Coming Soon!

Coming Soon

2008-07-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

I have finally figured out to do with this space. It's something that is going to require some work and dedication... and I think you will enjoy it. I will start it this weekend... and I hope you are pleased. Come back and come see what i am talking about.

Yeah!

2008-06-14T10:33:00.001-07:00

YEAH!

Lady Really Sings the Blues

2006-02-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

I was over at Reverd's Place for a writing session. We came up with a lot of concepts and are on the way to a great song. We took a break during the course of the evening and the good ol' Rev. played me a song. Now I thought I was a Billie Holiday fan... and I was under the assumption that I knew her shit like nobody's business. Until he played me the ultimate Lady Day song which has left chills up my spine.

This song is probably the most chilling song I have ever heard. The song was written by Lewis Allan aka Abel Meeropol who was a Jewish school teacher. (Lewis also wrote “The House I Live In,” sung by Frank Sinatra). It is an illumination adaptation of lynching in America. The words are captivating. The juxtaposition of the beautiful scene and the rotting bodies couldn't be more exemplified. To me this song is complete genius. Abel Meeropol apparently wrote this poem in the 1930's after seeing a gruesome picture of a lynching.

I am saddened to say that I did not no about this song. I have several Billie compilations and this song is not on any of them. After browsing the internet and reading up on this song, I realize that not only is it rarely played now, it was rarely played back in the 1940's when Billie was singing it. When Billie recorded the song it was difficult to get radio play and to sing it in clubs and her record label wanted nothing to do with it. I have several Holiday favorites, but this one tops them all.

I am not really into all the Black History hoop-la, I believe that there are other ways and means to educate people about the impact that people of colour have contributed to society. But I believe that this song captures the essence of the time where racism, ignorance, fascism, and cowardice among other things were at the forefront.

There is a book about this which I am going to pick up and read. I think it may be as interesting as the song. Hmm... I guess in the essence of so-called Black History month... I will for this one time and I mean one time only dedicate this song to the cause. Have a listen.....

Helene FolaSade Adu

2006-01-16T18:00:00.000-08:00

I am not one to follow up on artist or celebrities... especially if stuff is splashed all over the tabloids. But I will have to say that today is the birthday of one of my ultimate favorite artist. Helen FolaSade Adu.... I love her! She epitomizes the grace, elegance and versatility that many women in the music industry will never be able to embrace IMHO. She is cooler than cool.... and gifted with most impeccable group of musicians. (Sweetback.. check them out www.sweetback.com ) If you don't know any songs by Ms. Sade Adu... I suggest you pull your head out your @%# and nurture your ears with an eclectic blend of jazz, soul, R&B, and superb songwriting.

http://www.sade.com check it out... I know she has not release anything new in awhile... but don't hesitate to indulge. Catch up and reflect.... It may be 20 years old but it is fresher than anything that is out at present.

Talking about tabloids.... I am sick of all this bantering about Angelina and Brad. I don't think she broke up Brad and Jen. That marriage was on the rocks before Angelina even came into the picture... and is seems that the relationship between Jolie and Pitt is working out for the two of them... I say kudos and happiness for everyone!!!

New Edition with a Twist

2006-01-12T18:45:00.000-08:00

For the past couple of weeks I have also indulged in some commercial radio play. There is a local dj who's art I have been admiring for years. I had an opportunity to be entertained and sent back to the past with some real good old school music. DJ Starting from Scratch!!! He always has a way of captivating my ears. When I get married he will be the dj spinning my night away. Hopefully he doesn't cost too much. Today.... he did a whole New Edition mix... for a good hour. I didn't realize that New Edition had that much material.. and good material at that. Ronnie, Bobby, Ricki, Mike, Ralph, and Johnny too. New Edition, BBD, Bobby "Bad Boy" Brown, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill... those suckers had some real good tunes.
It's a shame what has happened to Bobby... he had potential. But the rest of the fellas seem to hold it together real well. I did not know that they had a reunion tour. And I also didn't know that they are still making music. I must confess that I had a crush on Ralph Tresvant during "sensitivity" that song still gives me chills.
New Edition brings me back to my first communion where we played "Cool It Now" like it was going out of style. BBD poison brings me back to my bangy wearing s-curl days and a wicked concert at Canada's Wonderland with ABC and Rico Suave himself Gerraldo. Bobby Brown would make me blush with all that gyrating and thrusting of his "hips". Johnny Gill makes me want to say "My, My, My"
This is a R&B group I believe should go down in the books. They were innovative, fresh, and always coming out with something new.
Now if you will excuse me I am off to play some of my New Edition albums... and scratch some of them up on the mixer. If Starting From Scratch can do it... so can I. Hahaha.... now that is funny... someone stop me before I hurt myself.

All ears...

2006-01-09T17:28:00.000-08:00

Today I spent majority of the day today going from doctor to doctor and clinic to clinic. I am exhausted. Something has got to give. My ears are not only blocked but they are swore. Apparently my teeth are pushing up into my eardrums causing that "high altitude" feeling. I keep popping my ears just to hear clearly. My jaw is askewed; yesterday I couldn't even close my mouth or eat!!! Well I may loose a couple of unwanted pounds this way. :P The only thing that I am really grateful for is that the swelling has went down and the problem may not be as bad as it seems. I may have to pull out my wisdom teeth, and that sounds like the worst bit of it.

Now my friend that I was in the accident with doesn't seem pleased with the idea that I may have to claim any type of injury to the insurance company. But I know if it was the other way around he would be humming a different tune.

It's funny how when any part of your body is out of commission you feel completely helpless and frustrated. A slight handicap such as a paper cut on your finger could have to whining and vulnerable.

All I can do at this present time is play the useless victim and sip juice thru straws and eat ice cream. And who said that being injured was a bad thing. Hmmm.. I guess I shouldn't make light of the situation... my ear just gave me a sharp pain.

Car Accident = Swollen TMJ????

2006-01-06T07:03:00.000-08:00

I am the lisping lizard right now. I got into a car accident... got rear-ended (I was the passenger in the hit car). The girl driving the other vehicle said she "blacked out" and couldn't remember hitting us. UH-HMMMMM.... my friend suspects that she was on the phone but that is another story. Well at the time of impact and a little while after, I didn't feel anything. Why was it 7 hours later, I can't open my mouth fully and my jaw is swollen??? Now I expected whiplash and a bad back, but not a swollen jaw. Apparently it's my TMJ that is swollen, and my ears and teeth are suffering because of it. I went to the walk-in clinic and got a rx for some pain killers and anti-inflammatory pills. Hopefully those work, it they don't I will have to go the emerg. which I am really not looking foward to. It's a good thing that I have a doctors appointment already booked for Monday... we will see what happens.

Christmas Carols - No Thanks.

2005-12-25T22:45:00.000-08:00

Am I the only one that does not like Christmas carols? I mean I don't like them. There are a few songs that I can tolerate... but only to find out that they are hymes and not carols. All that "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" "Jingle Bells" "Silents Night" oh and my ultimate "Wish you a Merry Christmas"... burn my ears. My skin is crawling just thinking about it. I don't like carols and that's that. I know this is Christmas and Tis the Season... but I would rather hear something fresh and new each year. I know that some artist come out with their own renditions or make new Christmas songs... but is that all really necessary? Frankly I find it insulting.

Maybe because it doesn't feel like Christmas, and I am pissed that I am broke for nothing, that I feel this way. Yeah, yeah... Scrooge and BaaHumBug... but "yuck" is the only word that I can think of right now. I refuse to be frantic and run around like a chicken with my head cut off just because it is Christmas. I made it a point last year to not stress over it and to enjoy it for what it is worth. But what is it worth? No matter how hard you try.. you will always be caught in the trap that is Christmas.

Someday something may strike me for all the things that I have said. But one day Christmas may be meaningful to me again, and I may sing along with the songs that I presently cannot stand.

I don't want to continue to rant about this.... so on this last note...

Merry Christmas.

BitterVibes

2005-12-12T05:46:00.000-08:00

I just came across this blog... and I really felt the distress in this one. I can really relate to the 'office politics and the fools that run it' syndrome. It's be a Vibe Magazine employee and they are just venting like nobody's business. After leaving a stressful and draining work environment ... all I can do is hope that no one else has to wake up every morning to walk thru the doors of death.

I am going to stop before I start having flashbacks. :P

Check it out... http://bittervibes.blogspot.com It's a shame because Vibe could be so much more than it is.... and what is it really?

2005-12-06T20:59:00.000-08:00

"Life is not measured by the number of breathes we take, but by the moments that take our breath away" Words to live by......

Depeche Mode

2005-12-01T21:31:00.000-08:00

Just came back from the Depeche Mode concert at the ACC. Not a bad show. I would have to say this is the first time that I have been a concert where every single person in the crowd was on their feet moving. It was a real harmonious. Waves of people singing and dancing… it was cool.

I would have to say after all this time the band still has it. They sounded great! It was like listening to the cd full blast. They played some of their new songs... which I have to admit I was only familiar with one. Then they let it all loose with "Never Let Me Down Again" "Behind the Wheel" "Personal Jesus" "Everything Counts" "Just Can't Get Enough" and my personal fav. "Enjoy the Silence"... that's all I can remember right now. There are some songs they didn't do and I thought they would but I can't figure it out.

The only thing was I couldn’t figure out the flow or the theme of the show… (if there was any) and it was interesting how Dave had his shirt on for the first 2 songs and it was never seen again.

I would love to elaborate on the show but I am still on a bizz and I am tired as hell… tomorrow… I will let you know… But great show non-the-less.

MoodRuff

2005-11-27T19:26:00.000-08:00

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to my good friend Odario's group MoodRuff....

Canadian Hip-hop group... need I say more...
Enjoy...
www.moodruff.com

Nothing but the Blues!

2005-11-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

I haven’t listened to anything new is a long while.

I have had people ask me about any new music that I have been listening to and I have no suggestions. I am sorry….

I have been in a funk lately and I have been listening to nothing but the blues….

My make-believe so-called relationship sucks…

I hate being cheated on.

My Nana passed away…

bless her heart at 89

My job sucks ass…

and they don't pay me enough for the shit I do

I don’t have any credit…

so I can’t get a damn thing

I don’t want to say what else can go wrong…

because I have a feeling there is more creeping at my door….

Nothing but the mother F*@#&ng BLUES!!!!!

Happy Birthday Kenard!!!

2005-11-23T08:44:00.000-08:00

It's official... I have terminated my position and I am frivolously unemployed.

The only beneficial thing is that I will be stress free in terms of work and I don’t have to deal with politics and the unfathomable practices of management.

Now I have to start from scratch…. I am a bit apprehensive but I can only hope for the best. Well enough about all that… I would like to take this opportunity to wish a Happy Birthday to my partner in crime… NC … DIRTY 30 BABY!!!! I can’t believe all this time has passed!!! It’s crazy

But all the best… can’t wait to see what the future holds… it only gets better and I know this… thank you for being there thru all my madness and I hope you are around to see all the other crazy things life has to offer.

Love ya!

It Ain't Over.....

2005-11-21T11:17:00.000-08:00

This weekend I was part of a Slovenian opera. My teacher had a show… and she invited 8 of her students (me included) to sing a couple of songs. I must admit the experience was exhilarating. I don’t think I have had so much fun in front of a group of people.

People cried, they sang along, and there were times where it felt like there was no one else in the room, because there was such calm.

We performed 6 songs, and it took us 4 weeks of rehearsal to get it together. I would have to say the most challenging was getting the pronunciation down. Once that was down pack everything else was smooth.

Margarete tore the roof off…. She is phenomenal… I can’t wait for her to do more shows. She is someone that you have to see perform… she is beyond gracious and talented.

There was video footage… which I don’t know if I am really thrilled about, my hair was sticking out and my bra strap was exposed… and there were also pictures taken… which I will post as soon as I get a chance.

If we have another one, I will let you know about it. I was real low key about this one because I didn’t know how it was going to turn out and whether I was going to go thru with it… but after this experience I would do it again without any hesitation.

Way To Go Foofs!!!

2005-10-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

Foofs quit!!! It was the most dramatic exit I have ever seen displayed. The 3 of us have been plotting our exit from our facist company to find something better over the horizon. I was suppose to be the first to depart on Friday, then Mare and last but not least Foofs. It looks like faith would not have it play out this way......

But Foofs couldn't take it any longer... he snapped!

On Thursday a confrontation ensued with Foofs and our, unreasonable don't know how she got that position, director. Foofs was on fire, he was defient, firm, precise, and down right dirty.

I had to leave the room a couple of times because the discussion was heated. I don't know how Mare sat thru that whole argument. Our director has a tendency to dump extra work on us and she expects us to do it. She tried to make Foofs do something which he declined. She then tried to twist it around and be as forceful as she could. But you know what happens when push comes to shove. He gave in his 2 weeks notice (which he had prepared for days; he slapped that sucker on her desk and it gave her whiplash) and then Foofs got escorted out by the director and instructed never to come back. (don't ask)

Now I am going to miss Foofs.

Foofs is the best thing you can ever face when going to your dreaded job everyday. He is all the good stuff.. ray of sunshine, scent of a nice flower.... you know the good stuff. His presence is greatly missed even though it has only been a day.

Now that he has fucked up the order... because my ass was suppose to go FIRST DAMMIT!!!! Now me and Mare are stuck with pure bull...

I have every intention of leaving this hell hole of a job to find another place where I can bitch about work politics and how I don't get paid enough to deal with BS. My goal is Wednesday... wish me the best of luck.

On behalf of Foofs and all the other people who have taken a stand..... my new motto is "fuck you, fuck this company and everything you stand for, you don't pay me enough to deal with this bullshit .....!!!"

Way to go FOOFS!!!! You got the ball rolling! Good luck in all your future endeavours!

JinxJosziah

2005-10-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

Alright... So it has been ... a-while.

The summer is officially over. It's getting bloody dark earlier (I hate that). Can't we skip bloody daylight savings... I hate when that come around. Where is the bloody sense. I really need to relocate to Alaska.

I am trying to find a new job - which is becoming a job in itself. I think I am going to snap or go nuts if I don't find something soon.

I am in love again!!! Marvin is the love of my life... He has stolen my heart and he is only 2 weeks old. He was born in the same hospital on the same floor at the same time as I was... Now is that a connection or what?

I finally finish writing material that I have slowly been working on. Kenard you should be proud.

I finally have a couple of things to look forward to in the new year. A new place, hopefully a new job, a new program.....

Zoltar Crenshaw!!!!

2005-08-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

I would like to welcome the the blogger world Zoltra Crenshaw aka Foofs! (you are going to have to tell me what's that all about). Glad to see that you have ventured into Blogger world. Now I can keep up with your on-goings.... it's not like I don't hear about them all day. See you on the other side!

Michael McDonald Anyone?!! Please....

2005-08-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

Ok... wasn't it just the other day that I was talking about missing out on good shows!! Well to my delight Michael McDonald is coming to town in September.... I can't wait.... but it looks like I am the only one interested in going. I have asked everyone... even people off the streets if they were interested in seeing him....

and the response I get is "who?" "why" and "hahahahahahahaah"
that ain't cool.....
How do you not know the ex-Doobie Brother... "Blue-Eye Soul Man of the 70s and 80s???!!! "What A Fool Believes", "Keep Forgetting""Ya Mo B There".. Ring any bells???!!!
As Joe Schmo would say "What's going on????"
Then again... I cannot expect everyone to appreciate and enjoy the same things that I do... it's alright...
But as I am sitting in the 13th row... singing and dancing along with Michael... I know I will be envied by all... :P
But I hope I have a good time... and I can't wait....
www.michaelmcdonald.com

Ibrahim Ferrer - Missing out on the greats!

2005-08-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

It's a sad day in my music world today, Ibrahim Ferrer of the Buena Vista Social Club has died. He is the third member in 2 years that has died. Ferrer in my eyes was a musical genius, passionate and smooth. Real smooth. I have been anxiously waiting to see him in concert one day. Now.....

It's times like this when you miss out on great opportunities, that make you kick yourself for not taking the time to do things. This can apply to several things in life; but I am just talking about shows. I have missed some great performers!

I cannot really arrow it down to one reason, because something different always comes up. I missed A Tribe Called Quest, because of a bloody flu. I missed Prince 3 times!!! And I had TICKETS!!!... Missed Patti LaBelle because we didn't sneak into the show until it was over (pathetic) Missed Phil Collins, Bloc Party, Michael Jackson, Digable Planets, Duran Duran, Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Hall and Oates and Michael McDonald!!! That's just to name a few....

Now I have to pray that they go on tour again.

On that note... I am off to listen to some Buena Vista and perpare myself for another wedding!

ciao.

Sugar Water Festival - Live and Direct!

2005-07-31T14:20:00.000-07:00

A couple of nights ago someone pleasantly surprised me with an outing and took me to the Sugar Water Festival; featuring Floetry, Queen Latifah, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu. It was a good show, but my only complaint was it was too damn short. I mean... Floetry did 4 songs, it felt like 2... Latifah aka Dana Owens did a bunch of songs I haven't heard of (didn't know she could sing) She was off the CHAIN!!!... Jill Scott torn the roof off ... but was also too short... Erykah was jammin'... it was like she got the band together that morning and said.. "Hey what you doing tonight?" And to top it off... she didn't do "Tyrone"!!! How is she not doing "Tyrone"???!!! But wonderful show none the less... the line up was great, and the bands where kicking. I love live music. Oh another thing that was a nice added touch... they started and ended the show together. KUDOS!!!... Hope they do another tour like this

Summer... what summer?

2005-07-23T17:25:00.000-07:00

I haven't had an oportunity to indulge in writing another entry. I have been trying to catch up with what's left of summer. Hot smoggy weather, dried crackly grass, not knowing whether I want to eat or sleep, feeling completely out of my element. Besides occupying my time with complaining about the little nuisances in my life, I have caught up with a couple of leisure activities that I have put off. For one, I have dedicated 2 nights to watching films that I have been wanting to see... Amadeus ( seen before but had to see it again), Be Cool (real dry movie, slept thru it), Anchor Man (just plain silly), The Ring (I don't know why I bothered I hate horror movies) and the original Dance with Me (much better than the remake). Other than that... I have nothing real exhilirating happening in my life. This summer is just hot and nothing else. Work is blah, studying is blah, sex is non-existant, friends are feeling the same way... Looks like life is just the way it's suppose to be... Enjoy

I Hate You So Much Right Now... ARGH!

2005-07-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

So last night I had a real cozy time at home and I indulged in a couple of pointless tv shows. One of them being Cheaters. That show is ridiculous... the host drives me up the wall. But I guess the show brings out my voyeuristic nature because I watched the whole show! (complaining all the while) The show made me realize that we are in a time where we are entertained by other people's adverse circumstances. It's kind of crude. But people also like to put their business out in the street... So I guess in turn we oblige by satisfying their twisted desire or need for everyone to take part in their 5 seconds of fame.

What gets to me is how everyone is "sorry" and "didn't know how" to tell them. I personaly wouldn't be caught dead on that show... you won't find me signing any kind of disclaimer to allow society to view me at one my most pitiful moments. Never mind being in a cheating relationship, I figure if you want to indulge in extra activities... have the decency to let the other person know so they can decide whether they want to stay with you or not. It's only fair.

I have been cheated on and the feeling was deplorable. I remember wanting to skin his balls, and gouge his eyes out. But me being the civil lady I am... I made him an "I Hate You" cd. It was during that time that I realized there are not enough 'hate' songs. It took me 3 days to comply a cd with songs explict enough to get my vile mood across. Now this situation happened about 4 years ago... and all I can remember or what brings me back to that point of time is Kelis "Caught Out There" I felt every word of that song... because it couldn't have been more percise. That little bastard... :P Sad to say... I cannot for the life of me think of any new good "hate" songs. Hopefully I will not have to compile another cd of that kind.

Live 8

2005-07-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Ok... so it feels like years since I last posted. I have been pleasantly distracted these last couple of days with a certain someone. So my time on the computer is extremely occupied, which I don't mind at all.

I am also going thru the lost of 'The Worlds Greatest Neighbour' Eric. Eric passed away suddenly a couple of days ago, 6 years shy of 60. It seems like that is the new thing that is going on. People who have not even reached retirement age passing on. Makes me wonder if that is something that I am going to have to look towards... working my ass off to make someone else wealthy... and dying without reaping the benefits of my own hard labour. Mind you, I am noticing the trend amoung individuals who migrate to Canada. I am not trying to get into the whole corrupt labour system that exist in this country... all I am going to say about it, is that it f&^%ing sucks.

What also sucks is that I am now hearing about this Live 8 thing. Where the hell was I when all this was going on? So much for making it a world issue and a long walk for justice. I heard a little buzz about it... and flipped over it in the newspaper... but I did not entertain any of it because all I saw was Bono and Bob Geldof mumbling about injustice going on somewhere in the world. It seemed like they were both up to their same tactics.... maybe if they had someone else be the ring leader for a change, I may have humoured the situation a bit and exercised more diligence in the matter. Don't get me wrong I am concerned with world issues, but if you really want to get my attention... add a little fire to the pot... something fresh and exciting.

Someone is going to have to enlighten me on the outcome of this...

2005-07-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

I figured that their has been a lot of music chatter going on around here. And I couple of people here have touched my heart... So I am going to take this opportunity to send out some dedications...

To Lester T: I dedicate by the Block Party. They are fresh, edgy and the song has an all around good "groove"

Fellatio: NIN - Closer.. need I say more. Congrats on the niece!!!!!

Fashion: hmmmmm.... Violet Femmes... Blister in the Sun... that's a nice cheeky track for you to fix your floor to.

and last but not least... Tall Stud Muffin - MM Res - Tsunami... words and melodies can not express how I feel right now. It's just a good all around feeling.

And of course I must treat myself to something erratic....

Check these cds out...

Myers Briggs - Who are you?

2005-07-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

So I have been doing a lot of soul searching and anaylsing things that are going on in my life. And I was thinking to myself "I am not the same person that I use to be". Thru all my life experiences and the ineluctable process of growth I know that there are things that are not the same. But what has changed, and who am I now? So the boredom bug bite me once again, and I started doing online personality test. I came across a test that I did a couple of years ago... Myer Briggs... So I thought that it would be interesting to do the test once again to see if there were any changes or faults in the anaylsis. So I took the test again (bootlegg version)... and to my chagrin... I am still the same personality type. Who would have known!? I guess things didn't change that much. Well I guess it is a bit comforting to know that I am still the same old perfect me. :P Go ahead and indulge. http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp

Guilty Music Pleasure....

2005-07-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

This is turning into a music blog.... I witness a really odd thing last night. After coming home from ANOTHER bridal shower, I opened up the door to the den to witness my cousin singing and dancing. Now there is no problem with him singing and dancing... it was what he was singing and dancing to. My cousin, 6'4, 250lbs, "roughneck" was SINGING and DANCING to Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Want To Have Fun!!!!!... hahahahahahah... He had my headphones on and he was screeching to Cyndi in the most shrilling voice. It was disgusting as it was comical. He tried to play it off like he wasn't embrassed when I tapped him on the shoulder. His defence was "everyone remember's Captain Albano (WWF) in the video"... so who wouldn't be "familiar" with the song. Familiar!!!! I didn't interupt him until the end of the second verse!!!!... HE KNEW THE WORDS!!!! hahahaha... I told him that I would write about it in my blog... but I am not allowed to mention his name. Don't worry Albert... no one will know. I told him it was alright to have a guilty pleasure... I mean we all do. There is this song by this UK group that I love from the early 80s. I searched high and low to find this song again... and I was ecstatic when I did. I was sooo excited about it I pumped all my friends up to hear it one day. I sat them all around... and put in the burnt copy of the song in the cd player... As the first couple of beats pounded thru the speakers... all I heard was laughter... No one appreciated the groovy track. I mean this song was up for awards!!!! It got nominated for an American Music Award. IN THE 80s!!!... Back then the AMA's were credible! Well here you go... a snippet of my guilty music pleasure Freeze... AEIOU (and sometimes Y) http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000010HE/qid=1120527254/701-6671628-2821154 Sorry to those that I may offend.... yeah right! What is your guilty music pleasure?

Out of the Loop

2005-07-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to a bachelorette party which started out at the swanky Panorama Lounge. I got there pretty late, it was my third engagement of the evening, but I was just in time and missed all the corny games. After a couple of drinks and awkward bouts of silence, a couple of the girls and myself (6 of us) decided to go out dancing. After a lengthy debate we settled on going to Sugar Night Club (21 and over). I haven't been clubbing in a long while; I am more of a lounge type of girl. But this club was "cute", it was small, it wasn't overly packed and vibe was "I can be classy and mature" ;). It was alright. Now when we got there the music was decent, they were playing some rnb and a bit of hip-hop...(seeing how it was a hip-hop, r'n'b, reggae, and soca club)... Now I was getting my little 1,2 step on, when all of a sudden the dj starts playing some dancehall. It was pandemonium!!! The floor started getting packed and people were going crazy! The dj started barking out commands and like seaguls in unison the crowd harmoniously complied. Me on the other hand was dumbfounded. I had a dazed and confused look on my face all night... Ok I always have that look, but this time I really truly was! Now they switch from dancehall to hip-hop to just plain loud noise and I was still confused. I did not know any words or melodies of anything that was being played to save my life. :( What a bloody shame. I was starting to feel old and out of the loop. The DJ must have felt my pain because he started to play some old school r&b. They played The Jets, Prince, Old Michael, Jermaine Stewart, The Time, Rick James, Color Me Badd, Pebbles, just to name a few... and of course a Luther tribute at the end of the segment. I was going crazy at this point in time, I think I may have dislocated my knee. Damn patella! After that they started to play some soca and I called it a night. I was done! As I made my way out of the club I turned back to look at the crowd. Grinding, Singing, Drinking, Laughing... just to think... I use to be one of them. Time ... where does it go? Ah who cares.... But after last night, I realized I am really out of the commercial loop. I am going to have to pick my little sister's brain this afternoon to find out what I am missing. If my attention span will allow it maybe I will dedicate an hour to watch MuchMusic, BET and MTV.... actually maybe not :D

Booster, Frikyiwa, and Gerardo... Found a Fan in Me

2005-07-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to head over to my good ol' friend Coyote's music shop, Paradise Bound. It's located in the trendy Kensington Market. It has everything in there, all types of genres in cassette, vinyl and cds. Seeing that Coyote always knows what I like, I threw at him the opportunity to find me something interesting to listen to, and he threw back 3 wonderful selections. Booster - Loop In Release, Frikyiwa - Collection 2, and Gerardo Nunez - Calima. Booster is an eclectic mixture of acid jazz, r&b, funk, and electronica... all the stuff I love. It is off the Blue Note label so you know the production is "tight", love it. The cute thing about this album is that it was "recorded and mixed by booster at his home, bougival, france"... now that's what Imma talkin' about! So far from my first listen... Mutation.. part 1 and 2 really jump out at me. Starts off real cool and the tempo changes and takes you into a completely different vibe. Can't help to think of Infected Mushroom when I hear this.... Frikyiwa I automatically fell in love with. Coyote plugged it in... and I told him I didn't need to hear anymore. Africana, dub, electronica, killing bass lines... I was listening to it all the way home. I am going to have this in high rotation for awhile. Sadly... I haven't had a chance to listen to Gerardo... except for the snippets I heard while in the store. I will get around to it eventually. What I can remeber of it, was just wanted to dance... and that's a real good sign. Apparently (according to Coyote) there is a duo by the name of Strunz and Farah, who do a collaboration on this record, who I should look out for. Nothing like good music to put you in a good mood... I was considering doing an odd to Luther Vandross.... But I don't want to put it into overkill. Don't get me wrong.. I love Luther... and it's a damn shame he is no longer with us.

Therapy

2005-07-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

This is suppose to be therapeutic???