Muzika

Gender: Female
Born: August 8, 1983
Location: Corvallis, USA
Last Sign in: July 4, 2008
Member Since: November 27, 2005
URL: http://www.mystrands.com/Muzika
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Profile Views: 33879
Playcounts: 36K
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Journal

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Speech and the Neo-Soul Style

~ January 11, 2006 at 15:24 (Views: 574 )

Today's "neo-soul” style is introducing Hip-Hop to new audiences. Its success is due to great melodic rap artists like Speech.

Formerly with EMI, Speech now releases his music on the Indy label Blue Hammock. His new album, "The Vagabond," hit stores November 1 -- and is available for preview on MusicStrands.

Some of us may remember Speech from the early '90s, as the "musical, political and conceptual force" behind the hip-hop group Arrested Development. The group’s melodic rapping style propelled it up the charts, and Arrested Development won two Grammy awards, two MTV awards, and a few multi-platinum releases. The secret was the group’s appeal to both to popular radio audiences as well as the urban subculture.

Compared to Jazz or Rock, hip-hop is a relatively new musical genre -- and anyone over 35 probably needs to acquire the taste. However, Neo-Soul is easily enjoyable. The mood is typically smooth and embracing. The melody is easily digested, without being saccharine. The lyrics are intelligible, and have a positive message aimed at a wide audience.

For fans of this style, here’s my shopping list of Neo-Soul artists. This playlist is like a primer for newbie hip-hop fans. I advise all those who've turned away from this new cultural art form to check out these tracks.

1. Lady by D'Angelo
2. On & On by Erykah Badu
3. Ordinary People by John Legend
4. Immigrant by Sade
5. Bring Me Down - (with Brandy) by Kanye West
6. Confessions Part II by Usher
7. Get It Together by India Arie
8. Feel Free - (featuring Do 'Reen) by Soul II Soul
9. You Had Me by Joss Stone
10. Life In One Day by Lazy K
11. Ghetto by Akon
12. It's Cool by Chico DeBarge
13. Braided Hair by Speech

The entire Neo-Soul playlist can be found on MusicStrands. Check it out; or build your own playlist.

"Braided Hair" on Speech’ new album Vagabond, is this week's featured track. The female guest artist/background vocals on this track is Neneh Cherry, and the track has been recorded by the group “1 Giant Leap” with artists like Jamie Catto & Maxi Jazz (Faithless), Brian Eno, Baaba Maal, etc.

BTW: Arrested Development's debut album (on EMI) sold more than 5 million copies worldwide, and this was back in 1992. Now, after 6 years, they have reunited. Speech's 10 year solo career has produced, to this day, more than 6 albums.

Enjoy,
--Byron

hip hop neo soul r&b soul speech

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Tagine and the Funk Rock Movement

~ January 11, 2006 at 15:23 (Views: 369 )

Before there was Rap there was Funk — and its legacy is still kicking-ass via talented "Funk Rock" bands like Tagine.

Tagine’s music and lyrics have both the “balls and brains” required for true funk rock. Not just a knock off, Tagine has bridged the gap between two genres like icons Jeff Buckley or Prince. Their genre-blending approach and universal appeal has found them opening for acts as wide-ranging Edwin McCain, Jonny Lang, Dada, The Nadas and Joe Firstman.

For those who’se only exposure to Funk is from “oldies” radio stations and re-runs of Baretta, let me re-introduce you... In the 70’s, Funk rescued the worthy elements of Disco (still smoldering after the dance crazed “burned baby burned”). Some legendary groups (Kool & The Gang, The Gap Band, etc.) not only gave the new sound life…but soul. The result was a new urban flair with jazz harmonies.

Today, while Mariah Carey is trying to sell records by turning Rap into Pop – there’s a retro-pop/rock resurgence in its bloom. Beneeth the chart-toppers, there is an explotion of bands that have evolved out of the R&B and Funk tradition. Take a closer listen to Maroon 5 or their influences Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox Twenty, Snow Patrol, Something Corporate, etc.

Here’s my personal introduction to Funk -- now and then.

1. Soul Finger by The Bar-Kays (1967)
2. Hollywood Swinging by Kool & The Gang (1974)
3. Phunklords by Funkadelic (1982)
4. You Dropped A Bomb On Me by The Gap Band (1982)
5. Elephants And Flowers by Prince (1990)
6. Takeover Baby by Big Chief (Rock) (1994)
7. Pony by Ginuwine (1997)
8. Battlefield Of Love by Lenny Kravitz (2001)
9. Love You Madly by Cake (2001)
10. Round And Round - (Soul mix, edit) by Tevin Campbell (2001)
11. Love Foolosophy by Jamiroquai (2001)
12. Sunday Morning by Maroon 5 (2002)
13. Let's Get It Started by Black Eyed Peas (2003)
14. Pardon My Freedom - (Maurice Fulton Inst mix, with !!!) by Groove Armada (2004)
15. Yeah!!! - (featuring Lil Jon/Ludacris) By Usher (2004)
16. Secret Solution by Tagine (2004)

The entire Funk-Rock playlist can be found on MusicStrands. Check it out; or build your own Funk playlist.

--Byron

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Marlango: Nu-Jazz Adventure

~ December 28, 2005 at 16:42 (Views: 271 )

Europe has its style – including a tradition of smoky-voiced nu-jazz artists like Marlango. Here's my 12-Step program to style.

Marlango emerged at the end of 1998 in Madrid with a progressive sound. But the band has something familiar that calls to mind black & white art films and stylish chanteuses. I can’t help but compare Leonor Watling’s vocals on “Vete” to the classic “Falling In Love Again” by the legendary Marlene Dietrich.

The band's new CD is "Automatic Imperfection" and it has a range of great sounds, ranging from a Tom Waits inspired "Shake the Moon" to the more Pop "Automatic Imperfection."

Marlango is an amazing journey. Not only within the band's discography, but through time as well. Here is my 12-Step program from Marlango to Marlene…

1. Vete by Marlango
2. White Flag by Dido
3. Black Velvet by Alannah Myles
(Okay. She's Canadian, but they speak French there, right?)
4. It's Only Love That Gets You Through by Sade
5. Whiter Shade Of Pale, A by Annie Lenox
6. I Wonder (Departure) by Abba
7. Homem Na Meio Di Homem by Cesaria Evora
8. Wild Is The Wind by Nina Simone
9. L'Aigle Noir by Barbara
10. Il Venait D'Avoir 18 Ans by Dalida
11. Non Je Ne Regrette Rien by Edith Piaf
12. Lili Marlene by Marlene Dietrich

There is a cinematic influence in all these tracks. (Has anyone see the great Spanish movie “No News from God” in which Heaven is depicted as a permanent 1930’s Paris, filmed in Black & White – I recommend it!). There’s also the definite spiritual presence of their major influence, Tom Waits.

BTW: Hard core Tom Waits fans may recognize the group’s name. Waits named Suzie Marlango during in a concert in Sidney.

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Getting Started in the Community

~ December 28, 2005 at 16:40 (Views: 14 )

MusicStrands is the latest way to discover new music -- directly from your friends.
Here's how to begin.

Our members know great music, and where to find it. Of course MusicStrands still has its famous, patented recommendations -- based on the listening habits of our entire community. But now we've added a new dimension.... the personal dimension.

>>Start by setting up your personal profile. Tell us about yourself and your music. Add links to your favorite artists and tracks. Add some photos to your gallery. Write in your journal. Build some playlists. Explore!

It's easy and fun....

Personal Music Profiles: Because music is personal
Make your music profile personal with your own pictures, music, and more. Make it reflect your taste in music, or your taste in life. We know... It's all about you!Our members continuously search and recommend new artists and songs. Our unique technology recommends tracks personally for you. Our browseable catalog is a treasure trove waiting to be opened.

Build Perfect Playlists: The fun way to share music
There's a playlist for every occasion... playlists for parties, playlists for candelight dinners, even playlists for long drives in the country. It's easy to make playlists for every occasion, share them with the community, listen to other's playlists, even download playlists to your PC.

MusicStrands Influences: Meet your personal music experts
“Influence” is the name MusicStrands gives to members with great taste – musical tastes just like your own. These are the members you enjoy uncovering great music with. The members you have chosen as your personal experts.

Choosing an influence is easy – simply click the “Add as an Influence” button on any member’s MusicStrands profile. When you add an Influence, their Journal posts and Music Discoveries are automatically reported to you -- in your own private “Music Report.”

Music Journals: Let the world know what you think
Journals are your personal platform for speaking to the world. It’s so simple to express yourself in words and pictures.

Visit your Profile page, and click “Post New Journal Entry.” Just type and post. If you’re more adventurous, you can add photos and web links to your pages.

Have you found another member whose journal is consistently great? You can subscribe to their journal by adding the member as an “Influence.” You’ll never miss out on the great music being uncovered by the MusicStrands community.

Music Discoveries: One click let's the world hear what you've found
Music Discoveries are the one-click way to tell the world about the music you’ve found on MusicStrands.com. Every Song's detail page has an “Add To Discoveries” button that instantly adds the song to your "Discoveries" list on your personal profile. From there, any member can see and hear the track. It’s that simple.

Music Groups: Keep your friends close
With Music Groups you can share your thoughts and tastes with friends, family, and like-minded people all over the world. Each group has it’s own forum where members can post their thoughts – in words and pictures.

Have you found a great new Blues artist? Share the music with the entire group by posting a link to the website. Post a photo, or even a link to a streaming audio file. Groups are a great way to share your favorite music with friends and fellow music fans.

There's more to the new site -- and you'll find all sorts of feautres as you click around. If you have comments, send us an e-mail -- or post a comment in the MusicStrands Members' Forum.

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Jim Boggia: Songwriter

~ December 23, 2005 at 12:21 (Views: 220 )

It's so easy to write bad Pop that it's worth spotlighting the few really talented songwriters. Check out Jim Boggia (singer/songwriter).

Boggia has a talent for strong, melodic pop that will resonate with fans of Elvis Costello. But Boggia's vocal style is more accessible, and nobody possibly could reject a song like “Live the Proof.” This track goes directly to the heart of anyone that has a love for plain, pure pop!

With his slightly raspy, earnest vocals Jim Boggia reminds of nothing but such great pop-icons like Bryan Adams or even Elton John. But like Costello, Boggia has a knack for keeping the sound current. In fact, there is a whole new generation of pop artists (following in the footsteps of bands like The Rembrandts) – Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson (00's), Gavin DeGraw, or even Dave Matthews Band (when not trying to be experimental) – and if you are into this new kind of pop revival, then You must check out Jim Boggia’s music.

Of course, Boggia is not a newcomer to the music business. Before going solo, he had long worked with celebrity indy artists like Amanda Marshall; indy icon Juliana Hatfield; Jill Sobule; and even 1970s cult artist Emitt Rhodes.

In fact, you may happen to note the backup vocals on the track “Where's the Party?” – that is none less than Aimee Mann. Other well known musicians guest-staring on Jim Boggia’s albums include: Wayne Kramer (yes, the legendary guitarist from the MC5); Pete Thomas (from Elvis Costello & The Attrac...); Butch Norton (from the Eels); Michael Penn (Madonna’s ex-husband); and Justin Meldal Johnsen (from Beck).

Boggia was also a leading member of the group 4 Way Street, which had something of a hit with "Several Thousand," composed by Jim Boggia.

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Playlist: Hardcore Holidays

~ December 21, 2005 at 15:40 (Views: 29 )

After 10 long hours in the Prong family's loving arms, the Holidays wear thin. This playlist is my musical escape.

<<You can make your own playlists from your Music Profile>>

Every year I make the trek to Nova Scotia to join my uncle Julien Prong and about 30 Prongs of various shapes and sizes to celebrate the assorted holidays. It’s a long voyage, and when arriving at the train station, there’s much good will and heartfelt camaraderie. That’s about 8 am.

Around 5 PM, the family is bearing down on each other like polar bears over an icy Seal carcass, and the five days between Xmas and New Years begins to seem like a prolonged stay in Biosphere II.

Now I have nothing against Mormons, Tabernacles or Choirs (some of my best friends are tabernacles!) but there’s more to the holiday that carols sung by castrati. But above the Arctic Circle the odds of finding a good Mosh are slim. So before I go, I pack my music with me….

Here’s a sample…

Happy Holidays to all!
-- Byron & The MusicStrands Team

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VACO Joins MusicStrands

~ December 14, 2005 at 18:42 (Views: 86 )

DC residents will know this band as one of that region’s most celebrated local talents. Virginia Coalition (VACO) has rubbed shoulders with some big names... and are making a name far beyond the confines of suburban Alexandria.

The young team has appeared on stage with headliners like Maroon 5, Train, Dave Matthews Band, Ben Folds Five, and Counting Crows.

VACO has steady Pop schtick, mixed with some Funk and Soul. It was a popular sound in at the now defunct 930 Club in Northwest DC (ahh, the times we had...). This is the kind of tight, well produced lyrical rock that crowds would go crazy for, and left us humming on the drive home, or on the way to dancing at PollyEsthers.

Maybe the attraction comes from the layering of talents. Every member of the band plays almost every instrument; sing just as well as they play; and everyone writes. The collaborative song-writing style creates the textured, sometimes eccentric, and always strong, melodic songs that have allowed Virginia Coalition to stand out. All songs are composed and performed by them group.

We strongly recommend you to listen to a song like “Pick Your Poison”, but there are many strong tracks, with enough power to bore directly into your psyche. Listen, and you will find yourself humming or whistling their tunes all day.

Their latest album is “Ok to Go” (album #4 if you’re counting) was produced by the famous producer Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, The Replacements, Train). Their previous album, "Townburg," was recorded by Ted Comerford and mixed by Mitch Easter (R.E.M.). Their third album “Rock Roll Party” hit #18 on Billboard's Top Internet Selling Albums.

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Canada Crooning: Allison Crowe

~ December 14, 2005 at 18:41 (Views: 301 )

What it is it about the Great White North that inspires women to write songs that wrench your heart? I’m not sure, but welcome singer-songwriter Allison Crowe (2005) to that long-standing tradition. Crowe walks in some fierce footsteps, including such Canadian crooners as Jann Arden, Amanda Marshall, Sarah McLachlan, and Alanis Morissette … all the way back to Joni Mitchell.

Crowe has previewed her fourth album “Live at Wood Hall (2005)” on MusicStrands. The album is an intimate collection of Crowe’s own songs, produced under her label “Rubenesque Records Ltd.” We wish she would post more of her albums… but additional works are available for streaming on her website.

Check out a selection of tracks to fully appreciate the expressive range of Crowe’s voice. She runs the gamut from the raspy expressiveness of The Cranberries’ Dolores O’Riordan to the sweet and subtle crooning of Jewel (Pop) or Tori Amos. (A version of Amos’ Playboy Mommie is on the album). Fans of acoustic piano music and passionate female voices will definitely want to add “There Is” to their playlists. Other songs evoke associations to everything from the popular jazzer and fellow Nanaimo-ite Diana Krall (whom Crowe has shared a stage with) all the way to the more experimental, iconoclastic Ani DiFranco. (Listen to Crowe’s version of DiFranco's "Independence Day" on the album).

Crowe has just ended a European tour, covering major cities like Dublin, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Paris. Although we missed her in Barcelona, at least she had the grace to stop by MuscStrands upon her return to North America.