While Ms. Badu releases her fifth studio album New Amerykah: Return of the Ankh, there’s another legacy artist releasing her album across the pond. Joan Armatrading releases her 20th album This Charming Life today. This album has Armatrading adding poignant lyrics atop guitar riffs and simple drums.
On “Heading to New York City” she duets her bluesy voice atop two competing guitars and drums. On “Cry” she reveals “nothing you can do/is ever going to hurt like this.” Haven’t you felt that way?
Lyrically ‘Virtual Reality’ is the unique song encouraging listeners to unplug and“get right back in the arms of real life.”
If you like bluesy folk, check out Joan’s latest offering. As of today, it’s only $4 for the entire mp3 album on Amazon.
I’ll use the occasion to finally spin my vinyl album of Armatrading’s The Shouting Stage purchased almost a year ago.
Cherelle plays Ann Darrow in her video for “I Didn’t Mean To Turn You On.” As far as I can recall, this is the only film image of Ann Darrow , captive of King Kong as a Black woman. Interesting factoid. Unfortunately BMG is blocking embedding the video (bad marketing move). I love you 28 followers and a few subscribers but I’m not taking the time to copy and re-embed tonight.
So, I found this treat of Cherelle performing ""Everything I Missed At Home” live. Give her a moment or two to warm up into the song. The pitch gets clearer. Wait for it. This 2007 performance comes from a DVD called Ladies Night Out Live. It includes Jean Carne (I should buy it just for that) and Shirley Jones. Check it out.
From the 1978 Redwood Records Release, Bernice Reagon Johnson penned this lament. Listen for Ysaye Barnwell’s guttural bass exchanging time with foot stomps.
I know there's a bookmarklet for Blogger. I just have to find it again. Until then, I'm in a love affair with Tumblr. I still want to keep this blog to separate subjects (Black women's voices here & my tomfoolery there).
Meanwhile, listen into Grace Jones's single 'Corporate Cannibal' from her 2008 Hurricane. The song begins with her speaking then grows into the drums, atmospheric affects, and the refrain
"I'm a man-
eating machine"
Next in the voice of the "legalized criminal" asks the listener to "pray for me" in an almost demonic tone.
Originally a duet with Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack sings "Where is the love’ with Maxwell at the Grammys.
Compare their performance to Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway’s version.
I actually have this album on vinyl!
If I was smart, I would’ve recorded the Grammys in order to retain ownership of this video. Instead Rap Radar recorded and secretly (didn’t title it) uploaded it to Youtube. They’ll capitalize on the search traffic but I win by finally updating this blog!
I first saw Ganessa James on an episode of Grit Tv. I followed her on Twitter and she sent me an mp3 of the song below “Into You” from her upcoming full release. She released her EP Believer last year. Ms. James’s voice is strong yet her tone has a sweetness to it. The way she slides into high notes without one quiver is amazing. Ganessa James is set to release her full length album this year. Until then, get “Into You.”
Res dropped FREE EP Black.Girls.Rock a few weeks ago. Until I drop the complete album review, get into “For Who You Are.” This song is very special to Res. It’s the first song she’s co-produced along with legend Wah Wah Watson. I’m so happy she’s learning production! More autonomy for her, more music for us, the fans.
“See I don’t blame you for running
I never seen the dark places you’ve been”
Listen to “For Who You Are” & understand her greatness!
Shalonda decided it was time to get her work out there. Her vehicle – Apple’s Garage Band. What impresses me about Just Go is Shalonda’s arrangement. She adds her jazz vocals on hiphop tracks built on soul samples. It’s a masterwork at layering and musical co-signing.
Always keen to get to know more independent women artists I started following her on Twitter.
I responded to some of her zany tweets and she mentioned me. Just that
bit of connection made me go to her site to see where I can see her
live (she lives a few hours away). No dates posted on her MySpace yet, but I’m sure she’s rehearsing for a live performance.
I donated $10 to her next project. Just two days later, I received Just Go on compact disc. Wrapped around the cd is her handwriting with Thank You ___ (my name) written over it and her signature. Not only was I delighted with her personalization, I’m saving this to auction on Ebay in 10 year! Thanx Shalonda.
Luckily I live a few hours away from Los Angeles or I would stalk Shalonda and give her the proper fan treatment that she deserves. For now, I am the unofficial president of her fan club.
Download her free EP but if you love it as much as I do, please contribute to her next album and receive Just Go on cd (one gift out of the way). Make sure to donate at least $12 because the shipping cost is nearly $2.00.
There are dozens of versions of "You’re No Good". I think Betty Everett sings it best with Dee Dee Warwick a close second. Though Warwick’s statement is guttural, Everett is defiant, anthemic. The foot stomps by The 5 HeartbeatsThe Dells give it that extra down home feel.
I’m not sure if it’s rare, but my 45 was distributed by Eric Records with classic The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss) on one side and "You’re No Good" on the B side. I purchased this record for 19 cents. I know I keep referring to my landmark purchase at Rockaway but I can’t help but marvel at the jewels lounging in record shops.
Straight From Vinyl Betty Everett – You’re No Good
In my Google Images and the Politics of Remembering analysis - When choosing an image of Betty Everett, it as interesting to see two pictures that come up, which represent two ways she’s remembered.
A Hometown Gal
A Glamorous Woman
Listen to Betty Everett and Dee Dee Warwick give you the yes-ma'am handclaps on "You're No Good." I added Linda Rostadt's version for my blue-eyed-soul folks.
In an effort to maintain estrogen purity, I present English singer Skin. The sweat alludes to the intense performances she gives on highly charged rock songs. On this tune we witness a haunting sincerity in her tone.
I knew of Skin as an independent artist. I didn’t get around to the Skunk Anansie era until my trip to Rockaway Records where I purchased award-winning Stoosh. For the hardcore fans, Skunk Anansie are back together with tour dates forthcoming in 2010.
Esther Satterfield’s music career was short. She leaves 3 albums: Once I Loved, The Need to Be, and the live concert recorded Land of Make Believe with Chuck Mangione. She married, raised five children and widowed. She’s taken on her husband’s last name and is now as Esther Jordan living in Maryland.
Not much is written on why she vanished from the booth. My Mom recalls her falling into drugs and eschewing the music industry. I wish she would come back. I’d love to see her live in concert. Listen to her pure toned voice singing Sarah and Long Hard Climb from The Need To Be. Sarah
Though she didn't write the songs below, Tina Turner is a songwriter. In the liner notes, she reminds us that she used to be is a "Baptist and blues" singer. Since Turner calls soul "hot, greasy food" I labeled the album funk (Ike plays a mean guitar) but it should list as rock n roll.
The album cover of Something's Got a Hold On Me has a bit wear and tear but I AutoStitched it for the vinyl enthusiasts.
Listen to Tina Turner and Ikette Venetta Fields battle it out on I Know (You Don't Want Me No More).
I also liked hearing Ike and Tina wailing "You Are My Sunshine"to each other.
If you know of a Tina Turner song with as much soul, blues, and funk on these songs post-Ike, PLEASE let me know in the comments section.
