realm's word

Readers, fans and general browsers... Realms Word has been on a long break. With 2009 ending and the new decade beginning, it's time to get back on it, most especially as this year is full of musical promise, not to mention some new technological gadgetry that in my opinion, could seriously revolutionise the DJing.
In my heart of hearts I live in hope that we will be seeing some major comebacks, most notably D'Angelo. We know Maxwell will be releasing 'Summers' from his blacksummersnights trilogy but I'm positive that other big things are on the horizon. Anthony David's new tracks have so far instilled a feeling of anxious anticipation and some amazing collabo's have been banded around.. Slakah tha Beatchild who in my opinion has a huge future, has been in the studio with fellow Canadian and long lost vocalist Glenn Lewis.
Some big names in music and on the technology front, Apple are due to release a tablet of some description. For those who dont know, imagine an extra extra large iPhone. The applications of this are of course wide spread. However when related to tthte creation of music and DJing, imagine a virtual turntable application using Apples' patented touch screen technology. This is of course theoretical as no such application exists nor the release of such a device is yet official, but rumours tend to hold great truth an the DJ world is always looking for something new.

I cant wait and am certainly looking forward to seeing where this year leads us.

Realms Word is back, people!

When I was 11 years old, All-4-One covered a song and it was a global hit.
The song... 'I Swear'. I don't know a single person who doesn't either know or love the track. I listened to the LP on rotation for a long time and to this day know every single word to the album. They were in direct competition with Boyz II Men.

All-4-One had more success with 'I Can Love You Like That'.

Both hits were cover songs of country singer John Michael Montgomery. It seems that Rhythm and Blues works well with country music - just ask Whitney Houston who had major success with 'I Will Always Love You'.

All-4-One seemed to do most of their best commercial success whilst covering other writers' songs.

But they're back in a big way now, mature and a polished act.
'No Regrets' sees the group make a very welcome return, albeit they are making typical soulful ballads, but who cares...any group who've given so many people years of musical happiness from such classic previous material, deserve your attention and the new LP delivers.

Support good music, buy the album.

I mentioned a while ago that Toni Braxton is due for a return this year - one of my first ever posts in fact.

Well, seems that true to form, songs are being 'leaked'.

Leaking songs seems to be artists way of providing a viral form of free PR.... let the world have some free music and think it's exclusive. The idea works.

Thanks to our friends at Honey Soul, here are two of the forthcoming songs.

I like them both and they really are vintage Toni.
No doubt she's making this album for the same reasons as the last album - she's broke. As I understand it, Toni makes music for the sole purpose of being able to eat, which is fair enough - although a bit of passion for the art form wouldn't go amiss.

Here you go are the two new tracks and a couple of classic Toni cuts for good measure:

It's about time I had a rant and recent music related news has certainly fuelled the fire.

Kanye West.
Beyonce Knowles.

Two of the biggest artists probably on the planet at the moment. Recent happenings at the Mtv VMA's have propelled both artists to the news headlines. Kanye disgraced himself by barging on to the stage when country newbie Taylor Swift was collecting her award. Kanye swiped the MIC and talked of how wonderful Beyonce's video was, whilst Taylor stood in disbelief as some arrogant rapper ruined what should have been the highlight of her career. The camera's panned to Beyonce who also looked shocked and embarrassed - later Beyonce in fact called Taylor to the stage whilst collecting her own gong so that Taylor could finish her speech.

Next day, Kanye appeared on Jay Leno and instead of performing only (as already planned), he briefly spoke with Leno, who in turn asked all sorts of questions to which Kanye 'appeared' choked, remorseful and upset at his actions the previous night.

I still think that Kanye told Leno what to ask, bringing up 'what would your mother think?' as a question. Now, given Kanye had to stop a recent show in Manchester after becoming tearful about his mother, I find it highly unlikely that Leno would ask such a thing without being told to. Therefore, I think the award ceremony debacle was a PR stunt by and for Kanye where he'd be able to get lots of publicity and then show his 'real' side next day during a public apology, thus maintaining his wild persona as well as his human side.

For what it's worth, Beyone did well to show her disdain for Kanye's actions. To boot, I know how talented she is as a singer. But that's all you'll get from me when it comes to Beyonce positivity and praise. She is to me, the culprit for the demise of the original Destiny's Child - it was Beyonce's ego that lead to the original members leaving the group and again it was the Knowles family intervention that further split the group, leaving us with the trio; Knowles, Rowland and Williams. Their music got progressively worse and more irritating and Beyonce increasingly made herself the lead singer of the group. I understand that her voice is reason for her lead singer status, but the original group managed without her in this position very well indeed.

Kanye's said Beyonce made one of the best video's of all time.
I couldn't care less about meaningless music videos - ever notice how the worst songs have the best videos?

Good videos don't constitute decent music. I'm sick of this 'independent woman' sh#t she constantly spouts.
The lyrics: 'if you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it' totally contradict her message... Beyonce refers to herself as 'it', an object. I'd respect Beyonce's talent if she didn't act like some diva b#tch with a giant chip on her shoulder.

The only one creating gender inequality is Beyonce - making issues out of subjects that were only pertinent 50 years ago. If you think that men always treat you badly, find a different man - you're an attractive and successful person - what are you scared of?

As for Kanye West - he was treading on very thin ice in my view...way before the VMA stunt after releasing the musical atrocity that is 808's and Heartbreaks.

My money's on Kanye releasing a collaboration track with Taylor Swift in the future. If that happens, my theory that this was a purposeful PR stunt will be proven. I'm done with Kanye for good.

When I was five years old, De La Soul started making hits. They’re still touring and still recording. I remember seeing them live and was impressed by their ability to get the crowd going, their understanding of one another and the sheer skill involved when they would rotate the DJ!

As a 20 year anniversary, Mike Boogie & Terry Urban have put together a tribute album.

A more recent track by De La is ‘Baby Phat’ and I’ve always listened, enjoying the beat, the way the rap flows with the stop-start beat and the humorous lyrics. Their music is never too serious, always tuneful and true to their original form. They’ve influenced Hip Hop in a way which few else can claim and it seems they will carry on forever.

Emcee ‘Skillz’ has been enlisted along with one of my ‘ones to watch’ for 2009, ‘Colin Munroe’ to give their own rendition of Baby Phat.

I’m not breaking any news, the good folks at illRoots already leaked this, but I cant get enough of this track. It’s been reworked extremely well and is more cover-version than remix.

Download, listen and enjoy.

Yes, I’ve given Vikter Duplaix enough ‘props’ on this blog.
But given my recent disappointment after a certain new album by another of my most favoured Neo Soul artists, I’ve decided that I wish to keep positive.
After all, I’ve written of my acceptance for artists who are ‘indie soul’ and make the crossover to mainstream – everyone’s got to eat.

More on the above matter to follow, no doubt.

For now, it gives me great pleasure to see that one of my bestest artists has provided a soothing relief to his fans fears by allowing for a FREE download of his newest track which continues to follow his non conformist form of music. Thankfully, Vikter Duplaix couldn’t care less about conforming to mainstream sounds, instead opting to be himself.
I know Vik is recording a new album and the single ‘Electric Love’ makes me think that I won’t be disappointed upon its immanent release. Although, I thought the same thing when I heard a snippet of Eric Roberson’s ‘Borrow You’ a few weeks ago...
‘Yes! A good new album this way comes’ my mind told me.

Alas last week, my ears disagreed, regretting to inform my brain that ‘Music Fan First’ was a massive let down, despite a few decent tracks. I don't blame Eric Roberson, he deserves commercial success. I'm just disappointed as a long term fan.

Eric Roberson review to follow, if I can bring myself to go through the hurt of listening to it once again – having done this a few times over the last week, I’m inclined to give it a miss, along with the October gig of Erro which I had intended on attending.
Sigh... It seems that I've managed to contradict my earlier statement, Eric Roberson clearly upset me enough to discuss him on a post initially intended to inform of another artists newest effort. Apologies. I digress, by nature.

Go to Vikter Duplaix’s website for a free download of his great new single... you won’t be disappointed, this I can assure you.

Click on www.vikterduplaix.com for the free download.... then buy his album when it's out.

It's official, Drake has made the full mainstream crossover. He was always a part of Lil Wayne's crew, so nothing new there...but to have a new track with Kanye West AND Eminem on it.... the dudes career just stepped through the door of a totally new world.

And you know what? I like the track, despite the Vocoder on Drakes voice. Eminem kills it, clearly.. and Kanye looks weak in comparison to the others...

Listen here...

August 25th 2009.... twelve days.
That's how long we have to wait until 'Mr Neo Soul' - Eric Roberson - releases his next, brand new album entitled 'Music Fan First'. It's a project that Eric/Erro has tried to keep his fans involved in, even sending attendees of a show 2 versions of the same song and asking them to vote which one to put on the album.

No matter what you love about Neo/Nu/Soul, Eric's style will have something for you, be it raw vocal ability, the use of live instruments, lyrical content or for those of us lucky enough to have caught his show, his charisma on stage. I've yet to see any other performer put so much effort and energy into a show and whilst I'll admit that on occasion he may over indulge in Live song preludes and interludes and any other 'lude' you can think of, he has the right, because he may well have single handedly carried the genre since D'Angelo went on hiatus.

The first track I ever heard Erro on (and he went by that name - Erro) was with DJ Jazzy Jeff on a track called 'Rock With You', which is in my view, smoother than silk...take a listen for yourself:


If 'Rock With You' is up your street, you should without doubt pick up his back catalogue of music... start with his most recent album - 'Left', follow its story within which will give you an idea of his past years of trials and tribulations. Once you're into 'Left', go deeper, get 'The Appetizer' and 'The Vault'. You wont be sorry.

I was in fact worried that his new album would be a disappointment, however, his blogging has eased my mind.. You can keep up to date with Eric's daily video blogging in the lead up to his album launch where we hear snippets of each track and the reason behind why he wrote them...his official YouTube page can be found by clicking here.

Realms Word wishes Eric every success for his forthcoming album... support good, independent artists, buy it!

Those who know me will know I love all forms of music, no matter the genre. So when I was approached to review the new Imperial Vipers album, I jumped at the chance.

I place ‘Broken’ into my computer CD drive and my brand less, generic media playing program as developed by a fruit company loads the track names, times and other bits of information and my eyes are drawn to the seemingly short song times. All but one are below four minutes in duration, OK – Sennheiser HD25’s at the ready, volume up, just click play.

The anthemic ‘Sickness’ starts things off and I’m glad to hear whimsical FX and a bass Guitar solo to warm the ears up for the heavyweight cymbal laden drum pattern. There’s a feel of retro Rock drama here and the 80’s style synth organs hit us at the two-minute odd bridge, neatly building the track into crescendo. Meatloaf would be proud and I mean that in the best possible way.

I check my forearms where the hairs are on-end, I decide that this shall become my new measure of a decent rock album. Criteria passed with flying colours, therefore I’ll continue – I’m in this for the long haul.

‘I’ll Guess’ has a purposeful feel right from the get go. Distant guitar riffs add layered elements and some pretty hard panning which really splits you’re concentration providing subconscious interest, this track is instantly starting to... finish, it seems. At two minutes and thirty-five seconds, I’m left wanting, although some would argue that short is sweet...and I agree, being one of diminutive vertical stature myself.

An atmospheric, eerie sound is cut through by a shrill guitar drone and the drums start. ‘Broken’. Label should read: “WARNING, NOT SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WITH FRAGILE NECK CONDITIONS, THIS WILL MAKE YOUR HEAD BANG”. This is the Imperial Vipers’ epic, perhaps that’s why they gave it over five whole minutes of air time? Back on point, these guys have managed to pack so much into this song from up-tempo chorus that hits hard to the melodic end which calms things down nicely.
Listen to Broken here:

Note to self: check their site for tour dates, I need to hear this Live.

As I continue through the rest of the album, I notice how that aside from the mass-appeal feel to ‘Victim’, the Imperial Vipers sound is full of confidence and bravado, the kind that I’d associate with the sort of band who’ve done the rounds in such places as Camden and Hoxton.

‘Self Medication’ is clever bit of stuff when all broken down, said and done. The use of vocal filtering at poignant lyrical milestones followed by the removal of drum hits to give the illusion of a temporary reduced tempo allows the point to drive home. Some may argue that the glorification of self medication isn’t a good move, but this is Rock’n’Roll, not an episode of Songs of Praise. However for good measure and perhaps in an attempt to please a diverse clientele, Jesus does get a mention in the lyrics.

‘This is the Way’ reminds me of the Mad Caddies. Fortunately, I’m a fan of the ‘Caddies. Clearly there is a vast difference between the two, but whilst this track has serious lyrical content and a message within, the way in which the track evolves and maintains a whimsical feel throughout keeps this one from overwhelming with any seriousness.

Essentially hailing from Luton - a place that’s main claim to fame is its convenient accessibility to the M1 motorway – somehow ‘Another Suicide’ and ‘Into Forever’ manages to capture that sound most commonly associated with East London Indie scene and the lead guitar solo in the latter adds that extra bit of spice.

The last three tracks are reminiscent of an older form of Punk based Rock which is further demonstration that the Imperial Vipers are respectful to the original art form and have the ability to do the ‘old stuff well’. They’re not one trick ponies but they’d do well to give us a few minutes more music.

At risk of sounding like my Great Aunt Mildred after drinking a lukewarm cup of milky would be tea (the elderly seem to insist on their teabags merely flirting with the hot water, after all – teabags can be re-used if they’ve not yet fully seen the depths of a teacup)...I thoroughly enjoyed that!
Realms Word would like to thank Katy Scott at Full Portion Media for the following:
-the opportunity to do the review
-opening my eyes to this great new band
-the free music!
Feel free to click and contact Katy... ( www.fullportionmedia.com )

In the immortal words of an old UK Saturday morning kids TV show... M.I.M.O.... Miss It, Miss Out.

The 'Happy Friday' compilation was downloaded by 50 lucky people, after that cut-off point, I took it down.

Keep your eyes peeled next Friday, as I said, it's a gift. First come, fisrt served...once 50 go...the link is deactivated.....

So, make sure you subscribe to the RealmsWord RSS feed and keep up to date with what's happening and when!

Happy Friday!

Realm

Starting a tradition requires innovation.
Someone, somewhere at one point in time coined a phrase similar in meaning. Only, their version was written differently and will be remembered for years as being an insightful, profound piece on language.

I on the other hand am not innovating here, I’m enlightening and sharing my love of music with you in recognition of the fact that it’s Friday.

From this point forth, every Friday will come with a Download treat of some sort.

This week I bring you a compilation of audio files from the likes of:

Lynden David Hall (RIP)
D’Angelo
Reel People
Yolanda Johnson
Erykah Badu
J. Rawls
Middle Child
Sharlene Hector
T3
Laura Izibor
Brotherly
Eska Mtungwazi
Rudy Currence
John Forte
Van Hunt
Ebrahim
Nneka
Eric Roberson
Dj Jazzy Jeff
Raheem Devaughn

If you know all of those artist, you’ll love this....

If on the other hand, you know a few, but there are some question marks next to a few... well... take a listen.

Remember, the music industry is changing. By all means download and listen to this compilation.
But remember, to continue making music for us to enjoy and to keep food on their tables, artists need to sell music, so I implore you – if you enjoy this, go and buy the music.

Happy Friday people, happy damn Friday!

Today Realms Word says Happy Birthday to Renee Sebastian.

Summer 2008 included a pleasant surprise. With the intention of seeing UK soul man Nate James perform at the Jazz Cafe, I happily stumbled across someone new (well, new to me) – it turned out to be Renee – who’s soulful, sometimes playful and always high energy performance managed to turn the heads of pretty much everyone in the venue (Jazz Cafe).

A talented Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Performer and Clothes Designer.
Renee manages to capture the soulful sound and seamlessly mould her abilities to ballads and up tempo tracks all invariably with meaningful and often witty lyrics... as heard at the beginning of her track ‘These Are The Signs’.


Keep your eyes and ears alert, as the UK is sure to see a great deal more from this one!

Be sure to check out her site for more information – it say’s everything I would’ve said myself

Click here for her official site
and
Click here for her clothing label

I’ll be honest, I’ve been listening to her music for years and I still struggle to pronounce her name – even with my South African colleagues help, I still can’t say it in the correct way. However I’m sure Goapele wouldn’t be offended, watch this video and you’ll see and start to assume as I do, that her demeanour is as pure as her voice.

I recently decided to reintroduce her debut album ‘Even Closer’ into my regular play list after remembering how good it was and how much I love the track ‘Closer’ which I’m still able to play on loop without feeling any need to change tracks.

Interestingly, if the tabloids are anything to go by, strangled-cat-voiced pop singer Rihanna’s been dating Drake... the pre-pubescent, Ginuwine look-a-like Canadian kid who in my opinion is taking his clear talent in Rap delivery and ability to write good lyrics in the wrong career direction, opting for the fame route and seemingly headed for the ‘dark side’... has in fact NOT butchered Closer and made a pretty nice version on his now year old mix ‘tape’ ‘Comeback Season’.


Perhaps Goapele’s affiliation from the get-go of her career with Oakland’s Hiero collective, who I very much like, is another reason why I enjoy her music.

She, in my opinion, is Sade in her vibe but with an added twist of ‘beat’ appreciation.
Well the good news is that she's making a sweet, calcium filled comeback with her forthcoming album 'Milk and Honey'... and from the looks of things, it's going to be a good one...

Milk and Honey - Goapele from goapele on Vimeo.