January 2019 Playlist

It's taken almost all month, but here it is; my first post for 2019. Happy new year to you all, by the way. 

I feel good about the year to come. The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades. The shades also stop the scorching, Australian sun from burning my eyes out. Seriously, it has been so freaking hot. Temperatures of the likes we've never seen before. No such thing as climate change, my arse!

So, the Roxy talks Music January Playlist has a very positive vibe. It wasn't intentional, it just turned out that way. But it's definitely reflective of my current outlook. It's crazy that it's taken me so long to put some Roxy Music on a playlist, but I really have been listening to them a lot lately, and I have to say, there's no better way to start the year. Aaaaand.... Weezer's version of TLC's 'No Scrubs' from their recently released Teal album of covers makes me laugh. 

September Playlist

I've been feeling sentimental of late. I think I'm a sentimental person generally, but lately almost everything makes me emotional. Emotions! Gah!! Who needs them, amiright? I think that's why quite a few of the songs on this month's playlist are sentimental. Some just in general, some specifically for me. It wasn't intentional, that's just the way the cards have fallen.

Again, not much new music here, but I plan to rectify that in the coming months. That said, I did discover Meg Myers, who's second full length album 'Take me to the Disco' was released in July this year. Stephen Kallao wrote a profile on Myers for NPR's World Cafe: essential and emerging artists, describing her sound as 'a bit like Nine Inch Nails got into a fight with the Pixies'. THAT got my attention. 'Numb' the second track on the album, is very Pixiesish - with the loud/quiet shifts and the long, wistful guitar licks.

Look, The Roxy talks Music - September Playlist may be sentimental, but it's not all melancholia. There's a light at the end of the long, wintry tunnel. Spring has sprung! And I'm about ready to kick up my heels and go out for a dance. 

So, put it on and play it loud, my people! And maybe I'll catch you out there on the dance floor.

May Playlist

I've been listening to a lot of new (and new to me) stuff lately and this month's playlist definitely reflects that. At the moment I can't get enough of the new album Blue Poles by Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders. Jack Ladder is a singer/songwriter/guitarist from Sydney with a very new wave, Bryan Ferry sound (his real name is actually Tim Rogers, but there's already a Tim Rogers and, like the Highlander, there can only be one). 

When I'm not listening to Jack Ladder, it's got to be the glam/southern rock stylings of Kyle Craft, the post post punk rockers Parquet Courts or New Yorker, Shilpa Ray who blends punk rock with a 1960's pop sound similar to the The Shangri-Las or The Ronettes, but with a razor sharp edge.

And as the weather gets steadily colder, I'm embracing my fast approaching middle age by enjoying a glass of sherry in the evenings before bed. And with my glass of sherry, the smooth soulful sounds of Donny Hathway, or the great lady, Dusty Springfield. So pour yourself a glass of sherry, get comfortable, and tune into the Roxy talks Music - May Playlist...

Album Review: Lady Wray's 'Queen Alone'

2016
11 songs
Length: 34:53
Available to buy on vinyl or CD or digital download

I first heard Lady Wray’s second studio album Queen Alone a few weeks ago and could have sworn it was a Motown release, circa 1960s-70s. It’s a sweet, soul record with a classic vintage sound.

Wray’s voice is powerful with an impressive range and a gospel sound, which is unsurprising given her church upbringing. Released by Brooklyn based Big Crown Records, Queen Alone is Wray’s first solo album since her 1998 release Make It Hot and is quite a departure from her debut, which was produced by Missy Elliott and Timbaland. Make It Hot is contemporary R&B, much closer to hip hop than the retro soul of her latest offering.

The album’s opening track ‘It’s Been a Long Time’ sets the tone with a classic big horn, drum and guitar driven Motown sound. The call-and-response singing style and perfectly arranged backing vocals, also quintessentially Motown, is a big feature too, and perfectly executed on songs including the easy going ‘They Won't Hang Around,’ the cheerful ‘Smiling’ and ‘Guilty,’ which is arguably my favourite track on the album.

Wray’s voice is smooth and strong, reminiscent of soul queen, Aretha Franklin. She has a range and a warmth that is delightful and heartfelt, while being versatile too. Her voice is perfectly suited to the big band sound; as evidenced by the passionately belted out ‘Bad Girl’, just as much as it is to the slower, sultrier, jazzier number ‘Make Me Over’. It has a sweetness to it, most notable on the retro pop ditty ‘In Love (Don’t Mess Things Up)’. But it's also commanding and sassy on the swamp pop tune ‘Underneath My Feet’.

Queen Alone is a fantastic album that marks Lady Wray as a fantastic retro soul artist to watch. I can’t recommend this one enough!

Album Review: Raphael Saadiq's 'Stone Rollin''

2011
10 songs
Length: 43:01
Available to buy on vinyl or CD, Apple Music or Spotify

About a month ago, while at work, I got an email from my husband. ‘You should listen to this album,’ it said, ‘on your way home from work tonight. I think you’ll really like it.’ The email included a Google Play link to ‘Stone Rollin’.’ So I listened to it on my hour plus commute. Then I listened to it again. He was right; I did really like it (he knows me so well!) In fact, I liked it so much, I couldn’t get enough of it. I listened to it the next day and the day after that too. I played it all the next weekend. Since then, I’ve listened to ‘Stone Rollin’’ countless times and I own a copy on vinyl.

‘Stone Rollin’’ is the fourth studio album from American R&B singer, songwriter and producer, Raphael Saadiq. Saadiq began his illustrious career touring with Prince as a teenager before becoming the lead vocalist and bassist for the hugely successful 1980’s-90’s R&B group, Tony, Toni, Toné! After they split, he went on to form Lucy Pearl with Dawn Robinson (En Vogue) and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest). Lucy Pearl only recorded one album. Saadiq has collaborated with many notable artists including Erykah Badu, The Roots, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie, Ghostface Killah and The Isley Brothers.

‘Stone Rollin’’ builds on the traditional soul style of Saadiq’s previous album ‘The Way I See It,’ to create a melting pot of styles including funk, blues, R&B and old time rock and roll. Every track on this album is an absolute gem and Saadiq delivers each style with perfect execution. The opening track ‘Heart Attack’ is a rollicking, up-tempo earworm with a classic Motown sound and echoes of James Brown. ‘Radio’ gets the vintage R&B rock and roll vibe just right (think Chuck Berry), and the album's title track ‘Stone Rollin’,’ blends electric guitar and some sassy harmonica into a flawless Chicago blues number.

Saadiq’s slower songs are just as good as his energetic ones, incorporating some beautiful and emotive orchestral arrangements. ‘Good Man’ is as gut wrenchingly soulful as they come, while ‘The Answer’ complements Saadiq’s impressive vocal range with a delicate composition of strings. The psychedelic soul tune, ‘Over You’ is my favourite track on the album. It’s a perfect hybrid of R&B, soul and rock and roll that transports me to my happy place every time I hear it. I could seriously listen to it on repeat ALL.DAY.LONG.

Saadiq is a master. ‘Stone Rollin’’ is an overwhelmingly fantastic album with a polished, classic sound that everyone should listen to. In fact, I’m so enthusiastic about this album; I want to give it away! When I bought ‘Stone Rollin’’on vinyl, it came with a free CD copy. I’ll post the CD to the first person to comment below. What are you waiting for? Get to it!

If You Are Soul Searching...

If you enjoy music that makes you feel good, a little bit sassy and like cutting a rug; then you’re probably a lover of soul. Soul is a wide ranging genre that includes everything from classic soul artists like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding and Al Green; to Prince’s brand of funk-rock, synth-pop soul; to hybrids of psychedelic soul, disco soul and soul R&B.

Chicano Batman

Photo by Josue Rivas

A four-piece band from Los-Angeles, Chicano Batman comprises Bardo Martinez on guitar, keyboard and vocals, Eduardo Arenas on bass, guitar and vocals, Gabriel Villa on drums and vocals and Carlos Arévalo on guitar. Chicano Batman can be described as a tropicalia, psychedelic soul band with a 1970’s flavour and a sociopolitical bent, and when they perform, they wear matching suits and ruffled shirts. Says Bardo, “We’re making a particular reference that some people understand—Los Ángeles Negros, Los Pasteles Verdes. In the ’70s, it was a big thing where all these cats were playing romantic ballads, but they were funky as hell.”

The band formed in 2008 and have released two EPs and three albums, the most recent of which, ‘Freedom is Free,’ was released in March of this year. They have toured with Jack White, Alabama Shakes and The Claypool Lennon Delirium, and their fanbase is growing all the time.

Chicano Batman have a sound that says ‘let’s drink mojitos on this summer, Sunday afternoon.’ Rest assured, this is definitely a band to watch.

Charles Bradley

American singer, Charles Bradley, has a classic 1960’s/70’s soul/funk sound that has been likened to soul great, Otis Redding. Bradley is signed to Daptone Records, an independent funk and soul record label based in Brooklyn, New York, that is known for it’s revivalist approach to soul music.

Bradley released his debut album ‘No Time For Dreaming,’ in 2011 at 63 years of age to widespread acclaim. He followed up with ‘Victim of Love,’ in 2013 and ‘Changes,’ in 2016. He was also the subject of the documentary film ‘Soul of America.’ Directed by Poull Brien and debuting at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas in 2012, the film tells Bradley’s life story; from childhood, to his years on the streets, and his eventual success as a soul singer. Bradley’s songs have been frequently sampled by hip hop artists and featured on various TV series.

Bradley has a powerful voice that’s deep and rich, and is perfectly complimented by the vintage sounds of the superb soul/funk Menahan Street Band. If you like classic soul, then Charles Bradley’s your man.

Janelle Monáe

Photo by Daniel Jackson

Psychedelic soul queen, Janelle Monáe, is on the rise. Not only does she have three exceptional albums and an EP under her belt, she has earned a slew of Grammy nominations, and in 2016, had major roles in two Academy Award nominated films, one of which ‘Moonlight,’ won the Academy Award for best picture.

Monáe’s science fiction themed concept albums are centred around her alter-ego, the android, Cindi Mayweather. Her brand of psychedelic soul also incorporates, jazz, R&B, hip hop, funk and art rock. Monáe enlists an impressive cast of collaborators on her albums, including Prince, Erykah Badu, Solange Knowles, Miguel, Esperanza Spalding and Outkast’s Big Boi.

Monáe is not only an accomplished artist, but also incredibly interesting. Her tuxedo wardrobe is her signature style. Says Monáe of her style, “I feel like I have a responsibility to my community and other young girls to help redefine what it looks like to be a woman. I don't believe in men's wear or women's wear, I just like what I like. And I think we should just be respected for being an individual.” She also runs her own independent record label, Wondaland Records, making her one of the few black women to do so.

Janelle Monáe is one of the most brilliant, talented and refreshing artists making music at the moment. I absolutely love her! If you haven’t already, check her out.

Childish Gambino

Donald Glover is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer and musician. As a recording artist, Glover performs under the stage name, Childish Gambino. Glover has released three albums as Childish Gambino, ‘Camp’ in 2011, ‘Because the Internet’ in 2013 and ‘Awaken, My Love!’ in 2016. His first two albums are primarily hip hop, but ‘Awaken, My Love!’ is an exercise in psychedelic soul that’s as funky as anything by Parliament-Funkadelic. This album is soul gold.

‘Awaken, My Love!’ is a homage to P-Funk and was heavily influenced by Funkadelic, particularly their 1971 album ‘Maggot Brain.’ I get the distinct impression that Glover is a huge Prince fan too. Says P-Funk originator, George Clinton, “I just heard it [Awaken, My Love] one time and I like the songs. When I did hear it, it sounded like a cross between P-Funk and Prince influence. I’m proud that he’s into the funk and glad him and others are bringing some new funk back.”

So, there you have it. You can’t beat an endorsement from the Grandfather of Funk himself.

Album Review: The New Respects' 'Here Comes Trouble' EP

2017
5 songs
Length: 16:26
Available to buy from The New Respects website or Google Play

The New Respects are a dynamic young rock n’ soul band (yes, I said it!) from Nashville, Tennessee. The band is comprised of singer/guitarist Jasmine Mullen and her cousins, the Fitzgerald siblings; twin sisters Alexandria and Alexis on guitar and bass respectively, and their brother Darius on drums. Their debut EP, ‘Here Comes Trouble,’ is high-energy, rock and roll soul, with funky beats and a classic rock guitar sound.

The Fitzgeralds are children of preachers and were raised on gospel music. Mullen is the daughter of Nicole C. Mullen, a successful Christian singer-songwriter. By their own admission, the band lived a pretty sheltered life musically; so their reference points were mostly limited to gospel music, and this forced them to experiment (Rolling Stone Magazine).

The gospel influence comes through loud and clear; particularly on the track ‘Shoes’, with the combination of Mullens’ uplifting vocals, simple percussion, choir sound, and the use of call and response. Gospel overtones are also paired well with classic rock on ‘Frightening Lightning,’ which opens with a Lenny Kravitz style guitar riff, and incorporates a raw guitar sound throughout.

Mullen’s voice is smooth, powerful and versatile, like a young Lyn Collins. ‘Come As You Are,’ is a soulful ballad that shows off her impressive vocal range. She also funks it up superbly on ‘Money,’ her rich voice accompanied by a funky bassline and jazzy drums. On ‘Trouble,’ we’re given a shot of blues rock, with Mullens’ commanding voice lending itself wholly to the blues rock sound, oozing attitude from every fibre of her being.

‘Here Comes Trouble’ is infused with youthful exuberance and positivity. There is definitely a Christian bent to the lyrics, but the aim is not to promote Christianity; it’s just indicative of who they are. The band think of themselves as a band of Christians, rather than a Christian band. As Mullen asserts ‘We have enough people, I think, writing songs about what each one believes’ (World Cafe).

The New Respects show some adaptability on their debut EP, toying with different musical styles to great effect, while knitting the whole thing together with their own signature style. And it’s refreshing! Honestly, I’ll take my rock and roll with a side of gospel any day of the week.