Sweet Tooth Special - Raul Midon

Raul Midon is fantastic......if you don't know, then now you do. I got hip to him last year through some friends that I met through the Jamie Cullum website (he opened up for JC) and I have dug him ever since. I didn't get the chance to see him in Philly a few months ago, but I just got this information and goodies that are soooo sweet, you are sure to have a few cavities. Since my Canadian venture is moved by one weekend, I'll get to see Raul for free here with Chrisette Michelle and Musiq Soulchild! Anyway...In anticipation for Raul's new album in September, check out what is in store for you below! Sweet tooth is taking care of you this week! Thanks my friends over at GS for getting me the special preview treats 3 months before the album comes out! These tracks aren't even on his My Space yet - - - Enjoy everyone! PS...'All Because Of You' seems so personal...I really dig it.

About Raul: New Mexico-born, NY-based writer, vocalist and guitarist Raul Midón brings a vibrant sound steeped in classic soul to the pop arena. Born to an Argentinean father and an African-American mother Midón became an in-demand backup singer, working primarily on Latin projects for artists like Julio Iglesias, Shakira and Alejandro Sanz. He then burst onto the scene in 2005 with his audaciously original debut album, State of Mind. Midón melds his distinct style with a rich tradition of pop inventiveness, combining the beguiling soulfulness of Stevie Wonder, the inventive use of instruments a la Paul Simon, and the trend-defying individuality of Bill Withers. With A World Within a World, Midón has fashioned an album that is at once audacious and accessible, personal yet universal, uncompromising yet inviting. Midón announces his new intentions within the first few bars of the album opener "Pick Somebody Up," adding clipped strings, electric piano, and hip-hop breaks to his signature style. He has worked with artists like Stevie Wonder, Louie Vega and went on world tours both as a headliner and opening for the likes of India Arie, Jamie Collum and Jason Mraz. On A World Within A World, he worked with multi-instrumentalist Joe Mardin, son of legendary producer Arif Mardin, whom Midón worked with on his first album.


Raul Midón is known for creating his own unique musical world where soul, pop and latin music converge, and his “percussive guitar syncopations and supple, high-flying tenor” (NY Times) run free.


Facts:
Artist: Raul Midón
Album: A World Within A World
Label: Blue Note Records
Release Date: September 25, 2007
Websites: http://www.raulmidon.com/
www.myspace.com/raulmidon
YouTube Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ynk6W3qM9-w

"Pick Somebody Up" (Real Media Stream)
http://boss.streamos.com/real/angel/raul_midon/a_world_within_a_world/pick_somebody_up.ram
"All Because Of You" (Real Media Stream)
http://boss.streamos.com/real/angel/raul_midon/a_world_within_a_world/all_the_answers.ram
"Pick Somebody Up" (Video) (taken from Joe's Pub, NYC Performance)
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/angel/raul_midon/joes_pub_07/pick_somebody_up_300k.asx
http://boss.streamos.com/qtime/angel/raul_midon/joes_pub_07/pick_somebody_up_300k.mov
http://boss.streamos.com/real/angel/raul_midon/joes_pub_07/raul_midon_300k.ram

"All Because Of You"(Video) (taken from Joe's Pub, NYC Performance)
http://boss.streamos.com/qtime/angel/raul_midon/joes_pub_07/all_because_of_you_300k.mov http://boss.streamos.com/real/angel/raul_midon/joes_pub_07/all_because_of_you_300k.ram
"All The Answers" (Video) (taken from Joe's Pub, NYC Performance)
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/angel/raul_midon/joes_pub_07/all_the_answers_300k.asx
http://boss.streamos.com/qtime/angel/raul_midon/joes_pub_07/all_the_answers_300k.mov
http://boss.streamos.com/real/angel/raul_midon/joes_pub_07/all_the_answers_300k.ram

6/25/07 Article...

Article..as in 1! There was couple reasons for this. First of all, I'm tired! Secondly, didn't get any assignments from Citypaper and the other 2 I did aren't posted up yet. So, this is the one that is. The story with this is - I got an email asking me to review it. I've never heard of Kenge Kenge, but I figured traditional African music...I can do it. So it got it the mail and really took a liking to the high energy and percussion throughout. Plus, the review was only to be short, so I was all about that. Next week I have a lead in the Citypaper with author Michael Eric Dyson. There's a few things that made that interview quite difficult, but I was happy to do it and I'll get into that later. Ciao for now! Always check www.myspace.com/coveryourlover for the activist part of my life. xo

Introducing Kenge Kenge, Giant Step, 6/26/07:

http://www.giantstep.net/features/182

*sunday sweet tooth* - 6/24/07 - music recommendations!

How is that for a title? Well for now it is going to stick! I think Sunday is a good day to do this because that is supposed to be my chill day. So, yeah....I know I said I was going to do all European boys this week, but eh....I changed my mind! So, I have 5 recommendations for you this week. I hope you check them out, give me some feedback and enjoy.

Song: 'Just Because' by Conya Doss, Genre: R&B

I think this came out like 2 years ago, so yup...I'm mad late. Conya Doss is the truth. She hails from Cleveland, Ohio, USA. This song was on one of my mixes from the Giant Step trade group. I love them...I really do! Anyway, this mid-tempo song has a light sunshine love vibe to it. The chorus is very simple, "I'm into you just because you make me happy". It's so beautiful and starts off with some birds lightly chirping or something. Not to mention that Ms.Doss is just as beautiful as she wants to be. This song is just very cute and innocent, crush-like. Unfortunately, she took the song down from her My Space, but you can go to her website: http://www.conyadoss.com/ and go to the top and click on the album in the middle, find the song and be patient. I know it's a lot of work, but so worth it...check out her other stuff on her myspace also: www.myspace.com/conyadoss

Album: 'Find the Form' by Ernesto, Genre: Pop, Fusion of Jazz and Soul

I love this album, and the man behind the album, Ernesto. He's a skinny little thing from Sweden. He's so cute with his blonde hair. Cute like I want to put him in my pocket! This album came as a shock to me. I first heard "Closer" and I was sold. Seriously! It's has this subtle sexy vibe to it. Not to fast, not to slow - just right you know? The instrumentation grabbed a hold of me also. The entire album is pretty dope included "Held" and "Sick and Tired" which are my other favorite cuts. I think he can really sing. I heard him on some house style mixes too and was impressed. And, his official site has different charitable links on it. Not only do I like his music, but he is a nice guy - replied to my My Space message...awww! You can hear the album and those mixes here: http://www.myspace.com/jonatanbackelie (shut off the typical MySpace player and scroll down to the other one)

Album: 'Welcome to the Best Years of Your Life' by Ben Westbeech, Genre: ?

I seriously don't know what type of genre to call this album. Ben is a lovely man I discovered through Giles Peterson, who next to God is the best man ever! But, Giles will get proper credit in a future blog. Ben Westbeech is this singer that I just really dig. I heard 2 songs on his My Space and went out and bought his entire album. The two that did it for me were "Get Closer (lovers mix)" and "Hang Around". Truth be told, I couldn't really understand a word of "HA", just the chorus and that was enough for me. The song has these broken beat type sounds throughout the song, and right before the chorus it really is highlighted when he is just kinda adlibing or doing a generic sound over the beat. He actually reminds me a lot of Jamie Lidell. But, I try not to compare, but this sound is so similar. Ben has a soft voice and it's just catchy. Check him out here: www.myspace.com/benwestbeech and here is a You Tube video of 'Hang Around': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SwBBYFCpgk (the accent helps me love him too - he is so not ugly (as Jessica M. would say)

Album: 'The Daily News' by Donnie, Genre: straight up soul

THIS ALBUM TOOK TOO DAMN LONG TO COME OUT! Okay, now that I got that out of my system - thank God Donnie is back. I have missed him seriously. He needed some time to work things out - cool, I'll forgive him. This is the follow up to 'The Colored Section', which to me easily ranks in the top 10 of soul albums in the last decade. This album isn't as good to be honest, but it's still wonderful! Donnie's voice is so unique and so truthfully genuine. It honestly pierces through me. It stands out also. If you played 5 tracks, his would be the one you'd remember because of his voice. The lead single was the perfect choice. It's called 'If I Were You', and it just feels good and the video has this simple vibe to it. The other tracks I dig on the album are 'Impatient People' and '911'. He also has a collab with Phonte from Little Brother. His albums are very socially driven, so the tracks talk about issues or problems going on in the world. Imagine that...someone having the courage to make almost an entire album about the conscious. I got your back Donnie. Listen here: http://www.giantstep.net/releases/1457/

Song: 'I'll Kill Her' by Soko, Genre: Rock

So, after Donnie I put this...I debated about it, but I really love the song. I don't advocate violence at all! It's a bit crazy, but the French artist, Soko is just so little and cute that it's a shock to see such anger come out of her. And truth be told - many girls think what she's saying..not think of killing someone but the bitter and pissed off feeling that Soko conveys. Also,this is acoustic, which gives it a more tone down feel. I found this through MIA's site. She recommended it and funny thing is I don't even know why I was on MIA's site, I don't like her. Anyway....the words to the actual verses are hilarious and to hear her sing words like 'cinema' and 'kill her' in the French accent is somewhat a draw in...Okay, so it's psychotic, but in some eerie way I really like this song and I commend the girl for writing a song like this. She says, "She stole my future when she took you away". Maybe she made the song for shock value or maybe it's a true story...I don't know. But I bought it on the ITunes the day I heard it! Yep, I sure did! See the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25AsfkriHQc

Articles for week of 6/18/07

Hi -

I got my hair done yesterday, so I'm feeling all types of fab today! Well, not really. Rough week again, but I am guided by Lupe Fiasco, "Struggle is another sign that God loves you", and "Life ain't meant to go around twice - so I gotta get it right." That's lovely, isn't it? They are from his song 'Real' that I've been playing non-stop. Matter of fact, I'm going to put it on right now! Oh, before I forget: An artist I talked about 2 weeks ago, Sara Bareilles is the free ITunes download of the week ('Love Song'). Check her out. Anyway, I wrote 2 articles for Citypaper this week. One for the AIDS Fundraiser featuring Rich Medina and the other for the Summer Solstice (I had such a hard time ending this article - but thanks to the editors, it reads well). These are two great events that I hope to be at...Anyway, check out the links.

Bye!

Summer Solstice, Philadelphia Citypaper, 6/21/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/06/21/in-the-event-that-2

Exact Change, Philadelphia Citypaper, 6/21/07:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/06/21/exact-change

*...new music blog - one week old, still no name*

(I CAN'T FIGURE OUT THIS SPACING AND IT IS MAKING ME MAD)

The first edition of the music reviews seem to be quite a hit with people...well, the people that say they read it and dig it so far. I don't have a name yet - any suggestions? I need you all to comment to, so the blog appears to be as popular as my little mind thinks it is! I'm still exhausted from DC, but I want to be consistent about this, so here goes.

Next week I am going to do a entire 'European White Boy Phenomenom'. I should just get it over with. For some reason, they are catching me a bit, and I mean like 10 or so of them. But for this week..check out the following:


Album: Play With the Changes by 4Hero, Genre: Soulful House/Dance

I love, love, love, love this album. I actually didn't expect to dig it so much, but as soon as I heard 'Look Inside', I knew immediately that I would be playing this track over and over again. It's rare that you get the combination of lyrics and music perfectly and I think with every single track, the boys (or men...) of 4Hero have done it. Also gotta give props to Philly homegirl, Lady Alma, as she teams up with the duo again (I first heard her with them on Vikter Duplaix's album on song 'Hold It Down') for 'Sink or Swim'. I feel like this can easily become my soundtrack for 2007. My moods are best described by music and this albums inspires me to dance and express everything I feel. I love 4hero, I really do. They've even made my top friends on My Space..yeah, like that means much! But seriously, give them a try. One reason why I wished I lived overseas...I'd get to see them DJ. Listen here: www.myspace.com/4hero

Alice Russell, Genre: Soul

Notice that I didn't put an individual song or album and that's because I dig a few of Ms.Russell's tracks from her last 2 albums. First, let me talk about the picture of her and I above. It was taken at the Black Lily film festival closing concert, where she performed. Jill Scott (met before), Amy Winehouse (wouldn't have been coherent - ha) and some others were there, but it was Alice that I wanted to meet. I am happy that not as many people knew her as much as I did, so I got this picture. I know I look a mess, but whatever! Her voice is so powerful. Matter of fact, when I first heard it, I was like, 'damn...she don't need a microphone', but then I got into it pretty heavy. Starting with the Natural Self collaboration, 'I Don't Need This Trouble' (must listen), and then moving on to the White Stripes cover of 'Seven Nation Army' (great theme for fighting some personal battles), and then on to 'Somebody's Gonna Love You'. Her voice and vibe is just ill. I mean, she has this old school sound, and it helps a lot that she picks complimentary people to collab with like the Quantic Soul Orchestra. I'm saying...girl is nice! Listen here: http://www.juno.co.uk/products/228839-01.htm (#7 first) or www.myspace.com/alicerusselluk

Album: I Am by Chrisette Michelle, Genre: R&B

Okay, so let me be the first to admit that I wasn't immediately impressed by Chrisette Michelle. She's a beautiful young woman, but I thought to myself..okay, here we go - 'another female singer daring to be different, but really sounding the same'. Then I got her song, 'Your Joy' free on Itunes and started to change my mind, but not completely. Then I got her CD sampler and read a bit about her and I did a 360, well 300. She has a beautiful voice, and this mellow CD is a perfect fit for relaxing. It is pretty innocent and she has potential to be a contender in the future of R&B. My only issue is that it's a little too mellow. I couldn't possibly play this on the way out to dance or if I wanted to cheer up. So, maybe she could have included a bit more upbeat songs, but the young sis' is doing her thing and staying true to herself, so who am I to ask her to do any different? Exactly! Listen here: http://www.myspace.com/chrisettemichele

Song: Just Let It Happen by Rob Harris, Genre: Dance

This is on its third rotation as my My Space Profile song. That is how much I feel it. Crippled by the fact that you can't get the song anywhere, so your only choice is going on Rob's My Space and refreshing the page. Damn, that's annoying! Anyway, I know some of you are wondering who Rob Harris is and umm, duh - he's the guitarist for Jamiroquai! How could you not know that? I kid. I look so bad in my picture with him, that I had to steal this one from his My Space. Anyway, I have no clue who is the voice on this with him, but the vibe just feels right and the message is bold, 'Just Let It Happen'. Although it is relating to love, I kind of point it to everything in my life. Immediately upon hearing it I imagine myself in the club on top of one of those box things that teeter me above everyone else and somehow I'm lip singing to this. I don't know where that vision comes from, but it just does. I think it's the freedom I feel while listening. There is a saxaphone feature a bit into it that gives it a nice jazz, Havana type feel. Not that I've been to Cuba, but as the music fades out towards the end, I sure do feel like it. To listen, go to my My Space: www.myspace.com/coveryourlover. If the song isn't that, then go check out my friend (...that's what I call him..ha) Rob's My Space and click on the song: www.myspace.com/robharrisgtr

Song: "How Glad I Am" by the Greyboy Allstars, Genre: Funk, Jazz

I have my Giant Step trading crew buddy DJ Veggie to thank for this, as he put it on one of the compilations he gave to me. Upon further investigation, I realized that this group had been out for a long time. Where the hell was I? Under a rock? I love my Giant Step family of fans, but anyway....this song has this 70's type breakin' feel, as in I want to bust out the Rerun dance move when I hear it, but it also has a hint of the hippie chic type vibe to it. What is most important to notice about it is the impeccable instrumentation. The vocals take a backseat to them. I hear a bit of West Coast flavor in this track also. I know they would be amazing live,and my dad would dig them also. Listening to this is like travelling back in a the machine where jazz and funk didn't sound like pop and easy listening. Get down with the song here:
http://www.myspace.com/thegreyboyallstars

Okay, that's it. I'm exhausted and have a long day tomorrow. Thanks for checking this out. Comment and let me know what you think. xo

6/11/07 Articles

Hi - I am rushing because it is my first day back at work after being in Washington, DC for 2 days, so this will be very, very quick. Lobbying at Congress was amazing. I'll put that on my Cover Your Lover My Space blog (www.myspace.com/coveryourlover). I'll do the music blog tonight. I had 3 articles in the Citypaper this week - one on Geoclan's Movie Night, another on Teena Marie and another on the underground hip-hop show featuring Verso and some others. In addition to those, I interviewed Philadelphia hip-hop's superwoman, Stef Tataz for the 215hiphop Wordplay. Enjoy!

Issues Through Film, Philadelphia Citypaper, 6/14/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/06/14/on-the-dl-2

Masterblaster3 hip-hop show, Philadelphia Citypaper, 6/14/07 (scroll down):

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/06/14/soundadvice

Teena Marie Concert, Philadelphia Citypaper, 6/14/07 (scroll down):
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/06/14/soundadvice

Wordplay with Stef Tataz, 215hiphop.com, 6/10/07:

http://215hiphop.com/features/wordplay-wstef-tataz/#more-172

**Introducing...my new blog feature**

*okay, so I had this name for my new venture and umm...as I started to type, I realized I didn't like it, so give me a second (week or so) to figure out a new name*

Simply put, I love music. Everyone does, right? No...I really do. I seek out new music often, and sometimes I am late at discovering what is popular, and this is not on purpose. I don't get the radio at home or at work. So, in addition to me posting about my writings each week, or bi-weekly, I am going to post up singles and albums I am feeling for the week or bi-weekly. Some may be old and some may be new, but I am doing this in an attempt to expose people (if anyone reads this) to some new tunes and to improve my writing - give me another outlet of expression of sorts. I have no idea if anyone will read this, but it's fun. I will still do my regular reviews, interviews and writings, but this is just something extra that I can be do freely without editors. It will also help keep my mind off of some other things that bring me down...you dig? Enjoy!

Single: "Stronger" by Myron Butler & Levi, Genre: Gospel

I discovered this song through the death of Hi-Five lead singer, Tony Thompson...which was this week. RIP. I was cruising around My Space in boredom. I was on his My Space page and clicked on his girlfriend's My Space. I have no clue why. But, she is a Gospel singer and had this song as her profile. I immediately put it on mine too. It's very uplifting and upbeat and I needed that this week. It just filled me with hope and love...all that warm stuff. The choir is fantastic and their harmony left me in awe. The lyrics touch me a bit inside. "I'm stronger than I was before. I'm better and smiling so much more." I can do without Myron Butler speaking over it, but I blame Kirk Franklin for that annoying trend. See here to listen: http://www.myspace.com/myronbutlerandlevi

EP: "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles, Genre: Rock, Soul:

She actually first reminded me of a singer I can't stand and that is Sarah McLachlan. But, Ms. Bareilles is so, so, so much better. She is also has that classic beauty about her. But, this is about the music. This is a 3 track CD with "Love Song", "Bottle It Up" (my least favorite), and "Gravity". Her voice is very soft and comforting. In "Love Song" she gets a bit aggressive with her vocals, but it works for the mood and tone she sets. The melody and tempo is catchy. But, the shining star of the EP is "Gravity". You'd put this on to get a good cry out. Well, atleast I did. I first heard of her this week and I'm looking forward to hearing more. I'd like to see her live too, but she is opening for Mika - and I don't do Mika. I think I played "Gravity" about 5 times in a row. It is THAT moving. Check her and the songs out here. Listen to "Gravity" first. The emotion is just amazing: http://www.myspace.com/sarabareilles

Album: "Cinco De MoWo" by Mocean Worker, Genre: Dance, Electronica:

Never heard of dude until someone tipped me off to check it out. Electronica isn't my thing, and I do love dance music, but usually dance music that has a soulful house sound. Everything else reminds me of dancing at a rave (which I only did once) or college days dancing with Ben until the wee hours of the morning. So, anyway..when I got this I was really, really impressed, because my body wanted to move. My favorite track is "Que Bom", which has vocals and a nice Latin flare to it. I don't know if it is the drums or what...but I really dig it. Alana Da Fonseca is the vocalist and she is real smooth and relaxing with it. The instrumentation is a bit sensual. I think I might make this my new myspace profile song. I also dig the jazz element in "Changes" which features trumpet phenom, Herb Albert. Reminds me of a smoky filled night in a jazz club before the non-smoking ban that is...listen here: http://www.giantstep.net/releases/1437

Single: "Eat To Live", Talib Kweli, Genre: Rap

Let me be honest, I haven't been listening to rap much lately (I just recently listened to the whole Lupe Fiasco album...which I love). I don't know why. Well, yes I do. There has just been so much other music out there that I've been lovin' more. But, I got my hands on this song and I am so impressed with Kweli for sounding like he did with Blackstar. I know we aren't supposed to reminisce, blah..blah...blah, but truth is he really went down lyrically in my book after "Quality", well during. The beat on "Eat To Live" is really mellow and so are his rhymes. They carry a heavy message, but it's not preachy or overdone. After hearing this, I'm not getting my hopes up about his full length - "Ear Drum", which is supposed to be out in July (which they will push up, I'm sure), but I have a glimpse of hope that this will be better than the last album. www.myspace.com/talibkweli

June 4, 2007 Writing Links - all about the ladies!

This week was emotionally draining! My close friends know why, and since this isn't a blog about my personal life - I'll leave that be. I'm sitting at my desk eating oatmeal - GROSS! But, when I was at softball on Sunday, John told me to try eating it for breakfast for health reasons, so I am trying, but I dunno. Next week, I take on Congress and Capitol Hill. I sit down with them on Thursday. I am soooooo damn excited. There are 3 issues we (CARE) are taking to the Hill, but my favorite one is "Empowering Women and Girls to Protect Themselves against HIV/AIDS."

Anyway, this week, I have 2 links for you. I actually wrote another for the Citypaper, but I think Pat (CP editor) had to cut that whole section this week. All good. One is the Amy Winehouse concert review (love that Jay used an older picture of her). I know it was a month ago, but hey...things take time. I am still bangin' both her albums pretty hard. The girl can sing. F- everything else about her. Also, wrote up an upcoming Leela James performance. That was hard to do because I really didn't have all the information and her quotes were late, so they didn't get included...Oh well! Until next time...thanks for checking these out! xo

Amy Winehouse Concert Review, Giant Step, 6/6/07:
http://www.giantstep.net/features/177

Leela James, Philadelphia Citypaper, 6/7/07:
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/06/07/leela-james