en http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/ Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 60 http://www.audioscrobbler.net/data/webservices http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal The Last.fm journal for velvetrope1983. Last.fm journals are a place to talk about all things music. http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2007/04/21/1xgx_elliott_yamin%27s_%22elliott_yamin%22_-_my_review! Sat, 21 Apr 2007 12:24:03 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2007/04/21/1xgx_elliott_yamin%27s_%22elliott_yamin%22_-_my_review! Elliott Yamin
Elliott Yamin
Hickory



4/5 stars

A NICHE IS a rut, whichever way you cut it, and even since he was singing karaoke at knock-off bars in Richmond, Virginia, Elliott Yamin always seemed too ambitious and soulful for the brightly-lit world of "look exactly like this person - sing exactly like this person - BE exactly like this person" stardom. Yamin is, first and foremost, a blue-eyed soulman, and simply cannot function without bringing back, in his own unique way, the spirit of the great rhythm and blues (and soft rock) legends that inspired him so beneficially. His vocal prowess, at times, can seem overwhelming to the four or five people that didn't watch the fifth season of American Idol, on which he was first introduced, but to those that watched him grow on the hit TV show, there are no bounderies for his progression.

On his self-titled debut album, which boasts production from the best of the best in the contemporary urban / pop field, Yamin has proved his worth with a vocal-driven commercial record, audibly inspired by Donny Hathaway, Peabo Bryson, Michael McDonald and Stevie Wonder, with a mellow, just-minted feel that makes it rather more than a flip through the randomness of your mainstream music listener's record collection. Whether lost, lonely, heartbroken, inspirational or romantic (mostly romantic), over volleys of radio-ready melodies and instrumentation, Elliott Yamin bolsters Yamin's image as a lover, not a fighter.

Here's sad Elliott, missing a girl in the longing "Wait For You"; here he is sick of her bullshit in the funky-fresh and almost vintage sounding "Movin' On." There he is again, as romantically bereft as ever on the tenderly jangling "One Word," then overtaken by outcry of raw emotion on a haunting cover of "A Song For You," which should have been longer to capture the essence of his passion. Great songs and all, but the clincher is "Train Wreck," a bluesy breakdown of a relationship that looks to be headed for failure, with Yamin convincingly vocalizing, "I just can't sit around waiting for the love to burn," lending a believable ring of truth to a tune destined to be on the soundtrack to mountains of lives.

If there was ever any doubt that Elliott Yamin could make an good record, in spite of his battle with a severe case of diabetes, and misfortune of being 90% deaf in his right ear, all that should be put to rest, immediately. With Elliott Yamin, Yamin has thrown off the trappings of underachievement and grabbed for the crown. -- Angela Lewis

Standout Tracks: Train Wreck, Movin' On, One Word, Find A Way]]> http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2007/04/21/1xgw_joss_stone%27s_%22introducing_joss_stone%22_-_my_review! Sat, 21 Apr 2007 12:22:12 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2007/04/21/1xgw_joss_stone%27s_%22introducing_joss_stone%22_-_my_review! Joss Stone
Introducing Joss Stone
Virgin



4/5 stars

Somewhere between the raw and unpolished sounds of 70's soul sistas and the sample-mania of todays new wave of neo-soul divas, Joss Stone has custom-built a couch all her own. The Devon, England, singer's third studio album, aptly-titled Introducing Joss Stone, resuscitated Lauryn Hill, reminded us of why Raphael Saadiq was so great, and proved that hearty, authentic soul can also come from a 19-year old, pale-colored British girl, all in one satisfying swoop.

“This is the first album I’ve made that I really feel is truly me,” claims Joss Stone. “That’s why I’m calling it Introducing Joss Stone. These are my words, and this is who I am as an artist.” Fortunately, for Stone, who she is as an artist does shine through on the record, and that's something not many artists can easily pull off without a few gashes and stitches along the way. Fine production work by Raphael Saadiq (D’Angelo, Macy Gray) on the vintage Motown flavored "Arms Of My Baby," and the hypnotic, lazy groove based "Tell Me What We're Gonna Do Now" (featuring rapper Common), which bears a little resemblance to Whitney Houston’s 1999 hit "My Love is Your Love," succeeds immensely, as they stand out amongst the other infectious gems in the bunch.

Despite a few missteps here ("Proper Nice") and there ("What Were We Thinking"), throughout the album, Stone provides a listening experience destined to be pleasant enough for those that find themselves craving the latest blend of vintage soul and modern R&B.

The bottom line is that on this project, Stone made a musical statement to break free of the controllers who had molded and shaped her image and persona on first two albums. Introducing Joss Stone is her first true attempt at showing the world just exactly what she's all about. She's funk, she's sass, she's sex, she's reflective, but most importantly, she's soul. -- Angela Lewis

Standout Tracks: Headturner, Tell Me What We're Gonna Do Now, Arms Of My Baby, Put Your Hands On Me]]> http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/12/30/1xgv_%22dreamgirls%22_movie_review! Sat, 30 Dec 2006 01:48:38 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/12/30/1xgv_%22dreamgirls%22_movie_review! I just saw Dreamgirls on Christmas day and let me tell you it was the best present I could have ever received. The movie lives up to the hype. I downloaded Jennifer Hudson's song "And I'm Telling You..." and I thought it was brilliant; however, when you see her sing the song on the big screen, no download does it justice. It was so powerful that I actually broke down and started sobbing during her performance and I have never sobbed over someone's performance in a film. Engrave her name on her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. I absolutely loved her as Effie.

As for everyone else in the film, Eddie Murphy had moments of brilliance, too, and his character had so much more depth than everyone next to Effie. He's terrific and he even sang well; no Party All the Time here. Jamie Foxx was deliciously evil and very effective. Beyonce held her own, impressively, but Dreamgirls is clearly not her character Deena's story, it is Effie's. Not a bad actor in the bunch, though. Members of the cast either did their part justice (Jamie Foxx, Beyonce, Danny Glover, Anika Noni Rose, Keith Robinson), or over-excelled (Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Murphy).

The art direction was stellar. Little things like posters and album covers were spot on, the car dealership/record company building was a great set, and the 1970s LA modernist offices and glass box mansions chilled my blood.

On a slight downside, the cameos by Urkel from "Family Matters," Jaleesa from "A Different World," John Lithgow and the guy from "The Office" sort of took me out of the movie for a while. I couldn't understand why they'd go with such "Hey, it's that guy!" faces for throwaway parts.

But as a whole, the movie was incredible beyond belief. I'm going to see it again this weekend, and again next weekend, and possibly again! Doesn't that say it all? Don't miss out on an experience you will never forget. Go see Dreamgirls, and see it with a crowd; you'll be floored by the tour-de-force performances, the music, and most importantly, the classic story.

It's a winner! -- Angela

4.5/5 stars]]> http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/10/29/1xgu_robin_thicke%27s_%22evolution%22_-_my_review! Sun, 29 Oct 2006 08:49:32 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/10/29/1xgu_robin_thicke%27s_%22evolution%22_-_my_review! Robin Thicke
The Evolution Of Robin Thicke
Interscope
(5/5)



Robin Thicke (formerly known as just 'Thicke') has never been commercially successful, but fortunately, the same thing can't be said about his artistic prowess. On the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist's sophomore release, aptly titled "The Evolution Of Robin Thicke," he has cleared a singular space for himself in the cluttered, cloned universe of current R&B. This L.A. native is versed in classic arranging and songwriting, with a balance that lets him bridge the generation gap in black music with grace and effortless maturity. In other words, white boy got soul!

"Got 2 Be Down," a duet with R&B diva Faith Evans, harks back to the 70s with a plethora of live instruments accompanying the smoothest of blended vocals. "Cocaine" works a drug metaphor over a pulsating, engaging rhythm. And the beautifully-crafted and romantic "Lost Without U" flickers like a warming fireplace in all its simplistic, acoustic glory. A Marvin Gaye-esque fingersnapper called "Complicated" earns the stamp of perfection, thanks to its smart, thoughtfully-arranged vocals that accentuate the memorable hook.

While "Evolution" mostly sounds like a polished and well-executed throwback to the heydays of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, it's still modern and contemporary enough to catch the ear of listeners who may not be hip to old-school soul. This is evidenced by the set's first single, "Wanna Love U Girl," which is a slick number that demands standout attention. Let's not forget the gospel-tinged ballad, "2 The Sky," which is just begging for an Urban AC release.

Overall, this musically sophisticated collection is quite-possibly the best R&B album of the year. - Angela

Top 5 Picks: Got 2 Be Down, Complicated, Ask Myself, Lost Without U, 2 The Sky]]> http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/10/25/1xgt_fergie%27s_%27the_dutchess%27_-_my_review! Wed, 25 Oct 2006 19:31:25 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/10/25/1xgt_fergie%27s_%27the_dutchess%27_-_my_review! Fergie
The Dutchess
A&M/Universal
(3/5)

Packing up and moving on from the alternative, hip-hop-flavored seeds she planted as the frontwoman of the group Black Eyed Peas, Fergie jam-packs her first solo album as an even-less serious affair in comparison to previous group efforts. "The Dutchess" takes the spontaneous and carefree route, at least for much of the album.

The self-appreciative, shamelessly titled, "Fergalicious," is one of the most addictively catchy tracks, and "All That I Got (The Make Up Song)," though not upon first listen, eventually works itself firmly into the brain. Which can actually be said about much of this album--not every track here is particularly memorable upon first listen, very much like a Black Eyed Peas album. But after a few spins, you'll definately be humming much of the music found within.

Unfortunately, on the downside of things, "The Dutchess" seems like a conscious effort to tackle the more idealistic pop divas in her league (Gwen Stefani, in particular). In this respect, it fails. Fergie is exceptionally talented, and can hold a note in addition to her ability to work a crowd at the highest energetic level. On this album, she has sacrificed infusing a sense of who she is an artist and person, in order to mark the territory of others with her brand of catchy Love.Angel.Music.Babies. Perhaps, Fergie could do some soul-searching for the next album and bring out more Ferguson and less Stefani. Sure, it's fun to dance to "London Bridge," but it'd also be a lot more fun to see (and hear) a true identity unfold and stand alone. Comparisons are inescapable for any pop artist, but a drop of individuality goes a long way, and that is something left to be desired here.

Top 5 picks: Fergalicious, All That I Got (The Make Up Song), London Bridge, Here I Come, Pedestal]]> http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/10/25/1xgs_jojo%27s_%27the_high_road%27_-_my_review! Wed, 25 Oct 2006 18:36:47 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/10/25/1xgs_jojo%27s_%27the_high_road%27_-_my_review! JoJo
The High Road
Blackground/Universal
(4/5)

Thanks to a plethora of new producers, the music on JoJo's sophomore studio album, "The High Road," is a lot more focused and driven to bond the cleanest, most polished forms of pop and R&B together. At times, the album can delve into predictable territory, but it still raises the bar of what mainstream pop can be.

It opens with the subtle, but effective beat-clampin' head-nodder, "This Time." The other prime cuts are the project's first single, "Too Little Too Late"--a sibling to her first chart-topping single, Leave (Get Out)--"Exceptional"--inspirational ballad--"Good Ol'"--hypnotic and easy to listen to--and "Anything"--one of the more exciting songs on the album, which lifts a sample from the classic Toto track, Africa.

"The High Road" is not exactly an artistic masterpiece, but it shows growth and progression from an artist who was once thought to be a flash-in-the-pan, never to be heard from again after one album. Well, my advice would be to ignore the naysayers, because JoJo is on her way, thanks to the road she's taken. She will continue to make great music, forcing her contemporaries to step up to the plate, for as long as we let her. --Angela

Top 5 picks: The High Road, Anything, Good Ol', Too Little Too Late, Exceptional.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/10/03/1xgr_janet_jackson%27s_%2720_y.o.%27_-_my_review Tue, 3 Oct 2006 15:07:11 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/10/03/1xgr_janet_jackson%27s_%2720_y.o.%27_-_my_review Huge Janet fan here! But I just thought I'd write a brief review of her new album 20 Y.O., which I am loving to pieces right now. I mean, my charts don't lie, right? :)


Janet Jackson
20 Y.O.
Virgin
(4/5)

After taking a listen to Janet Jackson's previous, less critically acclaimed, but solid album, "Damita Jo," it's quite apparent that her ninth studio album, "20 Y.O.," is an astonishingly superior effort. At 40, when most artists would be reminiscing about the record deal they had a decade ago, Jackson's been through very long career arc that has led her from safe-pop/R&B to an unconventional, sometimes risk-taking version of pop/R&B.

Expectations were high for this album and she does not disappoint. Her signature style of melodious R&B & pop hooks permeate the whole project, although she sometimes holds back, vocally. No, Jackson has never been a Mariah or Whitney, in terms of vocal range, but her aesthetically-pleasing tone has offered much more in the past (listen to Again, I Get Lonely or God's Stepchild for some examples of what she can do). But make no mistake, she still sounds as lovely and convincing as ever. It's evident to me that most if not all of these tunes severely succeed. "This Body" is an intricately structured, rock-infused number and the slow jam, "With U," easily illustrates a modern R&B feel that will satisfy both Janet newbies and oldschoolers alike.

The intelligent pairing of Jackson and St. Louis rapper Nelly on "Call On Me," which is light and fluffy at first twinkle, gives the song an urban boost; on the flip side, her lush, quiet storm ballad "Take Care" is destined to be an urban adult contemporary hit, which would more than likely strengthen her already tight grip on the R&B world. Of course, with Jermaine Dupri on board, the beats are edgier and hotter than ever on tracks like "So Excited," "Get It Out Me," and the youthful, chanty "Show Me," which is, to be honest, a song that could easily be interchangeable with any cut offered by modern-day ingenues like Ciara, Beyonce and Amerie. That's not a bad thing, though, because we all know Miss J is the HBIC (head bitch in charge, for those not hip to the urban dictionary - hee). Still, it's on fresh and melodic, breezy tracks like "Enjoy" and "Daybreak" on which Jackson excels the most. There's a lot to like here, and this is definitely an album worth giving a listen to. "20 Y.O." is a winner and yet another beautiful piece of work in Janet Jackson's illustrious catalog. -- Angela

Top 5 picks: Enjoy, Daybreak, So Excited, With U and Take Care.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/10/03/1xgq_keith_urban!%3F_who_would%27ve_thought%3F Tue, 3 Oct 2006 13:53:53 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/10/03/1xgq_keith_urban!%3F_who_would%27ve_thought%3F I'm not the biggest country music fan in the world, but recently, the song, "Tonight I Wanna Cry" by Keith Urban, resonated with me in a huge way. The vocal performance is vulnerable and beautiful, and lyrically, it's four minutes of sadness and tear-inducing heartwrench. It truly made me cry, as I listened to it on repeat last night. I guess I'm just going through a really difficult time in my life and that song really speaks to me in a way that no other song can right now. There's always that one; the one song that pops up randomly and starts connecting with you at the perfect time. I haven't started my healing process yet, but music sure is great temporary therapy, isn't it?

Tonight I Wanna Cry
Keith Urban

Alone in this house again tonight
I got the TV on
The sound turned down
And a bottle of wine
There's pictures of you and I on the walls around me
The way that it was and could've been surrounds me
I'll never get over you walking away

I've never been the kind to ever let my feelings show
I thought that being strong meant never losing your self control

But I'm just drunk enough
To let go of my pain
To hell with my pride
Let it fall like rain from my eyes
Tonight I wanna cry

Would it help if I turned the sad song on
All by myself would sure hit me hard now that you're gone
Or maybe I'll fold some old yellow lost love letters
It's gonna hurt bad before it gets better
But I'll never get over you for hiding this way

'Cos I've never been the kind to ever let my feelings show
I thought that being strong meant never losing your self control

But I'm just drunk enough
To let go of my pain
To hell with my pride
Let it fall like rain from my eyes
Tonight I wanna cry

I've never been the kind to ever let my feelings show
I thought that being strong meant never losing your self control

But I'm just drunk enough
To let go of my pain
To hell with this pride
Let it fall like rain from my eyes
Tonight I wanna cry


Oh, Keith, you sooth me well. Beautiful stuff, dude.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/07/18/1xgp_janet_&_nelly_hit_itunes Tue, 18 Jul 2006 08:39:16 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/07/18/1xgp_janet_&_nelly_hit_itunes I was surfing the Janet forums tonight and got the alert that Miss Jackson's latest single, Call On Me, featuring Nelly, hit iTunes as a pre-release track tonight. She has a front page ad, so you can't miss it. Anyway, I woke up my Dad and made him get on his little high-speed laptop and purchase the single, pronto. He did as I asked ("'Cuz I'ma boss!" tm Kelis), and I listened to the joint and in contrast to what has leaked, Jan's voice sounds so much clearer, and the "album mix" is actually a bit longer, too. Even the beat sounds much more full and slick. It's summer shit; perfect for chillin' with your papichulo (or senorita). I must say, I've actually listened to this song, just coolin' out with my boyfriend, and we just grooved for a few minutes. You can get your romance on with something this smooth, crisp and light.

$0.99 well spent!]]> http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/06/30/1xgo_gearing_up_for_the_big_23! Fri, 30 Jun 2006 17:31:46 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/velvetrope1983/journal/2006/06/30/1xgo_gearing_up_for_the_big_23! Dudes and dudettes, I'll be twenty fuckin' three tomorrow. I seriously can't believe I've been on this planet for twenty three years.

Really, it trips me out. I'm really looking forward to all the gifts, though.

(No, I'm not materialistic, in general. Just when it's OK to be. :D )]]>