The Napster Blog

Lisa McClendon, Reality

Soul, jazz, and pop come together in celebration of God in Lisa McClendon’s new album, Reality. Her music isn't very far away from a more adult and faith-influenced version of Brandy or Mary J Blige and while her beautiful voice is beguiling, close attention rewards the listener with an uplifting message. The Jacksonville wife, mother, and songwriter can look forward to a warm future thanks to her latest efforts, which will delight those in search of a wonderfully crafted blend of spirituality and sound.

Om Lounge 15 Year Anniversary Edition

San Francisco landmark record label Om Records has put forth a 15-year anniversary edition of their Om Lounge series. The collection brings together a variety of downtempo goodies with selections from the most appropriate artists on their roster. The album also delivers the first look into new material from the beautiful and talented Samantha James, most recently known for her 2007 hit, “Rise,” James' stunning cut “Amber Sky” is a winner here. Additionally, a debut from newbies Rocket Empire sets the mood in true Om fashion and could prove to be a wise relocation from their previous settlement on Mars. Even when the tempo fluctuates from track to track, there’s a seamless consistency in soul throughout this album. As a true representation of the lounge vibe, even those in search of a more active sound in preparation for the weekend might still find this handy come Sunday. Thanks, Om.

Take a peek at Napster’s Artist Picks playlist by Samantha James.

Tony D, Droppin' Funky Verses

You might listen to 1991's Droppin' Funky Verses by Tony D. and wonder "Why is Napster featuring this?"  The rap style sounds dated.  It's true.

Anthony Depula (better known as Tony D.) definitely wasn't the biggest hip-hop artist during the early '90s. He didn't write mind-blowing verses, and sometimes his flow on the mic was awkward. Tony says it the best on the track "Listen to Me Brother" when he says "This style may not sell many units/It's just to protect the rep of our music."

He was more known for his work behind the board. The beats. Beats he made for other golden-era groups and artists such as the Poor Righteous Teachers, King Sun, and Pace Won. Wait. You mean to tell me that this Italian wanna-be-rapper produced for 5% Nation of Islam rappers? How? Why? Because Tony D. was nice with the beats. Beats that more successful groups jacked from him, eventually leading to out-of-court settlements. You down with O.P.P? That was originally a Tony D. beat.

Tony D. died On April 5, 2009, after being involved in a car accident near his home in New Jersey. R.I.P. Tony.

Jimmy Cliff and The Harder They Come Soundtrack

In 1973, while most Americans flocked to soft rock and R&B hits by Roberta Flack, Elton John, Wings, Marvin Gaye, and Jim Croce, Jamaican filmmaker Perry Henzell introduced a film starring actor/musician Jimmy Cliff that would push reggae deeper into our collective consciousness than ever before. The music from The Harder They Come is arguably the greatest reggae-based soundtrack there is and is still one of the greatest reggae collections, period. Although Bob Marley is appropriately viewed as the largest reggae influence on U.S. culture, The Harder They Come soundtrack introduced the welcome sounds of Toots & The Maytals, The Slickers, Desmond Dekker, and Jimmy Cliff, which in turn opened doors to mainstream success for Lee "Scratch" Perry, Marcia Griffiths, and The Abyssinians, to name a few.

Jimmy Cliff offers three indelible cuts: "You Can Get it if You Really Want," "Many Rivers to Cross," and the title track, while Toots & The Maytals create their own magic in "Sweet and Dandy" and "Pressure Drop" (the latter covered by The Clash). The album also features hip-shakers from The Melodians, Scotty, and The Slickers. The deluxe edition of the soundtrack, released in 2003 and featured here, includes extra essentials by The Uniques, Johnny Nash ("I Can See Clearly Now," a radio hit later covered by Cliff), The Ethiopians, Dave and Ansell Collins, and Eric Donaldson.

The Decemberists on The Colbert Report

Indie rock band The Decemberists made their second appearance on The Colbert Report this week. That's quite a feat considering that Comedy Central's late-night show isn't a usual stop for bands the way Letterman and Leno are. But The Decemberists and Colbert have had a special relationship since 2006, when Colbert and the band's guitarist engaged in a "ShredDown" on the show. (Colbert creatively cheated and won, but he is Stephen Colbert, and therefore can do no wrong.) This time, the band was promoting its latest release, Hazards of Love, which Colbert felt was a tad harsh; he suggested alternate names such as The Joys of Love and You're Beautiful, Honey. The excellent Colbert Nation has videos online if you missed either the interview or the live performance of "The Wanting Comes in Waves."

Jason Michael Carroll, Growing Up Is Getting Old

Billboard named Jason Michael Carroll as its top new country artist for 2007. Carroll's debut, Waitin' in the Country, hit #1 on the publication's Top Country Albums chart and spawned two Top 10 singles. His second album, Growing Up Is Getting Old, looks to improve upon that success. Carroll may not be the most accomplished singer in country music, but his warm baritone voice works very well with the album's sensitive, accessible production, courtesy of Don Gehman (veteran of many a John Cougar Mellencamp production and one of the best heartland/country-rock producers money can buy). It's a more than worthy sophomore release, and will no doubt succeed in winning Carroll new fans. Highlights include first single "Where I'm From," as well as title track "Growing Up Is Getting Old," and "We Threw It All Away."

Kari Kriikku, Bizarre Bizaar

Ready for something really interesting? Give Kari Kriikku's new album, Bizarre Bazaar, a spin and try not to smile. The Finnish clarinet wizard's vivacious personality is evident in everything he plays, as is the inspiration he gains from his travels and experiences as a musician. Presently a leading performer of the clarinet, Kriikku says he "unabashedly adapts works for concert use," and it works brilliantly.

Bazaar is a multicultural concoction, unified by Kriikku's charismatic clarinet and the energy of the accompanying Tapiola Sinfonietta orchestra. The selection of pieces comprises many moods and genres, including klezmer, tango, and fado. The opener by László Draskóczy, "Dances of Kronod," delights with a charming sass; Ora Bat Chaim's "Deine Söhne Seien Gesegnet" creeps with grave beauty; Astor Piazzolla's "Cafe 1930" glows with mystery and intrigue; and the closer, Paulo Abreu Lima's "Feira de Castro," impresses with invigorating percussion. By Kriikku's design, each performance is a modern, refreshing approach to the music, and after even one listen you might just have an entirely new outlook on classical clarinet.

Ersen, Ersen

The Turkish progressive rock and pop scene of the '60s and '70s was, until recently, a secret known primarily to record producers and vinyl archeologists; the fuzzy, eastern scale guitar licks, tough, dirty breakbeats, and psychedelic effects of the genre are all perfect for slicing and dicing into new forms for modern dancefloor audiences. It was only a matter of time though until this wealth of vintage funk was unearthed, and reissue label Finders Keepers, led by tastemaker DJ and producer Andy Votel, has dusted off a number of key re-releases for western reappraisal. This collection from vocalist Ersen fits nicely alongside the first LP from Selda as prime examples of the era, and if you're feeling adventurous with your Napster subscription, there are many more gems to be discovered by digging through Napster's digital crates.

Napster Playlist Challenge: Round Five Reminder

Just a reminder: There's less than a week left to submit a playlist for round five of the Napster Playlist Challenge, so if you'd like to possibly have your playlist featured on Napster, this is your chance. This round's theme is Mother's Day Medley, and all entries must be submitted by 3 a.m. EST on May 3, 2009. Happy playlist-making, and good luck!

 

 

For more information on how to submit a playlist for consideration, please see Round Five Instructions.

Jay-Z Signs Sugababes?

Rumors are circulating today that Jay-Z has signed the UK girl group Sugababes to his Roc-A-Fella label. The trio (only one is an original member of the group that formed in 1998) are a multimillion-selling, award-winning group in Europe and beyond, and now apparently Jay-Z is giving them a chance to break through here in America. The girls are recording their seventh album in Miami and Los Angeles and are said to be working with producers who have worked with Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga, all with proven star-power. To get a sample of what to expect, check out their hit single "Hole in the Head" or "Push the Button" which is from the album Taller in More Ways and is also featured on Napster's "Modern Girl Groups" playlist.