My Favorite Baby...

Vocal Savoir Faire: Volume 1

#TONALTUESDAYS

  

It's a shame that singers with actually singing ability (beyond automated tuners and pitch correctors) are out-numbered so I figured I'd showcase a couple vocal sensations who truly shake the game up. Not only do they have talent; they've got heart! So without further adieu...

 

"IF YA DON'T KNOW, NOW YA KNOW!"

1.  Priscilla (EyeLoveHerCleverness) Renea

 

 

2.  Durand (TheEpitomeOfVocalAcrobatics) Bernarr

 

 

3.  Civil (MyGuiltyPleasure) Wars

 

 

4. Latonya (WithAnEverSoClassicVoice) Givens

5.  Mayer (MyOhMy,ThatSoul) Hawthorne

 

Slip Into Denmark Soul With Quadron

The Denmark-based, Boom Clap Bachelors offset group, Quadron, comes together to form an abstract soul that is almost shockingly brilliant. The duo consists of the lovely Coco O., who spins clever storyteller tunes across thick tracks, and Robin Hannibal, who produces those lush rhythms. Even though their self-titled debut album dropped in 2010, the ripples of their tidalwave sound are just making it to mainstream America. But hey, with grooves so infectious, we were bound to get caught up their flow.  

Without further vente (in my fancy Danish speak) or adieu... Quadron's "Slippin'!

Fetish 4 the Freshness of the Youth: Jennah Bell

I recently stumbled across young alternative-folk songstress Jennah Bell.

JennahBell.Com

The North Carolina native lulls the masses with her witty lyrics, gentle vocals, and beautiful acoustic guitar melodies. So, drink in her aesthetic loveliness and why not check out her debut EP here.

Frank Ocean's 'Thinking About You' Video

   
This weekend, Frank Ocean's [unofficial] video for 'Thinking About You' was released.
Produced/Directed by High 5 Collective, the offbeat short film music video provides an artful backdrop to Ocean's newest hit.





Are you feeling this?

Beyonce's 4 Review

    After taking a year off from preforming, Beyonce appeased her fans by releasing her fourth album on June 28, 2011. This album, entitled 4, has been met with mixed reviews from fans. Simplified, 4 is a mix of love and empowerment songs; all of which are infused with 70's, 80's, and 90's influences and driven by powerful vocals.
    
PROS: This album is one of Beyonce's most "personal and honest" albums. Every lyric is heartfelt and backed with that strong voice Beyonce stans have grown to love. 4 gives you everything, from ballads, to laid-back tracks, to drum-pounding hits. 4 displays Beyonce's maturity in both content and quality. It is a far cry from the radio/club/dance hits that are ever-so present these days.
CONS: While 4 gives you everything many of these generic artists wouldn't even attempt, at times it's too much. On a few of the ballads, such as I Care, she almost screams. There's also a shortage of dance tracks (which may not be such a bad thing).

 Hopefully fans will not miss out because it truly is a beautiful album.

Beyonce 4 Tracklisting

1. 1+1
2. I Care
3. I Miss You
4. Best Thing I Never Had
5. Party
6. Rather Die Young
7. Start Over
8. Love On Top
9. Countdown
10. End Of Time
11. I Was Here
12. Run The World (Girls)

Deluxe Edition
Lay Up Under Me
Schoolin Life
Dance For You

The Jazz-Infused Sounds of King

Since March 1, 2011, I've had King's The Story EP on replay... Honestly.    


This EP (now available on iTunes) cradles a sound that is hard to find these days. It's less of the over-produced and auto-tuned, and more of the simply beautiful tunes that feel natural. Their voices, which rival light, woodwind instruments, gentaly drive home their artful lyrics over blissful tracks. All of which were composed by the artists themselves - sisters Amber and Paris Strother and Anita Bias.

    The trio has gained recognition amongst fans and artists; a few of these being ?uestlove and Erykah Badu. Being so, it is easy to say King is true artistry. Full of heart and soul, this trio is headed for big things.twitter.com/wearekingmusic

                                                            

Frank Ocean's Nostalgia, Ultra

Every now and then, a truly talented star is born in the Game.

Hailing from the innovative game changer music group, Odd Future/Wolf Gang Kill Them All, comes Frank Ocean. The all but "green" freshman exploded on the scene in late March 2011 with the release of his first mixtape, entitled Nostalgi, Ultra.

    In this album mixtape, young Ocean captures the senses and  imagination of listeners and carries them on his back through the world of Frank Ocean. Where everything is expressed through a soul/funk-infused rhythm used to vividly paint memories and emotions.
 
    Nostalgia,Ultra contains everything needed for the recipe of a successful start in music. Songs such as Strawberry Swing and There Will Be Tears offer the raw emotion that is too often overshadowed by over-produced beats or an artist's over-singing. We All Try, which skillfully avoids the cheesy-ness of most "statement songs", tastefully lays down Ocean's personal views. This mixtape also features many tales of love found, love lost, and broken hearts. Each subject being deeply explored across quality tracks.
  
    While he has only recently released his first project, to sit Frank Ocean amongst other freshmen singer/songwriters would be equvalent to noting Outkast as just another indie-hiphop group. As a matter of fact, critically-acclaimed, award winning, record breaker artists have already began taking notice...