The music is industry
is definitely suffering but the reasons are varied and are actually complex.
Music sales are definitely down but it is not all about the internet vs. brick
and mortar. When you look at the music industry and you throw in radio (and what
they will not play), the internet, iTunes, bootlegging, downloading, the
closing of retail outlets - both major and independent, you have a lot to talk
about. But what I want to talk about is not really those issues. One of things
that I feel is most important in reference to the tanking of the music industry
is very simple – music just ain’t that good anymore. Or maybe it should be
said that music that you hear is not that good. Music that is not on the radio
is a lot better. Music that is on smaller labels (many times) is very good.
Music that you don’t hear about is what you may need to hear.
The Revelations
featuring Tre’ Williams. Now this is great music in an old school sense. A man
with a voice that is reminiscent of classic soul singers. Soul. Blues. Grit.
Passion. That’s what you get and you are glad that The Revelations are serving
up a tasty dish of true soul music. When
Tre’ sings Sorry’s Not Enough, you can feel the ache in his heart and his
voice. The song I Don’t Want To know is so good that you can’t play it and go
to the next song. You have to replay it before you can move on. This CD
entitled Deep Soul is not long but rest assured it is very good.
Grace Jones has
released her first album in 19 years. Hurricane is not the typical “dance” CD
that you might expect. But it does not stand as demur release wishing it could
surpass Nightclubbing or Warm Leatherette. But it stands on its own as it
begins with the statement, “this is my voice, my weapon of choice” on the song
This Is Life. Williams Blood is the first single and probably a somewhat
autobiographical tale of Grave’s heritage while I’m Crying (Mother’s Tears) is
a great tribute to her mother mother. One thing – it is good to know that Grace
is still a man eating machine – but you have to listen to Corporate Cannibal to
understand what I am talking about.
Asa’s self-titled CD is
a joy to hear. Treat yourself to this CD that you will probably not hear on the
radio. I enjoyed this from the very first listen. Asa is an artist I hope everyone finds the time to discover.
India.Arie has done it again and surprised me with a cover of one the best
“best” Sade songs, Pearls.
Incognito has released
a remix version of their recently released CD, On The Beach.
And thank goodness, I
can tell you that there will undoubtedly be some “good” music coming our way
very soon. Look at March with a new Lionel Richie. Then there will be a “live”
DVD from Stevie Wonder. A second CD from Chrisette Michele. An English language
CD from an amazing voice, Corneille. Take a listen to a song from Corneille on
our Songs of the Week Page. Put a comment on that page to let us know what you
think.
Maybe things are
looking up.
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