Soul Tracks

Another day. Another track. I've complied a list of my favorite tracks from 2008 and have been dishing them out on a daily basis. Today, Estelle, a standout artist from the pool of Brit soul imports, joins the ranks of the male dominated list with the sensual 'Come Over,' a superb blend of hip hop, soul and reggae. Not only is this track one of my faves but it is also one of 2008's sexiest songs, it would be a great addition to any homemade baby makin' music CD. The sole singer signed to John Legend's HomeSchool Records expects a follow up to her American debut to hit stores sometime next year.

Video Soul

"that girl thinks that shes so bad
she'll change my tears from joy to sad
she says she keeps the upper hand
cause she can please her man..."

Soul Heaven

Eartha Kitt (1927-2008)
Eartha Kitt, a Seducer of Audiences, Dies at 81 {The New York Times}

Soul Fixin'

Merry Christmas

Soul Tracks

As all things 2008 come to a close, I've decided to share a couple of my favorite songs from the past twelve months. I kicked things off on Monday with the Al Green and Corrine Bailey-Rae duet 'Take Your Time.' On Tuesday,Raphael Saadiq's Motown infused 'Staying In Love', surfaced on the list. Up next is a tune from soul crooner Robin Thicke's '08 release Something Else. Even though Robin Thicke upset me a few months ago by claiming VIBE magazine has a strict policy against having white artists on the cover, I was the digging the track 'Dreamworld' the moment I heard it. The somber tune, that invokes the memory of Marvin Gaye among other things, proved to be a magic moment on an album that failed to please the masses. Sit back and enjoy.

Soul Fixin'

Spend 21 NIGHTS with Prince
In need of a last minute Christmas gift? Jet over to your favorite bookstore and cop Prince's first book 21 NIGHTS. The multimedia tome chronicles Prince's unprecedented, record-breaking, sold-out 21 concerts in 21 nights at London’s O2 Arena in 2007 through photographic essays and contains Prince's expressive poetry and lyrics along with 124 lavish never before published photos by famed photographer Randee St. Nicholas. Indigo Nights/Live Sessions is also featured in the project, the live 15-track CD captures the raw, magical, legendary after-show sessions Prince is known for.

Soul Fixin'

Aretha Sings 'Touch My Body'...Again

Aretha Franklin was at it again. The 66 year old legend, who is set to sing at Obama's inauguration, performed an entertaining and playful version of Mariah Carey's 'Touch My Body' at a fund-raising concert at NYC's Nokia Theater. The lyrics proved to be a little too suggestive for Aretha as she declared "somebody tell Mariah I can't sing that stuff...wrestle me around...throw me on the floor...I don't think so."

Video Soul

"now I finally realized
you’re like heaven in my eyes
I took a long time, I apologize
even though at times you messed up
shaking your ass up in the club, that’s messed up"

Soul Tracks

Creating music is a gift from God, and Mr. Saadiq is undeniable gifted. Raphael Saadiq was one of a handful of artist who successfully restored the classic sound of soul music in '08. Saadiq's 2008 release, The Way I See It, recalls the magic of Motown, the sound of Philly and the gutbucket soul of Memphis. Saadiq's 'Staying In Love,' makes my list of favorite songs of 2008. Clocking in at a mere 2 minutes and 56 seconds, 'Staying In Love,' with it's captivating hook, sounds like a Motown song that never was.

Soul Fixin'

Have A Soulful Christmas
Are you in need of a Christmas soundtrack full of soul? Look no further. The good folks at Kevin|Nottingham have complied a list of soulful Christmas tunes available for download. Guess what? It's free. Donny Hathaway's epic 'This Christmas' is included on the compilation along with other favorites such as The Temptations 'Silent Night,' Ike & Tina's 'Merry Christmas Baby,' Luther's 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,' and James Brown 'Santa Claus, Go Straight To The Ghetto.' Click here and get into the spirit.

Soul Fixin'

India.Arie Offers Some 'Therapy'
Acoustic soul singer India.Arie has released another single from her upcoming album, Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics. 'Therapy' featuring reggae artist Roy 'Gramps' Morgan is a far cry from India's signature acoustic soul sound. India steps out of the box and crafts an infectious pop tune. She is obviously reaching for a broader audience, I can't knock a girl for trying. The track has a great deal of potential. It may take awhile, but the song will definitely grow on you. India.Arie's fourth album, Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics, hits stores February 10.

Video Soul

"lord lift me over the hurt and pain
deliver me from the rain
see I don't wanna stress over stress no more
I don't wanna struggle no more..."

Soul Tracks

As the end of 2008 draws near, I have decided to share a couple of my favorite tracks, in no particular order, from the past twelve months. When it comes to soul music I'm a traditionalist. In other words, I'm an 'old soul.' I need that 'stick to your ribs' soul music. I got plenty of that in '08. Al Green's Lay It Down, classic Al with a new twist, gave me the soul fixin' I needed. Kicking things off is the Al Green and Corrine Bailey-Rae duet 'Take Your Time,' a song that was in heavy rotation around these parts. At the age of 62, Al proved he can still set the mood. Rev. Al's seductive falsetto complimented with whispers and animated cries created a a sweet sentimental song of pure surrender.

Soul Fixin'

Jazmine Sullivan, 'The Old Soul' of R&B
Jazmine Sullivan. The 21 year old R&B newcomer was recently nominated for five Grammys. The extra soulful 'In Love With Another Man' grabbed a nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance. Jaz's performance on the track is full of vulnerability, sincerity, and maturity. It's hard to fathom the voice belongs to a 21 year old. Today, I came across the amazing video below. You may be one of the 578,023 people who have witnessed Jazmine singing 'In Love With Another Man' before staffers at Seventeen magazine. If you haven't witnessed this amazing clip, consider it an early Christmas gift. Enjoy.

Soul Fixin'

Rahsaan's Ultimate Christmas Gift
Rahsaan Patterson is offering The Ultimate Gift this Christmas season. The soul crooner joins the laundry list of singers releasing holiday albums. The Ultimate Gift marks Rahsaan's first holiday LP in his ten year career. The 11 track album includes eight original songs and the soon to be classic 'Christmas At My House.' A handful of tracks can be heard on Rahsaan's Myspace page. The Ultimate Gift is available now.

Video Soul

"you're a shinig star, no matter who you are
shining bright to see what you can truly be..."

Soul Fixin'

Obama Disappoints With Latest Pick
Rarely do I disagree with President-elect Barack Obama. He is responsible for making astute decisions throughout the campaign and during the current transition phrase. In the weeks that followed his historic victory, Obama has appointed numerous 'Clintonites' to key positions within his cabinet. It has now been announced that a favorite of the Clinton White House will lend her voice to Barack Obama’s historical inaugural swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20.  Aretha Franklin, that is. The 'Queen of Soul' performed at two Clinton inaugural balls, entertained in the Rose  Garden and received the illustrious Kennedy Center honor. In 1999, she was awarded The National Medal of Arts by President Clinton.Sister ReRe is a living legend, her career has been marked by a slew of achievements, acclaim, and milestones. Aretha has won an astonishing 20 Grammy Awards including the Living Legend Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. The Memphis born- Detroit raised, gospel bred singer was the first black woman to grace the cover of Time magazine and she was the first female to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Without a doubt, Aretha is worthy of sharing the national stage with Obama. While we all love us some 'Retha, I was hoping Team Obama would pick a performer that mirrored Obama's campaign; young, fresh, innovative, ground-breaking, and energetic. Jill Scott immediately comes to mind. Chrisette Michele and Ledisi fit the bill. Other emerging acts and established soul singers such as Raheem DeVaughn, India Arie, John Legend, and Anthony Hamilton are suitable picks. Needless to say, this blogger is a little disappointed with Obama's selection of Soul Singer -In- Chief, if you will.

Soul Fixin'

Anthony Hamilton Covers Sam Cooke

President-elect Barack Obama has inspired us all and promised a change in America. So, it is no coincidence that soul man Anthony Hamilton took a stab at Sam Cooke's larger than life 'A Change Is Gonna Come,' on his current Playin' It Cool Tour. Anthony was kind enough to share the video with us on his tour blog. Anthony Hamilton, a man who possesses fragments of DNA from soul legends such as Bobby Womack, Al Green, and Otis Redding, serves up a cool cover of the Cooke classic. A. Ham is just an all around cool dude.

Video Soul

"baby, I'm in need of your love
and you got that touch
that I need so much
and I am about to explode..."