GREAT idea! Hey, Prince and your gang of lawyers, maybe you should be working WITH these sites not against them!

Song download available with this post:
Prince - PFUnk (You must "right click and save as" in order to download this track)

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Spending Mo' Money, But The Best Things In Life Are Free

2007-10-19T16:09:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I lost my everlasting mind and spent over $400 dollars on clothes and housewares. I had every intention of just going in the store and grabbing a few shirts and a pair of pants, but shit, before I knew it I had a cart full of various dresses, slacks, two pairs of shoes, and dress shirts for me, two Parsons leather chairs (kiddie size for my little boys), a winter coat as well as a Halloween costume for my oldest son (he'll be Mr. Incredible for the school dance). Seriously, I just lost it. I mean, to put it all in perspective, I haven't gone shopping in about two weeks and with this crazy DC weather, I really needed some new clothes. Not to mention my behind has gone from a size 6P to 8P and dang it, I felt completely justified with spending the cash. Then I got home. I thought my hubby would be happy to see me in some fresh threads, but instead (insert dramatic drum roll here) he was more concerned with getting me OUT of the clothes. WTH? I guess money can buy you things, but it definitely can't buy you love and my hubby was not in the mood to show any kind of love towards my new clothes. He'd give me the customary "Yeah, that's nice", but then it's "Turn around so I can see what the fellas gonna be staring at tomorrow." LOL! Men, boy I tell you, they are something else!! His little antics of trying to get me to understand that getting good loving is WAY more important than modeling clothes made me think of Janet and Luther's song, The Best Things In Life Are Free, from the 1992 comedy, Mo'Money. As I fumbled to move out of his grasp and into my next outfit, I thought about how I spent all this money to look good for him and he didn't even care! In his mind, you ain't gotta do all of that. Like Janet and Luther's song goes, you won't pay nothin' for this good lovin' - It's for free! He just wanted to run away like Johnny Gill's song, and be my Ice Cream Dream. I swear, that man drives me crazy sometimes.

Song download available with this post:
Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross - The Best Things In Life Are Free

Janet and Luther - The Best Things In Life Are Free

Ralph Tresvant - Money Can't Buy You Love

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A Soundtrack For My Life: The Five Heartbeats

2007-10-17T23:37:00.000-04:00

In the spirit of music, I thought it would be cool to share with ya'll this website I learned about today. The site, MyxerTones, allows you to create your own FREE ringtones (and yup, I verified, they're really free) from any song you choose to upload. MyxerTones also gives you the option to download free ringtones from other users. Now I'm a total geek for technology, so you know I was on this site, tickled to death, making all kinds of ringtones of old R&B classics. And one of the first ringtones I created was for my song, A Heart Is A House For Love, off the 1991 movie soundtrack, The Five Heartbeats. Now, I can't even remember ALL of the scenes in this movie, but I damn sure can't forget my part where these guys are all on stage lip synching A Heart Is A House For Love, which is an original song by The Dells. I can't help but to feel and understand their determination to make their voices heard...

The Five Heartbeats lip synching The Dells A Heart Is A House For Love

Man, it sucks when you trying to share your talent and folks just ain't feeling it, but you know what? Just like that chick who fell out from Eddie's kiss, with perseverance, eventually things will fall into place. That's why this song, as well as this movie, represents so much of my life. You gotta have heart (and thick skin) to build up your dreams, whatever they may be. Even when folks are clowning, you gotta know in the center of your heart that your dreams can become a reality. Doing something you love is real work (like, DUH!) and nothing worth having, comes free (Aww snap, that reminds me of another song...). You gotta fight for what's yours. You gotta own each moment of your life and you damn sure can't be afraid to seek help from others. Like the song says, A heart is a house for love and I've learned, that it don't take much to build it up! At the center of every dream, there's love (or at least it should be). Shoot, do ya'll understand what I'm saying? I mean, is there a heart in this blog tonight? Go on, stand up and let me know that ya understand!! :)

Song downloads available with this post:
Dells - A Heart Is A House For Love

By the way, you can watch the whole movie here. Don't you just love YouTube?! LOL!

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Managing The Insanity With The Music Of Earth Wind and Fire

2007-10-16T00:35:00.000-04:00

Ever have one of those days when the time just flies right past you? You know those days, right? You spend all day rushing from one project to the next and before you know it, it's past 5:30, you should've BEEN home, cooking dinner, washing the backs of your children, and then easing next to your mate for a little night conversation, IF you know what I mean? Yes? No? Hmm, well if that kind of day hasn't happened for you, that's what my life has been like for the last couple of weeks. As soon as I get something finished, I'm faced with another undone task. At some point, I've got to get organized. At some point, I've got to handle all these multiple responsibilities in a more responsible way instead of rushing to get it all down in one day and then having the worse case of burnout every weekend. And at some point, I'm going to stop listening to Interpretations: Celebrating The Music of Earth, Wind, and Fire! I'm sure you're like, where in the world did that thought come from, but shoot, don't act like you're brand new around here. I know I'm sporadic and despite my recent lapse in blog postings, I'm still so addicted to music and this particular album has been my saving grace. When I'm working, I'm listening to it. When I'm cleaning around the house, I'm rockin to it, and you don't even have to guess what's playin in the car stereo? LOL! In this day and age, it's not easy to find an album that has a constant flow, but I kid you not, this joint has a flow! Starting with Angie Stone's rendition of Be Ever Wonderful to Ledisi's Devotion to Loves Holiday by Lalah Hathaway, this whole album has a mellow vibe that has helped me to maintain my senses. Shoot, since I was a little kid, the music of EWF has been a part of my life and it's so very cool that artists such as Bilal, Dwele, Musiq, and Mint Condition have come together to give their props. Man, if I didn't have this album or music PERIOD, I swear I'd be in a straight jacket somewhere, but you don't have to be crazy like me to zone out to this joint. You can save your sanity and just download the entire album here via Jennifer's Music Boutique.

Song downloads for this post:
Ledisi - Devotion
Lalah Hathaway - Love's Holiday

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BT Digitial Music Awards: Remembering Rhythm & Blues Is A Winner!

2007-10-14T19:59:00.000-04:00

Click To Enlarge
Wow, I really thought my eyes were deceiving me when I found out that my little R&B blog was - in my best Martin Lawrence voice - "stompin wit the big dogs" for BT Digital Music 2007 Awards! Yup, you heard right, my blog was picked as a winner of The People's Choice: Top 100 Best Music Blogs. Rem-R&B placed 85 on the list and considering the blogs I'm riding with, that's pretty darn good! Shoot, I am excited! THANK YOU to all the folks that voted for me!!! I really appreciate it and damn it, if this hasn't made my whole fricking day!! So, hmmm, how can WE celebrate? I got it! With a new music feature! I know some of you might not have caught the free song download with my post for Brainstorm, but from here on out, I will make it a point to provide song downloads with my posts. Some downloads may promo NEW (or new to you) R&B music and others may be a classic that you haven't heard in a while. Either way, this is my thanks to you and I sincerely hope that you will continue enjoying my "small but perfectly formed" R&B music blog. :-)

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Finding A Bit Of Heaven With Brainstorm

2007-09-15T00:07:00.000-04:00

I swear, I think I had the worst day of my life. Okay, maybe I’m being dramatic, but damn it sure does feel like it. Okay, let me preface this whole blog post with a simple fact – I’m tipsy. Nope, it’s not another apple martini. What’s my new drink of choice? Patrón Silver and Hi-C Fruit Punch. In my mind, it does a restless mind some good. (Sidebar: Not to mention, I only get to really drink late nights after the kids are asleep or when I go out socializing, which isn’t that often (see Musiq concert)). But for real, I’ve been more prone to the Patrón because it makes me feel alert. I know, weird, but true. I feel all warm and alive. But anway, I'm stressed. Nothing new, but I really wanted to get it all out in this post, but doing that would only hurt me more. What’s that old saying? There are ears in the cornfield? Yeah, so it is what it is. A woman’s gotta have a little privacy, ya know? But let me sum it all up like this – the world is screwed up and I’m finding it harder and harder to find some positivity around this bitch. There I shared. Moving on. Let’s get into the music. I’ve found a little bit of peace these past few weeks with this one song – This Must Be Heaven by Brainstorm. (Sidebar: And no this song was not made by Bloodstone.) Although this band wasn’t ready for success, it’s no surprise that it came so fast, especially with a song like this. Just recently, I returned to collecting LPs and I was so PUMPED when I found their album, Stormin' (RCA 1977), for FOUR BUCKS! It just amazes me how classics can go for so little these days...

Brainstorm was a funk/R&B band based in Detroit in the late 70's. Their first album, Stormin' , was their best selling album, and was released in 1977 on Tabu Records. It contained the disco hit "Lovin' Is Really My Game". The album also contained the radio hit "This Must Be Heaven", which is considered a soul classic. The members of the band (on the Stormin' album) were Belita Woods, Chuck Overton, Lamont Johnson, Ranel Gonsalves, Treaty Womack, Bob Ross (a.k.a. R J Ross), Jerry Kent, Jeryl Brite, and Larry Sims. [Source]

Now I love this song so damn much. It relaxes me. It puts me in the mood, which is always a good way to de-stress. (Sidebar: Ummm, it's raining outside right now. Aww shucks, that's like the Purr-fect time to get some.) I need some peace and relaxation after today. Like the first few lines say… When the world seems bright and you’re all alone and you don’t know quite what to do. Just let your mind drift away. Into paradise and say, this is heaven, I know. I feel it so, in my heart. O baby, o baby, o bab-baby! LOL! MAN! I tell you. I love this song. I feel this song, deep inside of me, bringing forth old memories and challenging me to make new ones. It’s just forever woven into the fabric of my life. Okay, that's all I have to say for tonight or should I say, this morning. I know I really need to pick up the pace with this blog, but shit, it's half past midnight and duty calls. Time to seduce hubby and no need to guess what song will be playing? LMAO!

Update 9/15/07:

OMG! It looks as though I'm not the only one that likes to sing their heart out to this joint. Check the video below. I ain't even mad at this woman because this song will just make you go crazy! LOL!

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Maxwell Has A New Jingle For You And Yours

2007-09-03T10:07:00.000-04:00

The Headline Reads: OMG! Maxwell! We Love!!

Ladies and gents, I interrupt this blog to bring you an important update. Last September, it was reported that Maxwell would be releasing a new album, Black Summers' Night, in Feb 2007. Well, as you all know by now, that did not happen. Now, I've shed a few tears and curled up with some old albums to keep me warm, but now, a year later (in what I'd like to call a peace offering), my main man has given his loyal fans a snippet of a new song (or as he calls it "not a single, just a jingle for you and yours") called Pretty Wings (listen here). Now I gotta say that there's only one thing I hate about this new song... It's too damn short! LOL! One can only hope that this is a sign of things to come from Maxwell cause Lord knows, I am missing this man's music. Until the Black Summers' Night engulfs me, I'll be zoning out to this playlist... (Sidebar: Note to Columbia Records, could you PLEASE approve full streaming of Maxwell's music on Imeem!?!?! Geez, my Maxwell playlist hasn't been the same since...Matter of fact all these record labels need to get with the times, dammit!)

Update 9/3/07 12:34PM:

By now you should know that I love me some Maxwell, right? But in case you didn't know how pressed I am for this dude's music, I scoured the internet for the actual mp3 of his new song snippet, pretty WINGS. Feel free to download it HERE before it's gone...

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