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Hed Kandi is a record label, radio show, international club sensation and general soundtrack to life! Musically, Hed Kandi is all about style!
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What I can think about, I can talk about. What I can say, I can write. What I can write, I can read. I can read what I can write and what other people can write for me to read.
"I'm just about to get a shower when I saw myself in the mirror in my tiny bathroom. I wanted to capture myself looking undernourished & unshaved for a week."
Kate Havnevik - Kates unique voice, which explores both the very depths and the highs of her vocal range, is as much her trademark as her own music, which is melodic & cool, sometimes dramatic but always intelligently executed. She spices her unusual & exciting arrangements with a touch of electronic programming mixed with conventionally recorded traditional instruments to create the sound-scape that she likes to dress her songs and voice in.
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Hold On
KT Tunstall
Gonna Lift You Up
Jonathan Butler
Anniversary
Suzanne Vega
*****
Artist: Kate Walsh 
Artist: Sitti
Genre: Bossa
Album: Cafe Bossa
Song List: Girl From Ipanema/Tattoed On My Mind/At 17/Hey Look At The Sun/I Didn't Know I Was Looking For Love/Invisible War/One Note Samba/Soft Melody/You On My Mind/Lost In Space/Lady Wants To Know/Close To You/Half A Minute/Samba Song/Bridges/Mas Que Nada/Wave/Fly Me To The Moon/Para Sa Akin
Lily Allen - On the breezy, immediately catchy "Smile," the sultry-voiced Allen takes pleasure in the woes of a former beau, while the bleakly upbeat urban ode "LDN" recalls an unlikely fusion of the Streets and Norah Jones. Though part of Allen's charm is in her day-in-the-life, U.K.-specific observations (see the punchy "Knock 'Em Out"), ALL RIGHT, STILL has enough sass, verve, and melody to appeal to a wide international audience.
Feist - Jazz-influenced and classically schooled, Feist possesses a voice with a distinctive intimacy often lacking in trained singers. This warmth complements the well-orchestrated compositions on LET IT DIE with an almost voyeuristic atmosphere, akin to hearing someone singing herself to sleep. The song that will make the tears fall, though, is the 1930s-esque, cinematic piano ballad "Now at Last," in which Feist dreamily sings "What makes winters lonely?/Now at last I know."
Nina - As the first female acoustic artist, Nina also pioneered a wave of acoustic hits, starting with tracks like "Foolish Heart," "Loving You," and all the other hits on her Nina Live! CD, VCD and DVD—which was also a landmark in OPM music. One might recall that Nina Live! was a collection of Nina and her fans* favorite love songs renditions, and which spawned a great senti revival throughout the Philippines. Nina proves just how famous and accepted her remakes are in the market. And now you can listen to her in iTunes.
Jennifer Lopez- You don't need to be fluent in Spanish to appreciate this album, however, it is completely different to anything Jennifer has done before with a much more mature feel, it may alienate fans of her traditional pop music. Jennifer's voice isn't extremely powerful, but it has significantly improved since the beginning of her career, and she's done well to sing some of the ballads on the album. This is a very good album, and it was brave of Jennifer to do a complete Spanish album, and I believe she has been successful in pulling it off.
John Legend- he cool-toned groove of the album's lead-off single, "Save Room," is a case in point, as is the beautiful, mid-tempo "Show Me," which floats on intricate electric guitar patterns and swelling strings. The vibe is deep on ONCE AGAIN, and beautifully restrained; the productions are contemporary and tinged with hip-hop aesthetic, yet they're never overbearing. Horns, piano, tasteful strings, and a pulsing rhythm section provide a sweet canvas for Legend's seductive croon and falsetto swoops. ONCE AGAIN is a true soul record, and Legend is rapidly gaining on his competitors as the king of the neo-soul mountain.
Ben Taylor- He has an ability to pen a catchy tune, and arrange it in an interesting and distinctive way. Ben's sound is reminiscent at times of some bands from the sixties, but not overtly so. It also sounds very new and inventive. Mostly a relaxing sound too, with no heavy or loud tracks to upset a late night chill out session, something this album is good for. All in all, well worth getting if you like acoustic melodic stuff and want something fresh and new.
Paolo Nutini- On his full-length studio debut, THESE STREETS, young Scottish singer-songwriter Paolo Nutini offers up a confident set of pop-savvy tunes in the vein of James Blunt and John Mayer. Helmed by esteemed producer Ken Nelson (Badly Drawn Boy, Coldplay), the album deftly mixes mid-tempo rock songs (the scrappy "Jenny Don't Be Hasty") with emotive ballads (the yearning "Last Request"; the regretful "Rewind"), revealing Nutini's raspy-voiced, easy-going charm. A highly successful record in the U.K., THESE STREETS bodes well for Nutini's future work.
Amy Winehouse- Ivor Novello award winner, Mercury Music Prize and triple Brit nominee Amy Winehouse follows the release of her single “Rehab” with the highly anticipated release of this second album. “Back To Black” is the follow-up to her platinum debut “Frank” which established her as one of the most exciting and challenging artists in pop music. She confirms beyond any reasonable or unreasonable doubt that she is a truly remarkable talent and gifted singer/songwriter.
Astrid Swan - She is from Finland. She writes songs, sings and plays instruments. Astrid asks of herself “Am I a conflicting figure, a radical annoyance with my own songs but also with my masquerades and games of beauty? Am I to be seen with the Marilyns or with the Jonis? Why can I not be with the Bobs or the Antonies?” Poverina is the title of her debut album. People who have heard it love it. Now you have the chance to hear & love the record as well, when Minty Fresh Records releases Poverina this spring 2007. If you really want to experience who Astrid Swan is, listen to her music. Astrid Swan is not heavy metal.
Fergie- The first release on Black Eyed Pea will.i.am's record label, THE DUTCHESS seems intent on giving Beyonce, Kelis, and every female pop/R&B singer a run for her money. With production help from Polow the Don and will.i.am (who also contributes raps to a couple of songs), Fergie delivers a record that kicks out spare club tracks inspired by Missy Elliott and M.I.A. (such as the disc's lead-off single "London Bridge"), alongside sultry soul ballads ("Clumsy"). There aren't many surprises here, but THE DUTCHESS is a glossy, fun, and satisfying album, which is exactly what her fans are expecting.
Blue Six- Aquarian Angel along with other gems from Jay Denes are in a class by themselves. It is completely different from other house songs you may have heard or any other genre that Jay presents to you on his CDs. The easy listening songs work well if you have company over and you have it as background music. I guarantee that your guests will ask you who the artist is before they leave. Do yourselves a favor. Pick up this CD. Try it for yourself. Then try it on your guests. You will be glad you did.
*image not available for the latest CD release*
James Morrison - The 21-year-old presents a spellbinding collection of raw, bittersweet and bluesy soulful songs. His voice evokes shades of Rev. Al Green and the late Otis Redding, remarkable for a blue-eyed Englishman imbuing his material with a genuine passion and raw emotion that is honest and inspirational.
Chris Rice - "Songs have an amazing way of stretching people in how they think. If I can get someone to consider a very serious subject through a song, then I'm all about it. But at the same time, I want to make people laugh at a funny thought too. Humor stretches people too! In one sense, they're just songs. Period. But on the other hand, a song can trigger a thought that might lead to a change. That's not unique to music, though. We ALL have that potential with our lives and our work."
Chris Brown - Brown lights upon a clever formula here by combining edgy tracks with a sultry urban-contemporary delivery, and bringing to that mixture the fresh-faced innocence of teen pop acts. Like Usher, whom he resembles in some respects, Brown's music is likely to make 15-year-old girls swoon, yet there is a vitality here and a musical sophistication that promises even better things to come from this young upstart.
My Brightest Diamond - Almost every song pivots around a moment of crisis, distilling stories to their most distressing points of contact: a phone call, an injured horse, a dragonfly caught in a spider’s web. Shara doesn’t share all the information — just the stuff that matters. The effect is a sensational compression of time, in which an entire event is summarized in a single note. This, of course, is the essence of opera. But My Brightest Diamond is much more than musical theater.
Joshua Radin - has the art of whispered singing down to an exact science. Joshua's songs have been further featured on the FOX Television drama North Shore, and the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy. His song "Star Mile" is on The Last Kiss movie soundtrack. The album "We Were Here" was released in 2006, containing many of the songs featured on the various television shows. The album is made up of heavily acoustic indie Folk/Pop, and is especially reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel, Elliott Smith, Damien Rice and Iron & Wine.
Utada Hikaru - On her first major-label English-language album, Utada (who previously sold over nine million albums in Japan) delivers a diverse collection of urbane, modern, and, at times, almost avant-garde electronica and dance music. Of course, Utada's remarkable voice--which sounds like a cross between Tori Amos, Yoko Ono, and Madonna--is the center of the storm; on "Tippy Toe," the ex-Columbia University student swoops to great heights and back down again, matching her often intensely personal, wryly humorous lyrics with an unpredictable melody.
Fantasia Barrino - AMERICAN IDOL fans--and lovers of great R&B--are eagerly anticipating the December 12, 2006 release of Fantasia Barrino's second full-length album. Among other highlights, Outkast's Big Boi lends a guest vocal to the first single, "Hood Boy." Fantasia has proven that she has broken away from the Idol stage. She is in a total league of her own with this new hot album. With her statuesque Grace Jones cover pose, she is poised to strike it big.
Robin Thicke - There are hard-grooving tunes here, and downtempo tracks as well. Thicke works a nice contemporary R&B vibe by judiciously mixing choice old-school elements (Marvin Gaye is a clear touchstone) with electronic flourishes and hip-hop inflections, so that several tracks on THE EVOLUTION sound ready-made for radio play. Robin Thicke's sophomore release should be of interest to fans of the new breed of post-millennium R&B stars like Ne-Yo and Jaheim.
Chris Daughtry - His new album, DAUGHTRY, on 19 Recordings/RCA Records fully delivers on that promise, but what's most striking about the North Carolina native's debut is the skillfulness with which he blends his hard won attributes: The rugged voice tempered by an even sturdier sense of place. Emboldened by riveting collaborations such as "What I Want," "It's Not Over," "There And Back Again," and the probing "All These Lives," it's evident Daughtry possesses a durable songwriting presence of his own.
Hem - Sally Ellyson's warm vocals--evoking a whiskey-drinking version of Everything But the Girl's Tracey Thorn--are at the album's heart, but the songs are decorated with a rich tapestry of unusual instruments that make the simple, folk-based songs more complex without seeming overstuffed. At its finest moments, as on "The Pills Stopped Working," FUNNEL CLOUD is right there with the best of contemporary indie country and folk, and its rigorous song structures and unapologetic pop sense give the album an epic scope akin to Wilco's YANKEE HOTEL FOXTROT or R.E.M.'s AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE.
Kate Havnevik - Kates unique voice, which explores both the very depths and the highs of her vocal range, is as much her trademark as her own music, which is melodic & cool, sometimes dramatic but always intelligently executed. She spices her unusual & exciting arrangements with a touch of electronic programming mixed with conventionally recorded traditional instruments to create the sound-scape that she likes to dress her songs and voice in.
Tony Bennett - Released shortly after Tony Bennett's 80th birthday, 2006's DUETS: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC finds the beloved jazz/pop vocalist collaborating with an impressive array of friends and admirers. Amidst a backdrop of lush string and horn arrangements, Bennett, still in remarkably bold voice despite his age, shines on these winning tracks. Highlights include the buoyant "Lullaby of Broadway" (with the Dixie Chicks), the lightly swinging "I Wanna Be Around" (with U2's Bono), and a rendition of one of Bennett's smooth signature tunes, "The Best Is Yet to Come" (with Diana Krall). While duet albums can be spotty affairs, Bennett and his well-selected singing partners make this a thoroughly enjoyable set.
Eva Cassidy - Cassidy died at a mere 33 years of age in 1996, and up until then she'd only been known in the local music scene of Washington D.C. For some fans, the pleasure of listening is enough. Others want to know more: "Who was this remarkable singer? Why haven't we heard of her before? Are there more albums?" Her singing is consistently both strong and reserved, betraying emotion without resorting to showy indulgence. An apt comparison might be an updated, American Sandy Denny, with whom Cassidy shares a special kind of quiet soul.
12 Tracks To Listen
Incognito - are a British band, widely regarded as one of the key members of the acid jazz movement. Their first album, Jazz Funk, was released in 1981, with ten further albums following, the last of which, Eleven, was released in October 2005. The band has had intermittent success in the singles charts, with their breakthrough hit a version of the Ronnie Laws tune "Always There", featuring Jocelyn Brown. They have also been a favourite of various re-mixers, including Masters At Work, David Morales, Roger Sanchez and Jazzanova, and have released three albums consisting almost entirely of remixes.
18 Tracks To Listen
Up Dharma Down - A Filipino Band got the name from the word Dharma, meaning the laws of life. In whatever case, it is a law that connects everything in existence no matter how diverse they are. This is how the band explains their music, having rather dissimilar musical influences that results into a dynamic sound that still meets halfway as it appeals to a certain group of listeners almost everywhere.
11 Tracks To Listen
Totally Country - These are the hottest Country picked by someone who emailed me to download these songs. I am not a fan of Country but when I heard all the songs, I intended to indicate that these selections are pretty decent and sound Pop. Much of the collection's tone is lyrically nice, as evidenced on Rascal Flatts' "What Hurts The Most" and of course, the American Idol's only Country Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats" and LeAnn Rimes' "Some People". It's a variety of fine Country hits.
18 Tracks To Listen
The Kooks -The eagerly awaited debut of the energetic UK new pop foursome who have been built a significant fanbase with their honest, appealing musical style. The album begins with the slow acoustic 'Seaside' quite a contrast to the rest of the album, but it's still definitely a sing-along and makes a good intro to the rest of the record. It's followed by the loud and proud 'See the World', an anthem by any standard this sets the tone for the rest of the album perfectly, with big verses and bigger lyrics. This is a song from the heart and the lyrics show it.
14 Tracks To Listen
Sarah McLachlan - McLachlan's unmistakable soaring voice displays its usual angelic tones and amazing versatility, abetted by the familiar, assured stamp of longtime producer and collaborator Pierre Marchand, making SURFACING McLachlan's most mature album yet. Right from the start, with the anthem-like pop tune "Building a Mystery," McLachlan sets the tone, simultaneously shadowy and calm. SURFACING is an introspective musical landscape, a tight collection of thought-provoking songs from one of today's most talented artists.
17 Tracks To Listen
Liz Phair - Indie rock critics and fans have made almost a sport of charting Liz Phair's ever-mutating sound. Phair's music has lived under the microscope, from the homemade Girlysound tapes to the carnally frank lo-fi classic EXILE IN GUYVILLE, the more polished, but still chaotic WHIP-SMART, and the quainter pop of a newly married mom on WHITECHOCOLATESPACEEGG. Emerging from a five-year hiatus, Phair comes out with a self-titled effort sure to give said critics and fans plenty to talk about.
13 Tracks To Listen
Lisa Loeb - Rising to modest fame with her surprise hit, "Stay (I Missed You)," which was featured in the 1994 film REALITY BITES, New York City-based singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb charmed audiences with her bookish, bespectacled persona and sugary-sweet alt-pop tunes. This 2006 collection draws largely on cuts from Loeb's first two Geffen albums ('95's TAILS and '97's FIRECRACKER), including the delicate aforementioned song and the energetic "I Do."
14 Tracks To Listen
Jaci Velasquez - Though she has been called "the Christian Christina Aguilera" due to her Latin heritage and predilection for slickly produced dance pop, with UNSPOKEN Jaci Velasquez shows once and for all that she is far more than simply a teen idol. First off, Velasquez has been releasing albums since 1996; she left behind the vocal calisthenics long ago, slowly developing into a singer of great maturity, restraint and range.
14 Tracks To Listen
Gerald Levert - Gerald Levert was born to sing smooth, seductive R&B. Surrounded by a rich musical family, Gerald was influenced by his father Eddie, a member of the hit-making O'Jays, and formed the vocal group Levert with his brother Sean. In 1987, Levert scored the crossover smash "Casanova," along with a number of subsequent R&B hits. Embarking on a solo career at the beginning of the '90s, Gerald has been pumping out steady, sensual soul since then, and 2003's A STROKE OF GENIUS is just another satisfying step.
11 Tracks To Listen
Eric Benet - In the six years that passed after the release of 1999's A DAY IN THE LIFE, Eric Benet's very public marriage and painful breakup with Halle Berry ended up overshadowing the Milwaukee native's skills as a talented, soulful singer-songwriter. Not surprisingly, HURRICANE uses Benet's recent turmoil to fuel songs touching on the crooner's dark and troubled times. But rather than go down the more accusatory path of musical retribution (as the late Marvin Gaye did on 1978's HERE MY DEAR), Benet looks inward throughout these few cuts.
9 Tracks To Listen
Basia - Basia is out of this world as a vocalist. She's got a total command of her huge, riveting voice, alternating brilliantly between tender, seductive passages and powerful, thrilling climaxes, and she does so without ever slipping over into show-biz schmaltz. At the same time, this is a mature adult contemporary pop album, with lots of fun and witty lyrics and barely anything that even remotely resembles sappiness such as "Promises", "Time and Tide" and "New Day For You".
9 Tracks To Listen
Good Girl Gone Bad
Artist: Rihanna
Released June 05 2007
Hil St. Soul - Im a fan of good music. The 20-something year-old chanteuse along with her musical partner Victor Redwood Sawyer (founder of the award-winning hip hop group Blak Twang), make up Hil St. Soul, one of the hottest groups to emerge from Londons underground music scene in recent years that blends low-key hip-hop and soul-jazz into a compelling mix, bubbling under the vocals of Hilary Mwelwa for a set that includes the smooth-as-satin "Hey Boy" the slinky "Baby Come Over," on which she's joined by up-and-comer Dwele, and the regretful, slow-burning "Goodbye."
10 Tracks To Listen
Corinne Bailey Rae - Her voice is mesmerizing. I’m currently spinning her songs over and over again. This is a woman, who’s not ever going to be your average ballad singer. In fact, if allowed, she’ll blow you away many times with her “Put Your Records On”. I like the Billy Holiday/Erika Badu feel she gives. I do love her songs. They are pretty catchy - gives me the laid-back feeling that everything will be alright.
14 Tracks To Listen
Luther Vandross - Vandross had so many hits throughout the 1980s and '90s, and--more importantly--was such an influential R&B stylist, that any attempt to sum him up on a single-disc compilation is somewhat futile. Still, 2006's ULTIMATE LUTHER VANDROSS, which modified the track list of the 2001 collection of the same name, does an admirable job of capturing the artist's achievement.
15 Tracks To Listen
Brie Larson - Unlike her slightly older peers Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan, singer/actress Brie Larson hadn't garnered a high-profile Hollywood career prior to the release of her debut album, FINALLY OUT OF P.E., but that doesn't stop the disc from being a more-than-respectable slice of hummable teen-pop. Although the record mainly sticks to the ultra-slick pop/rock territory of Duff and Lohan, Larson is a more natural and assured singer than those performers, making this 2005 outing an immediately entertaining and accessible record.
8 Tracks To Listen
Cassie - R&B singer Mario invited her to be the lead (and only) girl in the video for his single "Here I Go Again", Missy Elliot picked Cassie to be the face of her Adidas "Respect M.E." clothing line, Clean & Clear put her in a commercial, Complex magazine featured her in a swimsuit spread, and Target department store chose her to be on their prime billboard space in Times Square. Judging by this whirlwind of success over the past year, Cassie's future seems to have "star" written in it. Not bad for a girl who broke a school tradition to follow her heart and write her own rules.
9 Tracks To Listen
Vivian Green - Whether she's questioning the erratic quality of a romantic union ("Emotional Rollercoaster"), resigning herself to a broken romance over a bed of cocktail lounge piano and trumpet ("No Sittin' By The Phone"), or defiantly questioning a lover's unrealistic demands ("Superwoman"), Green displays a sophistication that continually belies her young age. Her forays into more contemporary nuances like slightly dance-flavored beats on the captivating "Wishful Thinking" further ensures Vivian Green's place alongside fellow Philly denizens Jill Scott and Erykah Badu.
9 Tracks To Listen
Jeremy Camp - Camp's powerful vocals take center stage among bashing, Nirvana-esque drums and a thick wall of guitars. "Even When" incorporates gently swaying string arrangements and a waltz beat, while "My Desire" starts as a folky, acoustic-based testament of faith before moving into soaring power-ballad territory. A highly accessible record, RESTORED is a moving (but rocking) declaration of faith.
11 Tracks To Listen
Chris Botti - With a varied procession of guest vocalists wrapped in Botti's own GQ elegance and transparent trumpet interludes. They hover like smoke rings in languid and lonely whispers. Botti balances the songs' tempos and moods with great care. A wonderfully moody work showing that the Great American Songbook is always open to new interpretations. Despite the added star power, the record is still Botti's show, as he reminds listeners with his smooth, atmospheric Chet Baker-inspired horn lines, particularly on the gently floating "Embraceable You" and the romantic title track.
15 Tracks To Listen
Pharrell Williams - The overall feel of IN MY MIND falls somewhere between hip-hop and urban contemporary R&B, whether on the spare, electro-funk beats of "Keep It Playa" or the smooth, seductive groove of "Baby." A figure as in-demand as Pharrell can get just about any guest he wants, and the list for IN MY MIND is an impressive one: Slim Thug, Nelly, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, and Gwen Stefani, all of whom were Pharrell clients at one point or another, make appearances.
22 Tracks To Listen
Keri Noble - Her voice is rich and full of the blues. The song writing is impressive to say the least. It's the perfect blend of beautiful song writing, an angelic voice, and simple piano accompaniment. I must admit that some of her songs took a few listens for me to love them, but once I stopped to listen to the lyrics and to appreciate how gorgeous and rich her voice really is, I was hooked on all of them. Enjoy this one loudly!
9 Tracks To Listen
Rilo Kiley - Some albums grow on you the more you listen to them and Rilo Kiley's "More Adventurous" is definitely one of those. The tunes are catchy and upbeat, the lyrics make you ponder about life and love and how everything will work out in the end, but the main attraction here is definitely the voice of Jenny Lewis. Lewis adds a beautiful country touch to "I Never", sounds melancholic and pretty on "Accidntel Deth", charming and playful on "Portion for Foxes" and "It's A Hit" and comtemplative on "The Absence of God".
10 Tracks To Listen
Musiq Soul Child - The confusingly constructed title of the debut album by Musiq translates to "I just want to sing," and that intention is borne out impressively throughout this recording. The album's placement on Def Jam's Def Soul imprint is not insignificant, as Musiq is a true R&B/hip-hop hybrid. Like any classic R&B singer, though, Musiq presents himself as a love man of the first degree, and the album's focus is decidedly centered on the ins and outs of romance.
9 Tracks To Listen
Rihanna - Rihanna's "Pon the Replay" was the jam of summer 2005, and with good reason: its Caribbean-flavored rhythms and infectious, singalong chorus made it nearly irresistible. The Barbados-born singer's full-length, MUSIC OF THE SUN, performed well on the strength of the single, and offered more of Rihanna's commercially tailored dancehall-pop.
10 Tracks To Listen
Lyfe Jennings - A prison stint gave Chester "Lyfe" Jennings time to write songs about the kind of everyday complexities that are far from the prevalent "bling-bling" hip-hop lifestyle. Rich, Quiet Storm-flavored grooves dominate these arrangements, and, with a pliable vocal style that falls somewhere between Al Green and Marvin Gaye, the former choirboy readily impresses.
7 Tracks To Listen
India.Arie - The singer-songwriter's continues to perfect her unique blend of styles. Smooth and accessible, yet marked by supremely well-crafted songs, TESTIMONY shifts gears effortlessly, moving from breezy tropical tunes ("Good Mourning") to Lauren Hill-styled hip-hop ("I Am Not My Hair"), hitting all points in between.
14 Tracks To Listen
Jill Scott - Jill Scott first turned a multitude of heads by penning the brilliant hip-hop love jam "You Got Me," which with the aid of Erykah Badu became a huge hit for fellow Philly-ites The Roots. Scott is easily Ms. Badu's equal in sultry sensuality and subtle vocal acrobatics, and her lush, luxurious lyrics are almost on par with the patriarch of sexy lyrics himself, Prince. "A Long Walk" which is my favourite was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
12 Tracks To Listen
Lemar - Lemar breathes new life into the UK R&B scene, his voice is a cross between Luther Vandross and Jaheim. This debut album (2003) "Dedicated" has a nice mix of styles from old school soul to mainstream R&B pop. There are many other memorable moments on this album. On the whole a very promising debut im sure as the years role by his song writing will grow to match his unmatchable vocal talents.
12 Tracks To Listen
Hed Kandi - "Serve Chilled" focuses is on sunny, brighter chill tracks rather than the more acoustic, introverted tradition of the darker side that's common on Kandi's "Winter Chill". It's the perfect companion for an afternoon in the sun, by the pool, on the beach, savouring beautiful Balearic sunsets or even for the morning after! Hed Kandi has always been about lifestyle. Musically, they've never been just about club records, but their taste extends into whatever music is required for any situation! It's all about diversity!
1:14:40 Hours To Listen
Minnie Driver - The Actress best known for her work in films like Good Will Hunting and Circle of Friends, released her first music album, "Everything I’ve Got in My Pocket". Strongly autobiographical songs like the folky “Invisible Girl” and the country-tinged “Fast As You Can” bear resemblances to Neil Young and Cowboy Junkies respectively, while there are hints of Sarah McLachlan and Gillian Welch on such tracks as the more pop-oriented “Wire” and the gorgeous ballad “Home,” about having faith in the power of love to guide one through life.
9 Tracks To Listen
Collections Of Buddha Bar Sound - There are several tracks that are new variations on old classical pieces, a Gotan Project Remix of an old Sarah Vaughan track called Whatever Lola Wants which you can also find on Verve Remixed 2, an awesome remix of Telepopmusik's Breathe which fits perfect in this mix and an amazing track called Manvantara by an artist/artists called Bliss. It's great to chill too with, to have playing in the background with friends or put the top down in the car and just blast the stereo as you are driving through the streets.
20 Tracks To Listen
Anggun - If you've heard anything from Anggun (Snow on the Sahara?) you know about her voice. It's an odd comparison, but the best I can compare it to is Sade mixed with Cher. What that really means is that she has a unique voice; it has a dark intensity that really sets her apart. This is not a novelty voice or special vocal processing that will fatigue you, like Macy Gray or some other flavor of the week! Her voice is just different. I can't see myself getting tired of her specially the song "Snow Of The Sahara" and "I Wanna Hurt You".
8 Tracks To Listen
Scissor Sisters - is a case study in albums that are more than the sum of their parts. On paper, the group's combination of 1970s glam, disco, and pop brings to mind Elton John, Supertramp, and a really sweaty night at the disco with a particularly deft DJ on the turntables. In practice, however, the band uses their influences not so much to create a new style as to render up something eerily familiar that isn't quite identifiable. And while the sense of the familiar makes them immediately appealing, it is the unidentified other that keeps you listening.
14 Tracks To Listen
Josh Rouse - With its feel-good vibes, earthy structures, and gorgeously crisp, expansive production (courtesy of Brad Jones), the album effortlessly transports us to the year in question. Moreover, it's clear that Rouse has been doing his homework--his excellent batch of songs bears the influence of '70 songwriters like Carole King, Marvin Gaye, and James Taylor, and groups like America and Fleetwood Mac. But Rouse is no mere mimic; he blends his inspirations with flair. His stylistic melange contains clear reference points, yet stands in its own bell-bottomed jeans.
6 Tracks To Listen
Regina Spektor - The music is sometimes willfully primitive, as on "Poor Little Rich Boy," with its sing-song melodies, tumbling lyrics, and countertop percussion. Although Spektor can verge on being cloyingly child-like, she also delivers meticulously crafted, detail-packed songs of great intensity and passion ("The Flowers") and sketches sweepingly beautiful metaphors ("Us"). Spektor effaces seriousness and self-importance with her endearing sense of humor, relishing silliness and absurdity that is nevertheless rooted in emotional truth (particularly on "Chemo Limo").
14 Tracks To Listen
Jamiroquai - "Jay Kay returns with another blast of super-slick soul..." In an age of manufactured music idols, Jamiroquai stands out with his original blend and brand of music. He have proven to evolve and stay ahead of what is preceived as good music. He can flatout create music that is great. So if you like good hooks, melodies, and lyrics then check this out. It's an ultimate FUNK!
10 Tracks To Listen
Ari Hest - "Ari Hest collects his thoughts and weaves together a selection of inoffensive love songs and acoustic meditations..." Ari Hest realized his destiny while in high school when he decided to trade in his baseball bat for an acoustic guitar. He started writing songs in his bedroom, and brought those songs off to college campuses with him and performed them live.
15 Tracks To Listen
Gavin DeGraw - The photogenic young troubadour Gavin DeGraw (he's even got a great name) seems almost preternaturally destined for success on his seamless debut album. "Chariot" organically emphasizes the natural hookiness of the material rather than relying on crass production tricks to shove the songs down the public's throat. DeGraw's voice has just the right mix of ragged honesty, falsetto-tinged sweetness, and pure pop melodicism, and the mainstream singer-songwriter rock he turns out is a refreshingly gimmick-free commodity all too rare for its era.
11 Tracks To Listen
Jed Madela - I can say one of the best voice ever heard. The Songs Rediscovered has everything from The Past. I really like the way Jed put his own stamp on these songs. He gave the song a new flavor and dimension. Everytime I listen to the track "The Past", my mind became a camera, snapping shots of the endless life I had in my past, bright lights, greenery that complimented a very laid back of every home in the province, you know those kind of stuff.
15 Tracks To Listen
Imogen Heap - Although it took Imogen Heap seven years to follow up her solo debut with 2005's SPEAK FOR YOURSELF, the British vocalist was far from idle during the interim, having formed Frou Frou with producer Guy Sigsworth (Bjork, Seal). The disc's most notable track is "Hide and Seek," a nearly a cappella tune that was prominently featured on the popular teen drama THE O.C., and presents Heap's bold-yet-breathy vocals lounging on a bed of electronic effects. A must have!
17 Tracks To Listen
6 Cycle Mind - The 90's alternative rock's present-day modern rock. However you call it, one thing remains constant: Good music rocks. Among the notable cuts in "Permission to Shine" are "Biglaan," "Tunay," "Pa Ba," "Wait Or Go" and "Sige." The carrier single, "Biglaan," is already inching its way up radio charts everywhere.
10 Tracks To Listen
M.Y.M.P. - Make Your Momma Proud or a lot famous as MYMP is the author of the sweetest, softest and most soothing music the Philippine Music Industry could have. Pairing up the guitar work of Chin Alcantara and the most angelic voice of Juris Fernandez is truly heaven’s work. This tandem, together with their other band mates, has brought fans and listeners everywhere great music and pleasant times both with their wonderful personalities and their heart-warming songs.
14 Tracks To Listen
Amel Larrieux - When I first heard this track, I started to feel attracted to her soulful voice. A little funky & R&B and with flashes of middle eastern, west african and indian ethnic styles. She is simply beautiful, musically, spiritually, physically, wholly. Amel combines a blend of musical ingredients creating a warm, eclectic backdrop for her sweet yet soulful voice.
7 Tracks To Listen
Train - Train convinced myself that I'd look back and laugh one day. It's like you know when there's the whole thing that went wrong, at the end you'll get stronger. I could play this while travelling back to Bicol in a sunny afternoon on a bus watching the sky, feeling the breeze that collapses my face.
3 Tracks To Listen
KT Tunstall - As the lyrics tells, "when I find the controls I'll go where I like. I'll know where I want to be but maybe for now I'll stay right here on a silent sea". It sounded pretty laid-back as you just let the world go by, touching the shore where the children play and dwell forever. Such a soulful voice.
10 Tracks To Listen
Tori Amos - Throughout, the music is melodic, inviting, and sometimes even danceable. "Sweet the Sting" mixes church organ with an old-school soul beat and Latin percussion, resulting in a track that has less in common with Amos's usual overt sexuality and more with Barry White-style make-out music. "Sleeps with Butterflies" is a gently jazzy soft-rocker. Lyrically, the album draws heavily from ancient religious texts, with an emphasis on women's role in Christianity a la THE DA VINCI CODE. One of Amos's most reflective albums, THE BEEKEEPER is also one of her most intensely thought-provoking outings.
13 Tracks To Listen
Jasmine Trias - OK, I'm a fan. This sounded a bit of Mariah Carey's first few albums, upbeat and it makes you want to dance. She has definately went R&B totally different side of her than the one she showed during her American Idol days. The Luther Vandross revival song "I'd Rather", her new single (released 2006) just went Top #1 for the most Top Idol Single. Go Jazzy!
14 Tracks To Listen
Jazz & Vocals Collections - Renee' Olstead, a melancholy classic. "Someone To Watch Over Me" was recorded by several singers among which Rosemary Clooney, Doris Day, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Elton John. During the credits of the movie with the same name (Ridley Scott, 1987) Sting give a great rendering of the tune. I don't think I still need to tell you why. There are few songs from John Stevens, an American Idol contestant who can really sing few beautiful Vocal jazz on this playlist.
17 Tracks To Listen
James Blunt - "Blunt's writing is heartfelt and wrapped in the sort of sugary strums that make couples gaze at each other longingly". "You're Beautiful" is indeed, a beautiful song. It makes you want to be a teenager again and the lyrics always strikes me. The uncertainty at the beginning, and the calm confidence and hope at the end of the song. Wow! Wow! Wow! Man I wish I wrote that song.
9 Tracks To Listen
Avant - In the classic mold of mack-daddy R&B crooners, Avant is a man with one thing on his mind, and it's the sort of thing that's best appreciated in a PRIVATE ROOM. As a matter of course, most of the tracks are in the time-tested slow-jam vein, giving Avant plenty of room for whispering, cajoling, cooing, and otherwise working his musical wiles. Nevertheless, "Heaven" has an almost 1970s-sounding melodic pop flavor. Things get pretty hot in Avant's PRIVATE ROOM, but his simmering, romantic style makes sure that they never overheat.
11 Tracks To Listen
*Images & Notes Courtesy of Tower Records. Don't forget to buy their CD's. Check on my
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I’ll be coming home soon to my wonderful province called the Isle of the Eastern Seas, Catanduanes, my island paradise of serene beauty.
SS say, "My world just like everyone else is music; its melancholic beat and cinematic silence. Maybe so or my foe? I grew out of my idealism. I believe that changes cannot be made overnight, but they can and will happen if individuals go beyond complaint and into action.". see complete links »
twitter aside
K, that sounds beautiful. When are you heading back? Mom knows or isit a surprise?
You must be on cloud 9 yeah? Keep smiling!
that’s nice! it’s always pleasant to head home after being away on your own…back home to be with family and close friends and enjoy the surroundings! I miss my home too!
your home sounds so serenely beautiful! few people take the time to appreciate familiar surroundings and it’s refreshing to come across one =)
in two weeks i’ll be in Ilocos! i love the province. i loved growing up there. i can’t wait to see my grandma
have fun i will fly out in few hrs
will miss you
will sort out my internet as soon time allows me
next time i come with you to catanduanes never been there
wait a min thought its part of main land at Bicol
island? duh oh my got to learn Phil geography again
tell me more
how you get there from Manila?
land trip to bicol or plane from Manila to virac
hey 22 years nawala ako sa pinas ha. sorry i meant it i just feel so bad there are many places of my country of birth which i do not know much
whats the main dialect?
hope to catch u manila before u i go k!
hey! when are you coming home?
you excited? sama ako!
yeay!
tag me when you’re in manila, k!
Ssshh Asha, I’m paying her a surprise holiday visit and although I did already told my sis (a big-mouther) maybe she’d get the feeling about these whole crazy plan of mine in celebrating her bday. I’m heading in a week from now… feck I need to start packing up.
Not really that get excited cuz I’m suppose to ask her fly over in HK but she declined. Maybe I’m the one who’ll get a surprise.
It’s like a small family reunion minus my two brothers who went home early last month. She hate us going home all together, she thinks it’s a bad luck. At the same time, I would never want to miss the Holy Week highlights so that’s pretty much about relaxing and oh yes, the popular local dishes.
I’ll definately be soaking myself in a deep blue sea water. I want SUN!
.. and reunite with my long lost school friends. Many years ago, it said to be one of the most peaceful place becuz of its unspoiled beaches, very rich in history you probably can compare the island to Guam. But nowadays I think it has become a tiny “city” with few buildings.
The island is located at the Pacific, so during typhoon season in the Philippines, travelling by air or jetboats are dangerous and because of these, the island was known to as the “Land of the Howling Winds”.
Dez, I’ve never been to Ilocos. I grew up in BICOL from kindergarten to college – all my life I wanted to build my own house there near the beach – big windows like a balinese house near a cliff that abuts the sea – kaso pag bumagyo, dedbol ako! hahaha.
There’s always story to tell if your grannies are from the Province. You have a place to escape away from the city.
Take more PHOTOS. I’ll be doing that for sure.
Sha. BIKOLANDIA is huge. We are located in the eastern side along the typhoon belt (binabagyo kami lagi pero parang wala na sa amin yan, matitibay ang bubong ng mga bahay dun).
There are 3 ways to get there: (if you’re a city girl, magrereklamo ka ng todo-todo pero it’s worth the journey)
BY AIR: PAL used to travel in Catanduanes but since it’s only a small island (I think as big as HK island) pinalitan na ng Asian Spirit and Air Philippines. This airline flies direct from Manila to and from Virac daily (45mins or an hour flight).
BY LAND: 13 hrs maximum journey. I’m not travelling by air dahil gusto kong mag enjoy ng BUS-riding along with my iPod (songs worth for 2days). Air Conditioned buses travel direct from Manila to Virac (the Capital of Catanduanes where I live) daily. Other air-conditioned buses can take you from Manila to the Port of Tabaco where a ferry boat can take you across to Virac. Sa Cubao and Pedro Gil St., in Malate, ata ang station (sana hindi na magulo sa bus station).
BY SEA: The most exciting for me. if you are more adventurous tourist and sightseeing travelers, Virac is the best reached throuh the sea. There are two big shipping lines that set asail from the Port of the Tabaco to Virac/San Andres port daily. Ang ganda, you can actually watch a “school of fish” around.
Our dialect is BIKOL. We speak different tones of languages but can easily understand each other but ours is the most unique – we often talk using a slightly twisting of your tongue, parang mga BISAYA? Bicol is rich in traditional food – the “THAILAND” capital of Philippines dahil sa SILI. In our province alone we have 11 other dialects that some of which I can’t speak. Dami pang chekwa dun.
Yuri – not sure saka nakakahiya.
I basically just want to spend it in Bicol, pabalik ko sa Manila same day direcho na ata ako sa NAIA …. via Cebu Pacific, the cheapest one I got dahil fully-fucking-book ang PAL (my choice) at CX (ok lang!)
In case, dumaan ako MLA, punta ako sa Our Tribe para bumili ng leather chinelas at sa BENCH dahil di nasisira yung underwear lycra nila. Saka bili na rin ako ng BALUT. nyak! nyak! nyak! matsalap tati.
Duke in 10 days! Wag ka ng sumama, wala kaming available room dun for guests hahaha but can you imagine staying on a nipa cottage on a shore? Maririnig mo lang yung alon at simoy ng hangin parang gusto mong….
Masarap mag BBQ ng ISDA! Kaya lang baka pag kaguluhan ka dun ng mga guys hehehe.
Ten, sabi nga ni Yuri – sana nga. I’ll be blogging over there to update. In case we meet, take me to MAX resto.
aw that’s nice
take pictures and tell us about it after.
how was your weekend k?
EAR most definately will. I’ve been thinking a lot about my itinerary – I’m sure when I get there, it’ll be a compulsory to take pictures.
My weekend was work & rain. It will never be as exciting as getting a day off – home has always been an extension. I wish I’d drop my cellphone somewhere so The Office can’t find me. Sucks, I would say.
yey, he’s coming home. (or is it “going home” since i’m in a different province) Must feel really great to be back home, huh? Excited?
You know, I could have sworn I heard sound of waves rolling as I read your description. Just entering dreamland right about now. *sigh* Anyway, I’m sure you’ll relish in seeing your mum’s surprised reaction. It’ll be memorable. ;]
uy gusto ko ng inihaw! sus banig ok na ako
kailangan ko lang ng sponsor ng flight ticket
i’m sure excited ka na, K!
i’m jealous!! lol…there’s nothing like going back to the philippines to see family and friends. and there’s nothing like the laid-back, relaxed feel of our islands… have a wonderful trip!
My last visit was 3 yrs ago I think and I’ve always go back to the province no matter how far you’re from. Some friends say I should visit other countries. “Great, why not?” thing is, my family can’t join me.
Yeah bit of excited here but airport & custom officers back home can cause a lot stress.
Hahaha Pari, bet she’d be totally happy. Oh that reminds me of buying her that coloring hair called BIGEN that helps cover her almost “white” hairs. Note to self. Thanks!
And speaking of tickets – I’m flying Cebu Pacific. Cheap no? I know, too small pa – no choice na kasi medyo na-underestimate ko yung exact date ng uwi eh fully book na mga airlines from April onwards eh mga Kababayan natin pauwi pa.
I’m just excited to RELAX (worry-free). I will not be using mobile phones via roaming para di tumawag si Bossing at guluhin ang buhay ko dun sa Bicolandia.
Rho, diba?
2 weeks is not bad to forget the CITY forrawhile and enjoy my time with the old folks. There’s a little time adjustment on waking-sleeping time in the province. I always end up waking up at 5am when the rooster “swears the fook up” on top of someone elses roof. It should be FUN!
haha! you’re so right about the roosters!!
Provincial life, there are funny stories to memorize and I just cant keep smiling back at those little memories.
And oh, the “TAHO! taho! taho!” in the early morning – chase that dude!
Waaaa… I havent been to catanduanes. If I Can, i’ll visit there when I return to the phlippines.