Music Recommendations Cont'd

Steppes of Creation

Music Recommendations Cont'd

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Fire!

Chaka Khan : Vol. 1-Epiphany-Best Of Chaka

You cannot make a list of spectacular artists and leave out Chaka Khan. Her name means fire and you can understand the meaning behind it. She sings with a mystifying voice that shapes each of her songs into more of a creation than just a tune. Most of my favorites are included on this CD, but feel free to explore more of this talented femme fetale.

Billy and Ella reincarnate

Erykah Badu : Baduizm

If Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday were merged, the product would be Ms. Badu. She sings with a smooth eloquence and grace not usually found in many female artists. Songs such as On & On and Next Lifetime speak to a decade long since past. She delves into her African roots with each song and makes us want to delve into our own with her. Get this CD. You will not regret it.

An Education in Itself

Lauryn Hill : Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill

Not to be blunt, but this CD is so good it makes you want to hurt somebody. The Sista knows she can sing and each track is filled with her gift and message. Listen to the music and it will be hard to imagine that atleast one of the tracks was not written especially for you. I don't say this about many things, but this is the bomb.

Food for the Soul

Bill Withers : Greatest Hits

Every song on here is a jam. Just the Two of Us, Lovely Day, Ain't No Sunshine. The list goes on. This man new he had a gift and thank god that he shared it. Then again, with him and Grover Washington, Jr. producing, how can anything be less than spectacular? Those who are familiar with their work know what I'm talking about.

Aretha Franklin : 30 Greatest Hits

I can't tell anyone anything about Lady Soul that isn't all ready known. She's a Diva, an institution. If everyone in the world made a list of their favorate songs she would be on 95% of them (the other 5% coming from countries tragicaly being deprived of her music). No halfway descent music collection should be without her and this CD is definately a good start for any collection.

Irrepressible

Nina Simone : Best Of Nina Simone

I am partial to I Put A Spell on You and Sinnerman. No wait. I'm partial to Nina Simone in general. Where many of her jazz peers smolder, she sizzles with a hint of cool. Her voice is velvet and her stylings melt butter. Need I say more?

Gladys Knight & Pips : Essential Collection

Gladys, girlfriend you do work to hard. She definately overworked this CD. It is a Best of if there ever was one.

Outstanding

Patti Labelle : Greatest Hits

Chicagoans know. When you want to see a concert done right, you go to see Patti LaBelle. Lady Marmalade herself. She gives her all in each of her performances and this Anthology is a great way to see her evolution through the years.

So good it hurts

Funkgasm

When it's so good that you can smell it, its funk. Shining Star, Funkin For Jamaica, For the Love of Money, Word Up. There's nothing finer than funk.

Relive Motown Favorites

Ad Libs & Friends

I came across this CD in a very curious manner. I was watching TV and heard the song Iko Iko on a commercial. I was very curious as to who was behind it. The son has gone through many artists, but it was The Ad Libs who first brought it to fame. They also had hits such as The Chapel of Love and The Boy From New York City. Such a talented group seemed to pump out hits one after the other in the sixties. Though they released music up until 1989, they have not had the success as the music on this CD originally brought them.

A Beautiful Journey

African Odyssey

As beautiful as it is mystical, African Odyssey is indeed a welcomed journey. It is also one of the best introductions to African Artists and our music. The music will come as a surprise to many who may believe that tribal drums are the only music that Africa has. Even if you are not interested in aquiring the collection, atleast check it out. You will be glad that you did.

Overstocked with Talent

Blues Brothers 2000 : Soundtrack

The movie was forgettable, but the soundtrack is slammin. Listen to Funk Nassau and you'll know what I'm talking about. There is so much talent on this CD that there should be a law

That unforgettable smile

Janet Jackson : Design Of A Decade 1986-96

These are all the songs you heard from her, and wish that you had bought already, all compiled together so that you don't have to bother with which song was on which album. Buy it. Come on. You know you want it.

Young and Gifted

Alicia Keys : Songs In A Minor

Alicia Keys is a supremely talented singer and songwriter, and a classically trained pianist. The girl coundn't have more going for her unless she could convert any matter into gold. Oh wait, she does have a CD bound to make gold if not platinum. My mistake.

A voice like velvet

Nina Simone : Amazing Nina Simone

Amazing she is. Singing for all this time and never losing her fire. Those who went wild for Janis Joplin's version of Summertime, listen to Nina do it and you will feel cheated.

Regina Belle : Baby Come To Me

I saw her in concert and in the musical Ragtime. She is a commited performer through and through which is apparent in this CD. This sensual collection features my all time favorite by her, Baby Come to Me.

Drama

Fugees : Score

Whether behind the scenes or making the scene, The Fugees are a find. Every track is an example of their talent and ingenuity. Killing Me Softly, I admit is my all-time favorite, but then I have always been known to be partial.

Tchaikovsky done right

Duke Ellington : Three Suites

Leave it to the Duke to take a winter favorite like the Nutcracker and make it smoke. Take a listen to the Sugar Rum Cherry. If you aren't impressed, you don't have a pulse.