Operate

This song is just flat out sexy, surprisingly that's the case for both the original and remixed versions. The song is Operate by ASTR and I can't get enough of it, particularly the drum remixed version of it. Operate is off ASTR's 2014 EP release entitled Varsity, which in itself is damn impressive collection of six songs, with Operate being the brilliant standout.

The first thing that catches you about the original version is the expansive sound and the barely there scratchy vocals. The drums are right out of the late eighties, and the song is very synth heavy, so much so that it lead me to believe this tune would have been amazing in a Miami Vice episode. That doesn't take away from the sexiness of it though, the melody and bass line rocks and the vocals float along over them nicely. The remix is another beast entirely. Immediately you hear the difference, the song is slowed down so much that the lead vocals sound like they are coming from a man, and the drums are stronger. It sounds like the Art of Noise got their hands on this song and flipped it, making it steamier.

If you like Operate then I suggest Blue Hawaii and We Fall Down, two tunes that are worthy of the time it takes to listen to them. I hope you enjoy this song in both it's incarnations as much as I do (I'm posting the original and remix cause I like ya). Oh, and if you didn't know by now, this is a big boy speaker song :) Enjoy!

We Might Be Dead by Tomorrow

I caught this poignant song in a video the other day and thought it was amazingly profound. It captures perfectly the live, love, and laugh credo so starkly. In her own way Soko is telling us that no one is promised tomorrow so live right now, today! Waiting to do it later is not written in stone and is in no way assured. I love this song.

From her 2012 debut album I Thought I Was An Alien, We Might Be Dead By Tomorrow is a lilting song, sung in a breathless way which makes it somewhat creepy, and in all ways brilliant. It's just Stephanie Sokolinski floating over instruments that are barely there themselves. The violin and guitar compliment her voice exquisitely and the drums are in and out which is a nice touch.

If you like this song then I highly recommend checking out For Marlon and First Love Never Die off the same album. You're welcome :) Enjoy!

I Put A Spell On You

Dearest Nina,

On what would have been your 81st birthday I wanted to acknowledge your prodigious talents and let you know that you are still sorely missed. I would have loved watching the so called artists of today try to keep up with you. You would have out shined the brightest of them, be they male or female.

The world of music dimmed forever on April 21, 2003 and it will never brighten again. You along with some other extremely talented women raised the bar to a level virtually impossible to reach. I wonder how many records you would have sold, or how many downloads you would have had. No matter the era, you would have ruled.

In commemoration of your birthday I am posting one of my favorite songs by you, I Put A Spell On You. Your vocals tear through this song and the violins backing you along with your piano playing are the perfect accompaniment. The saxophone blisters and it's the only instrument that can keep up with you, the amazing you. Happy Birthday Ms. Simone and may you continue to rest in peace. You are missed.


   

Love Is The Answer

I heard this song in a car commercial and found out it was an Aloe Blacc tune. The song is entitled Love Is The Answer off of Blacc's soon to be released second album, Lift Your Spirit. If you don't know Aloe Blacc then please enjoy this introduction. It's a groove heavy song that will have you snapping your fingers or bopping your head.

The song starts off with the bass line that rides dominantly throughout the song. The mid tempo pace is set with the hand claps that take the place of a snare drum. The splash of horns is a very cool ingredient to an already tasty tune. Aloe's voice rides smoothly over the track with ease and the female backing vocals is a nice counterbalance to his.

For a second, at the bridge Aloe brings to mind Stevie Wonder's iconic voice. Whether done on purpose or not, it was a nice nod to the master. The video tells one heartbreaking story between two brothers that speaks volumes about the plight of young Black men. If you enjoy this song by Aloe Blacc then you should check out the first single from Lift entitled The Man. Enjoy!  

Microphone Fiend

Today is the birthday of one of my all time favorite MC's, one of the best to ever flow over a beat, Rakim Allah aka the God MC. I grew up on his music and in my opinion Rakim was hands down the best ever. Ask any hip hop head and they may tell you the same or at least put him in their top three. I am posting one of my favorites by The God, Microphone Fiend off his 1988 album Follow The Leader in honor of his born day.

Happy birthday Rakim and many more. Keep flowing.

Giving You The Best That I Got

Today is the birthday of one of the most mesmerizing voices to ever lay vocals over music. Today is the birthday of the wonderfully talented Anita Baker. She turns 56 years old and I thought the best way to wish her a happy birthday was by posting my favorite song of hers. Giving You The Best That I Got is from her multiplatinum, multi Grammy award winning, and multi Soul Train award winning album of the same name.

Released in 2009, Giving You The Best That I Got yielded Anita Baker's highest chart topping song in the U.S. Best That I Got reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song will always be my favorite by her because not only is it a well written song but because she shows off the many ranges of her velvet voice.

Happy Birthday Ms. Baker and may you see many, many more.

Cinema (Skrillex Remix)

This song always puts the hitch in my giddy up whenever I need a kick in the pants to get moving. It's a serious banger and strictly for the BIG BOY SPEAKERS! The song is Cinema by Benny Benassi remixed by Skrillex. Now, if you are not a fan of dubstep then I suggest you not hit play on the attached video below, and if you are...you're welcome :)

There's really nothing left to say but enjoy!