<body><script type="text/javascript"> function setAttributeOnload(object, attribute, val) { if(window.addEventListener) { window.addEventListener('load', function(){ object[attribute] = val; }, false); } else { window.attachEvent('onload', function(){ object[attribute] = val; }); } } </script> <div id="navbar-iframe-container"></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://apis.google.com/js/platform.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> gapi.load("gapi.iframes:gapi.iframes.style.bubble", function() { if (gapi.iframes && gapi.iframes.getContext) { gapi.iframes.getContext().openChild({ url: 'https://www.blogger.com/navbar.g?targetBlogID\x3d23307957\x26blogName\x3dE-Spire+Entertainment+News\x26publishMode\x3dPUBLISH_MODE_BLOGSPOT\x26navbarType\x3dBLUE\x26layoutType\x3dCLASSIC\x26searchRoot\x3dhttps://e-spire.blogspot.com/search\x26blogLocale\x3den_US\x26v\x3d2\x26homepageUrl\x3dhttp://e-spire.blogspot.com/\x26vt\x3d2896345167171858120', where: document.getElementById("navbar-iframe-container"), id: "navbar-iframe" }); } }); </script>

E-Spire Entertainment News

A place where we inspire to bring you the best in entertainment news.

k.d. lang Reintarnation CD Review

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

k.d. lang "Reintarnation" is a collection of her songs from previous albums, with the exception of "Changed My Mind." It's hard to believe she's been singing for the past 20 years. Her album is not your traditional country music CD, but if you like country, you shouldn't have a problem finding a few songs on the CD to enjoy.

"Reintarnation" is sort of like a right of passage to introducing younger listeners to k.d. lang's sound.

It's hard to rate an album filled with previously released material, but if I had to it would be a 3 out of 4 stars.



Below is the track listing:
1. Pay Dirt
2. Don't Let the Stars Get In Your Eyes
3. Big Boned Gal
4. Don't Be A Lemming Polka
5. Curious Soul Astray
6. It's Me
7. Luck In My Eyes
8. Diet of Strange Places
9. Big Big Love
10. Trail of Broken Hearts
11. Nowhere to Stand
12. Friday Dance Promenade
13. Got the Bull By the Horns
14. Angel With A Lariat
15. Pine and Stew
16. Hanky Panky
17. Pullin' Back the Reins
18. Cowgirl Pride
19. Changed My Mind
20. Turn Me Round
posted by Shelia, 5:36 AM | link | 0 comments |

Bruce Springsteen We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions

If you would have asked me a few years ago if I listened to folk music, my response would have been "no." These past few months, I've had the pleasure of finding true gems in this genre.

Bruce Springsteen's latest CD WE SHALL OVERCOME: THE SEEGER SESSIONS is a CD that even your mama can listen to and enjoy.

Springsteen's rendition of songs such as "Old Dan Tucker," "Jesse James," "John Henry" and "We Shall Overcome" did this songwriters lyrics justice.I was surprised that he even sang a gospel song "O Mary Don't You Weep."

It feels like Springsteen has taken us back to our roots with this CD. WE SHALL OVERCOME: THE SEEGER SESSIONS is in stores now. If Springsteen comes to your town on tour, get your tickets. If he didn't perform any other songs but these, it would be a good concert.




'We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions' Track Listing:

Old Dan Tucker
Jesse James
Mrs. McGrath
O Mary Don’t You Weep
John Henry
Erie Canal
Jacob’s Ladder
My Oklahoma Home
Eyes On The Prize
Shenandoah
Pay Me My Money Down
We Shall Overcome
Froggie Went A Courtin’

Bonus Tracks:

Buffalo Gals
How Can I Keep From Singing
posted by Shelia, 4:59 AM | link | 0 comments |

Lucky Number Slevin

With Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman being the top dogs in Lucky Number Slevin, you would expect it to be good. All is not what it seems and when the movie is over, you'll be rubbing your head saying "no wonder he acted like that." I don't want to spoil the movie too much by telling you too much of the plot. It's about a man who seems unlucky because of mistaken identity. This is the type of movie that you can't take a bathroom break on. Each scene is important. You might not know it at the time, but it is.

On a scale of 1 to 4, this gets a 4 without a doubt. Lucky Slevin was a cleverly written movie.
posted by Shelia, 4:48 AM | link | 0 comments |

Scary Movie 4 - Was It Funny or Not?

I've watched every Scary Movie release. Maybe if I hadn't, then Scary Movie 4 would have been funnier. The movies they did spoofs on, I had seen but some of the scenes just didn't make me roll over with laughter as say the first Scary Movie did.
Don't get me wrong, there were some funny moments. When Dr. Phil and Shaq were doing the spoof on The Saw and Shaq said, "Kobe is that you" and when Dr. Phil accidentally cut off the wrong foot...both were pretty funny and a good way to open up a movie.

Out of 4 stars, I would give this movie a 2--only because it did provide a few laughs.
posted by Shelia, 4:40 AM | link | 0 comments |

Hollywood Stars Sing

Rhino Records presents Unexpected Dreams: Songs from the Stars CD


The 14 track CD feature some of your favorite stars singing tunes by Elton John, Billy Joel and more.

Portions of the proceeds will benefit “Music Matters,” the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s music education programs.



Below is the track listing:


Scarlett Johansson – “Summertime” (George & Ira Gershwin)
Ewan McGregor – “The Sweetest Gift” (Sade)
Taraji P. Henson – “In My Daughter’s Eyes” (James T. Slater)
Jennifer Garner – “My Heart Is So Full of You” (Frank Loesser)
Jeremy Irons – “To Make You Feel My Love” (Bob Dylan)
John Stamos – “Goodnight My Angel” (Billy Joel)
Lucy Lawless – “Little Child” (Eric Vetro/Alan Rich)
Marissa Jaret Winokur – “The Wish Song” (Eric Vetro/Steven Shore)
Eric McCormack – “The Greatest Discovery” (Elton John/Bernie Taupin)
Victor Garber – “No One Is Alone” (Stephen Sondheim)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus – “The Nightshift” (Brad Hall)
Nia Vardalos – “Golden Slumbers” (John Lennon/Paul McCartney)
John C. Reilly – “Lullaby In Ragtime” (Sylvia Fine)
Teri Hatcher – “Goodnight” (John Lennon/Paul McCartney)
posted by Shelia, 4:05 AM | link | 0 comments |

Contests on e-Spire

Monday, April 24, 2006

There are several contests going on now on e-Spire. They all expire at the end of the week. To see the contests, either scroll down or go to www.myspace.com/espire and the contests are listed on the left-hand side.
posted by Shelia, 8:25 AM | link | 0 comments |

Mary J Blige Contest

Tuesday, April 18, 2006


Mary J. Blige and Celebrity Entertainment Reporter, Wendy Wheaton, have teamed up to offer one lucky Mary J. Blige fan a diamond bracelet from the new “Wendy Wheaton Jewlery collection,” courtesy of Dolce Diamante! This lucky winner will also receive a signed copy of Mary J. Blige’s multi-platinum album The Breakthrough along with Mary’s HOT new single ‘Enough Cryin’!

To enter the contest, CLICK HERE.
posted by Shelia, 6:42 PM | link | 0 comments |

Bruce Springsteen Tour Schedule

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN WITH THE SEEGER SESSIONS BAND 2006 US TOUR DATES

April 30 New Orleans, LA Jazz & Heritage Festival

May 27 Boston, MA TD Bank North Garden

May 28 Washington, DC Nissan Pavilion

May 30 Columbus, OH Germain Amphitheatre

May 31 Indianapolis, IN Verizon Amphitheatre

June 3 Phoenix, AZ Glendale Arena

June 5 Los Angeles, CA Greek Amphitheatre

June 6 San Francisco, CA Concord Pavilion

June 10 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena

June 11 St. Paul, MN Xcel Arena

June 13 Chicago, IL First MidWest Bank

June 14 Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center

June 16 Cleveland, OH Blossom Amphitheatre

June 17 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Center

June 20 Philadelphia, PA Camden Tweeter Waterfront Amphitheater

June 21 Saratoga, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center

June 22 New York, NY Madison Square Garden

June 24 Holmdel, NJ PNC Amphitheatre

June 25 Holmdel, NJ PNC Amphitheatre



posted by Shelia, 6:10 PM | link | 0 comments |

New Artist Bianca

posted by Shelia, 5:43 PM | link | 0 comments |

Persephone's Bees - Notes from the Underworld

Persephone's Bees new CD "Notes From the Underworld" will be out on August 29, 2006 or pre-order your copy now.

posted by Shelia, 5:41 PM | link | 0 comments |

Meet Bad Boy Records Cheri Dennis

Cheri Dennis
Album Title: Cheri Dennis
Album Release date: June 13th, 2006
Single Title: "I Love You”
http://www.cheridennisonline.com/
http://www.myspace.com/cheridennis

Audio: I Love You
http://streaming.bitmax.net/asxgen/hosted/badboy/
cheridennis/audio/80_iloveyou.wma.asx


http://streaming.bitmax.net/ramgen/hosted/badboy/
cheridennis/audio/00_iloveyou.rm


MORE ABOUT CHERI DENNIS

Finally made it/ underrated/ they couldn’t contain it/I’m elated…/For so long they doubted me/ for so long they abandoned me/ but now I’ve made it through/ uh huh/ and now you see it too…/ surviving through the storm now I came up/ pushed on and on and on…
--Cheri Dennis, “Finally Made It”

Welcome Cheri Dennis. The new female soloist hailing from the Midwest is ready to prove that Cleveland is not only the home of the Rock & Roll Museum, but also the home to some serious hip-hop soul. Although she is a girl with plenty of rhythm and blues, Cheri is a cool departure from the R&B norm.

As the first solo female release from the Bad Boy camp since Faith Evans, Cheri has been anxiously waiting in the wings for many years—all her to life be exact. “I grew up in a very spiritual and religious household, so I’ve always known music,” she explains. “I can’t even think of my first experience where I said, ‘Oh I want to sing.’ It’s just always been there. It’s who I am.”

Today, as a wise-beyond-her-years twenty-something, Cheri has gracefully navigated the tangled web of record deals and other sundry pit stops while steering through Cleveland’s working class to New York’s bright lights. Her self-titled Bad Boy debut offers up a refreshing mix of sweet melodies and wide-ranging tempos, bound to solidify her as a music mainstay.

As Cheri proclaims in one of her jazzy, sexy interludes, she’s “Finally Made It”. Singing at the age of eight in her grandmother’s church choir, Cheri always possessed the burning desire to become a singer and was fully confident that one day she would achieve her dreams. When people would inquire about her plans after high school, ‘College or work?’ she’d reply with much conviction, “I’m a singer. I’m going to be a star!” There was never a moment she thought about anything else.

“It was just meant for me to be a singer,” Cheri says referring to her signing to Bad Boy Records. She was in New York chasing her dream for no more than 2 weeks before randomly running in Sean “Diddy” Combs at a party. While at the party Cheri ceased her opportunity and began an impromptu performance singing solid vocals over the song the DJ was playing. The hip hop impresario instantly became enamored by Cheri’s vocal capabilities and in only a matter of weeks, without even thinking twice, Diddy had her paperwork drawn up for the record deal.

But after commanding the coveted ear of her label Chairman and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs, Cheri spent what felt like an eternity in and out of studios recording tracks for her album. She blessed Mase’s album, and a few years later made feature appearances on two Bad Boy releases “The Saga Continues” and “We Invented the Remix.”, that whet fans’ appetites and made them anxious for the melodic, sweet voice’s own album. But Cheri knows all about timing; she understands that the pot don’t whistle ‘til the water’s boiling and now, finally, it’s all about her debut, and Cheri totally gets the significance of it all.

“I cut school to buy the first Faith album back then,” she admits with a sly smile, knowing the irony of her words. “She’s someone who has influenced my sound because she has such an amazing voice.” Cheri has a distinctively different vocal quality and feel to her music than her predecessor, but with a close listen to breathy songs like “Matrix” (produced by Diddy) and feel-good remake produced of The Notorious B.I.G.’s famous “Sky’s the Limit”, by Harve Pierre, real music buffs will undoubtedly hear the special connection. Cheri describes her sound as “hip-hop soul, R&B with an edge.” She blends together the grace of gospel with a rock and roll edge, R&B soul and a little pop style.

Cheri’s most meaningful musical influences were Prince and Madonna. Says the budding starlet, “I’m a very sensual person, so I connect with that in Prince. And with Madonna, it wasn’t so much the music as it was her power and presence.” And yes, in the most subtle ways Cheri reflects what she has learned from the both of them. She also reflects on inspirations that have come from Minnie Ripperton and Aretha Franklin, “when you think of those singers, the first thing that comes to mind is their voice. Their voices were so powerful and moving, I just hope that my singing moves people. I want people to hear me live and realize that it is not just about a studio for me, rather it is about singing well.”

But all hers are the little, yet important things on this CD, for example, the special treats like those raspy finishes that she lends to adlibs on the standout “So Complete,” a substantial, yet simple track produced by Bucwild. It’s easy to also get a sample of her pretty harmonies on “Finally Made It,” a song for anyone who accomplishes their goals. “Caught Up,” a sure hit—co-written by Cheri—is one of those rare “all year long, any time of day” joints. She’s deliberate with her phrasing in her songs, too, check out “Something,” it’s just more evidence of her impressive vocal control. Control she definitively proves with one listen to her sharp soprano lilt, which Cheri favors especially on the hooks like the fun and catchy “Remind You,” and throughout the oh-so-alluring, up-tempo “I Love You” her smash first single produced by Ryan Leslie.

There is truly something for all types on this album. People who live for dance tracks will flock to the dripping wet single “Ooh La La,” the theme song from the hit show MTV’s Making the Band 3. Listeners will also find themselves seeking out more of the fly girl flow Cheri teases on her “Act Like You Know”, and they’ll most certainly be stuck on the drama-induced, hip-hop flavored vocals of the Mary J. inspired “All I Wanna Do”.

Cheri has a rawness that’s all her own. She’s journeyed a long way to get where she is but this is only the beginning. And she promises, this debut not withstanding, that she has much more to offer. She stays passionate in her delivery and crisp vocals and, the best thing about her (not including her funky, high-end downtown fashion sense) is that she’s a new artist with a real sense of self. She doesn’t gush over folk, not Diddy (even though she calls him a legendary leader)—not anyone. Instead, Cheri remains focused on work, her work. “This is all I do, I’m focused” reveals the songstress. And after this is completed, we ask, “what then?” “I look forward to more, and more,” She answers “I expect to have a long career in this industry.” Cleveland stand up!

# # #
posted by Shelia, 5:13 PM | link | 0 comments |

Interview with Ronald Isley

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Ronald Isley and the Isley Brothers have been making music for over 40 years. With recent hits like “Contagious,” “What Would You Do” and “Busted” and classic hits like “Between the Sheets,” “Choosey Lover" and “Summer Breeze,” The Isleys are like fine wine, they keep getting better and better with time.

Recently, I spoke with Ronald Isley about their May album release – “Baby Makin’ Music.”

Shelia Goss: You had a health scare last year, so I know the first question a lot of your fans want to know is how are you in terms of your health right now?
Ronald Isley: I’m real good now. I stay with my doctor’s appointments and do everything I’m supposed to do.

Shelia: Who came up with the alter ego Mr. Biggs?
Ronald Isley: Myself and R Kelly

Shelia: I’m a long time fan. Two of my all time favorite slow jams is Between the Sheets and Choosey Lover. Ironically, your new album is called Baby Makin’ Music. If you ask me, all your music is Baby Making music (smile).

So tell me, who all did you work with on this album?
Ronald Isley: I worked with R Kelly, Jermaine Dupri, Tim and Bob, Troy Taylor, etc.

To see the full interview, CLICK HERE.

BABY MAKIN' MUSIC, the new album by The Isley Brothers featuring Ron Isley aka “Mr. Biggs” will be in stores on May 9 or you can pre-order your copies from various online outlets.


posted by Shelia, 4:49 AM | link | 0 comments |

Hil St Soul CD Contest Winner



This contest has ended. Jowanna Mitchell is the winner of the Hil St. Soul's CD "Soulidified."
posted by Shelia, 4:30 AM | link | 0 comments |

Cheyenne Kimball Interview Excerpt

Shelia: How long have you been singing?
Cheyenne Kimball:
I’ve been singing since I was 8 years old. I picked up a guitar and taught myself to play. The day I picked it up, I wrote a song called “All I want to Do” and the rest [as they say] is history.

Shelia: Do you have a tutor or you still going to class?
Cheyenne:
My mom was teaching me. I started home school at the end of 7th grade. Now I have a real tutor because I’m filming for MTV and they hired a tutor for me.

Shelia: When will the MTV show air?
Cheyenne:
The MTV show airs May 24th I believe. It’s Reality TV. It’ll be called Cheyenne. The show is about my life and being 15 years old in the music business.

Shelia: How is it being on a reality show?
Cheyenne:
At first I was nervous, but they’re great guys. I love MTV’s people. They have an awesome crew. I know they’re not going to try to put me in a bad light--just because they show the real me. Of course my mom & I get into an argument sometimes, but that’s okay.

To see the full interview, CLICK HERE.
posted by Shelia, 3:39 AM | link | 0 comments |

Contest - Autographed CD from The 5 Browns


This contest has ended. There were no entries, so no prizes were awarded.
posted by Shelia, 2:46 AM | link | 0 comments |

World Party CD Contest



This contest has ended. L.Sinclair is the winner of the World Party CD Contest.
posted by Shelia, 2:19 AM | link | 0 comments |

Bruce Springsteen set to release new album

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

COLUMBIA RECORDS TO RELEASE BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN'S 'WE SHALL OVERCOME: THE SEEGER SESSIONS' ON APRIL 25



Los Angeles, April 11, 2006-- Columbia Records will release Bruce Springsteen's twenty-first album, 'We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions,' on April 25. The album features Bruce's personal interpretations of thirteen traditional songs, all of them associated with the legendary guiding light of American folk music, Pete Seeger, for whom the album is named. Speaking of the origins of the new music, Springsteen said, "So much of my writing, particularly when I write acoustically, comes straight out of the folk tradition. Making this album was creatively liberating because I have a love of all those different roots sounds... they can conjure up a world with just a few notes and a few words."

Springsteen recorded the album with a large ensemble. The musicians on the record are Springsteen (guitar, harmonica, B3 organ and percussion), Sam Bardfeld (violin), Art Baron (tuba) Frank Bruno (guitar), Jeremy Chatzy (upright bass), Mark Clifford (banjo), Larry Eagle (drums and percussion), Charles Giordano (B3 organ, piano and accordion), Ed Manion (saxophone), Mark Pender (trumpet), Richie "La Bamba" Rosenberg (trombone) and Soozie Tyrell (violin). Lisa Lowell, Patti Scialfa, Springsteen, Pender, Tyrell, and Rosenberg contribute backing vocals.

'We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions' will be released in DualDisc format, with the full album on one side of the disc and DVD content on the other side. The 30 minute video side of the DualDisc contains extensive behind the scenes footage of the recording of the album. In addition, the DualDisc will contain two bonus tracks, special artwork, and a note from Springsteen.

Springsteen is planning a short tour in the U.S. and Europe to accompany the release of the album. He will be appearing with most of the musicians who appeared on the CD. Details will be announced separately.

According to Springsteen's longtime manager Jon Landau, "'We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions' has a lightness and ease to it, a sheer joyfulness, that makes it very special from top to bottom. Bruce has taken a core group of classic American songs and transformed them into a high energy, modern and very personal statement."

'We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions' Track Listing:

Old Dan Tucker
Jesse James
Mrs. McGrath
O Mary Don’t You Weep
John Henry
Erie Canal
Jacob’s Ladder
My Oklahoma Home
Eyes On The Prize
Shenandoah
Pay Me My Money Down
We Shall Overcome
Froggie Went A Courtin’

Bonus Tracks:

Buffalo Gals
How Can I Keep From Singing



###
posted by Shelia, 8:53 PM | link | 0 comments |

R.Kelly - The TP.3 Reloaded Tour

R Kelly is on tour and he might be coming to your city. See tour schedule below:

Mon, 04/10/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly Lyric Opera House Baltimore, MD

Thu, 04/13/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly Dar Constitution Hall Washington, DC

Fri, 04/14/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly Dar Constitution Hall Washington, DC

Tue, 04/18/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly Radio City Music Hall New York, NY

Wed, 04/19/06
07:30 PM R. Kelly Landmark Theatre Syracuse, NY

Fri, 04/21/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly Palace Theatre Columbus Columbus, OH

Sat, 04/22/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly Fox Theatre Detroit Detroit, MI

Sun, 04/23/06
07:00 PM R. Kelly Murat Theatre Indianapolis, IN

Wed, 04/26/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly The Chicago Theatre Chicago, IL

Thu, 04/27/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly The Chicago Theatre Chicago, IL

Fri, 04/28/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly Milwaukee Theatre - Wisconsin Center District Milwaukee, WI

Sat, 04/29/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis, MN

Tue, 05/02/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly Paramount Theatre Denver, CO

Thu, 05/04/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas, NV

Fri, 05/05/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly Copley Symphony Hall San Diego, CA

Sat, 05/06/06
08:15 PM R. Kelly Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal City Walk Universal City, CA

Sun, 05/07/06
08:15 PM R. Kelly Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk Universal City, CA

Wed, 05/10/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly Dodge Theatre Phoenix, AZ

Fri, 05/12/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly Paramount Theatre-Oakland Oakland, CA

Sat, 05/13/06
08:00 PM R. Kelly Paramount Theatre-Oakland Oakland, CA
posted by Shelia, 8:43 PM | link | 0 comments |

Moth Tour Schedule

Below is Moth's Tour Schedule. To learn more about the group, go to www.myspace.com/moth.

4/7 @ Uncle Pleasants - Louisville, KY
4/8 @ DuKum Upp - Kirksville, MO
4/11 @ Hole in the Wall - Austin, TX
4/12 @ Rudyards - Houston, TX
4/13 @ Darkroom, Baton Rouge, La.
4/14 @ The End – Nashville, TN
4/19 @ The Star Bar - Atlanta, GA
4/20 @ Little Brothers – Columbus, OH
4/21 @ Wilbert’s - Cleveland, OH
4/22 @ Howard’s Club H – Toledo, OH
4/28 @ Upfront & Company - Marquette, WI
4/29 @ Upfront & Company - Marquette, WI
5/25 @ Vic Theater - Chicago IL (w/ Angels & Airwaves)
posted by Shelia, 8:32 PM | link | 0 comments |

Hero Tour - Kirk Franklin - Mary Mary

Hero Tour with Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, etc will be heading to these cities:

April 11
Newark, NJ
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Symphony Hall

April 13
Bridgeport, CT
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Harbor Yards

April 14
Worcestor, NY
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Centrum Center

April 15
Buffalo, NY
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
HSBC Arena

April 16
Philadelphia, PA
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Academy Of Music

April 17
Philadelphia, PA
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Academy Of Music

April 20 & 21
Washington, DC
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Constitution Hall

April 22
New York, NY
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Radio City Music Hall

April 23
Baltimore, MD
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
!st Mariner Arena

April 24
Youngstown, OH
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Chevrolet Center

April 27
Columbus, OH
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Veterans Memorial Auditorium

April 28
Grand Rapids, MI
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Van Andel Arena

April 29
Chicago, IL
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Chicago Theatre

April 30
Ft Wayne, IN
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Memorial Coliseum

May 4
Atlanta, GA
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
World Congress Center

May 5
Memphis, TN
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Coliseum

May 6
Montgomery, AL
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Acadome Arena

May 7
Birmingham, AL
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Boutwell Auditorium

May 13
St. Louis, MO
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Six Flaggs

May 21
Oklahoma City, OK
The HERO Tour (w/MaryMary)
Civic Center

posted by Shelia, 8:24 PM | link | 0 comments |

Rock group Widespread Panic set to release new album

Widespread Panic Call Out To the Nation on 'Earth To America'*New album on Sanctuary/Widespread Records Available June 13


Widespread Panic, the wildly popular standard bearers of rootsy American rock, are readying for the release of their audacious new album Earth To America (June 13, Sanctuary/ Widespread Records). Their 9th studio CD, Earth To America captures the band at a new creative peak in collaboration with producer Terry Manning, the first time they've worked with the famed studio master whose credits stretch back to Stax days.

Beginning with the eerie, ambitious 11-minute plus epic "Second Skin," (a staple of their live shows), the album twists and turns through 10 tracks of time-honed classic rock. Other standout tracks include the boisterous barroom rocker "Goodpeople" and the toe-tapping, blues tinged "Time Zones". Extended workouts like "You Should Be Glad" give the band a chance to show off their chops, while the tender closing benediction "May Your Glass Be Filled" highlights the band's delicate touch on a down tempo ballad. Also noteworthy is the band's hard charging cover of Bob Dylan's "Solid Rock" from 1980's 'Saved'.

The album will be available in four formats- digi-pack, jewel case, double Vinyl LP, and digital download. The vinyl includes two bonus songs not available on the CD. The fans who pre-order the disc through widespreadpanic.com before June 13th will have access to 6 bundles of digital extras including home video from the recording at Compass Point studios, exclusive band interviews, unreleased concert footage, artwork, and more.

Widespread Panic will perform 4 spring concerts this year, 2 in Raleigh, NC and 2 Atlanta, GA at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. The May 9th Fox Theatre show will be simulcast through select movie theaters nationwide in association with National Cinemedia. Plans are in the works for a full summer tour to be announced soon.
posted by Shelia, 8:20 PM | link | 0 comments |

UnDiscovered Band Contest

WIND-UP RECORDS, 20TH CENTURY FOX AND MYSPACE.COM ANNOUNCE UNDISCOVERED BAND CONTEST FOR UPCOMING FEATURE FILM JOHN TUCKER MUST DIE

Grand prize winner’s song eligible for inclusion in both the movie and soundtrack.

New York, NY – Starting April 6th, unsigned artists will have a shot at their big break by submitting their music for an online contest on the leading social networking and lifestyle portal, MySpace.com. The winning band’s song will be eligible for inclusion in the movie and on the soundtrack to JOHN TUCKER MUST DIE. The grand prize winner will be chosen on May 26th by a panel of celebrity judges and music executives. Wind-up Records will award a $10,000 production budget to the winner for professional re-recording, mixing, and mastering of the winning song. The ten finalists will each win a Gibson electric guitar.

In 20th Century Fox’s JOHN TUCKER MUST DIE three popular girls from different cliques discover they've all been dating the same school stud when they decide not to get mad but to get even! Despite this ladies man’s charm and ever-growing popularity, the girls enlist the inconspicuous new girl to help cook up a clever scheme to ruin his reputation and break his heart. This summer’s hottest comedy stars Jesse Metcalfe, Sophia Bush, Brittany Snow, Ashanti, and Jenny McCarthy and opens in theatres on July 28, 2006.

The John Tucker Must Die Undiscovered Band contest (www.myspace.com/johntucker) will be hosted by Stefy Rae of the new band Stefy (www.stefytheband.com). Stefy’s Wind-up Records debut will be released on August 29, 2006. Two songs from the female-fronted band Stefy will be in JOHN TUCKER MUST DIE as well as songs from The All-American Rejects, Nada Surf, Ben Lee, OK Go, People In Planes, and Motion City Soundtrack. The soundtrack will be released by Wind-up Records on July 18, 2006.

From April 6th until April 24th, unsigned bands can submit songs for consideration. From these initial submissions, 20 semi-finalists will be chosen by members of the MySpace staff. On May 1st, those 20 bands will rely on the support of their own fan bases, or MySpace ‘friends,’ to determine the top 10 finalists who will be selected on May 19th. The grand prize winner will be determined by the following panel of judges and announced on May 26th:

Jesse Metcalfe (Actor - star of John Tucker Must Die, “Desperate Housewives”)

Betty Thomas (Director - John Tucker Must Die, Howard Stern’s Private Parts)

Alex Patsavas (Music Supervisor – John Tucker Must Die, The O.C, Grey’s Anatomy, Rescue Me)

Diana Meltzer (Executive V.P., A&R Wind-up Records)

Stefy Rae (Wind-up recording artist)

One of the world’s largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, Fox Filmed Entertainment produces, acquires, and distributes motion pictures throughout the world. These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units of FFE: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox Atomic, and Twentieth Century Fox Animation.

###
posted by Shelia, 8:03 PM | link | 0 comments |

Contest - Phat Girlz Movie Winners

Sunday, April 09, 2006

This contest has ended. Below are the winners:
Nikki Hogan
Tina McKinney
Tracy Shell
Anquette Burns
Michelle Robinson

posted by Shelia, 5:43 PM | link | 0 comments |

Phat Girlz starring Mo'Nique in theaters Today

Friday, April 07, 2006

PHAT GIRLZ is an edgy comedy about two frustrated plus-size women obsessed with their weight while struggling to find love and acceptance in a world full of "hot bodied" babes. The PHAT GIRLZ are thrown a major curve ball when they meet the men of their dreams who come from a culture where big is better. The Fox Searchlight presentation PHAT GIRLZ is written and directed by Nnegest Likké. Bobby Newmyer and Steven J. Wolfe are producers. The cast includes Mo’Nique, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Godfrey, Kendra C. Johnson, and Joyful Drake with Jack Noseworthy and Eric Roberts.

To learn more about the movie, CLICK HERE.
posted by Shelia, 5:36 AM | link | 0 comments |

Jack Blacks Confessional - Episodes 4 & 5

posted by Shelia, 4:57 AM | link | 0 comments |

Mary J Blige Interview Posted at Chronic Magazine

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Just in case you missed the interview I did with Mary J Blige at Bahiyah Woman Magazine, BellaOnline Women in Music, here's the interview posted this week at www.chronicmagazine.com.

To go directly to the interview, click or paste the link in your browser: http://chronicmagazine.com/public.php?page_id=1284&level=1
posted by Shelia, 3:00 PM | link | 0 comments |

T.I. King CD Review

T.I. is back with a vengeance. The debut single "What You Know" (track #3) is only a snippet of what to expect on the KING CD. I was drawn to a few songs immediately the first time I heard them. Track #2 "Front Back" featuring UGK is all that and then some. Had me going back down memory lane as UGK reminded me of their original song, "Front Back-Side to Side" from back in the day. Of course the first single, track #3 is what got me to pay attention to the CD in the first place. Fast forward to track #10 "Top Back" with the lyrics, "I like my beats down low & my top laid back" is a song to ride to. Overall this is a good CD.

On a scale of 1 to 4, T.I. King is a 4.

posted by Shelia, 2:59 PM | link | 0 comments |

Who Is Cut Chemist?

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Cut Chemist soon to release The Audience’s Listening

“They say you get as long as you need to make your first album, but the second one you get a year!” jokes Cut Chemist.

No sweat, folks -- this scientist is ready: The Los Angeles native recorded hundreds of songs before selecting the final 12 for his Warner Bros. Records debut album, The Audience’s Listening (release date: 6/13/06).

Consider this: Cut Chemist’s songs have been built with the assistance of thousands of rare, crazy, odd, eccentric and quite often unplaceable samples from other records, a truly global library that has been amassed from his extensive travels and dates back to sometime around 1977, when a young, pajama’d Lucas Macfadden was photographed asleep and snuggled up tight to his very own vinyl copy of Disney’s Haunted Mansion - dedication from the early days.

Throughout his life, he’s honed his skills as a record hunter extraordinaire (though he probably doesn’t throw his fresh kill up on the wall like other marksmen). That’s a history that has built up into a varied and uplifting album that even defies his complimentary characterization as someone known to play with sound in unexpected ways.

It’s true that The Audience’s Listening was a bit of a long time in the making, but imagine how relatively little time Cut Chemist has had in the laboratory. Mainly, he’s toured a lot. He spent 12 years as a DJ and producer for LA hip-hop dynamos Jurassic 5 (which traversed the country and world via packages like Lollapalooza and The Warped Tour), five years playing the turntables as a beautiful instrument backing up the Grammy-winning Latin alternative band Ozomatli, and several years releasing highly bootlegged mixtapes (such as his Brain Freeze Original Soundtrack collaboration with DJ Shadow in 1999, a much sought eBay delight that lead to another popular meeting of the two in 2004’s Product Placement tour and DVD). Throughout it all, he’s found the time to helm his own recurring club nights in Los Angeles (these days he can often be found on Saturday nights playing at “Funky Sole” at Hollywood lounge Star Shoes).

As an in-demand DJ that’s always tried to further his craft as a producer, Cut Chemist has had to juggle a lot more than beats over the years. But, after departing Ozomatli and, more recently, Jurassic 5 in late 2004, his focus is finally squarely on himself.

“That’s probably part of why it took me so long,” he says of the album. “I had to retrain myself into seeing that I was the only one here. There’s really no one else I have to clear things with.”

Free and clear from committee vetoes, sure. Free and clear from clearing rare and not-so-rare samples, not so much.


*
CUT CHEMIST met future Jurassic 5 MCs Chali 2na and Mark 7 at a park jam in Silverlake, while attending an arts-based high school in the center of Los Angeles, which boasts other famous alums such as Leonardo DiCaprio. The three were part of a group called U.N.I.T.Y. Committee (which made its cassette debut in 1991 and played at shows with Tupac Shakur, among others). By the next year they were enjoying the unexpectedly fertile talent scene at the weekly open mic night at the Good Life Café, a health-oriented restaurant in South Central LA’s historic Leimert Park area. The Good Life helped nurture the careers of Freestyle Fellowship and Pharcyde, among others. It also facilitated the formation of Jurassic 5, when these three U.N.I.T.Y. members joined forces with another group, Rebels of Rhythm. Cut Chemist’s first original production came on “Lesson 6” from the Jurassic 5 EP: A cheeky head-nod to the pioneering sample-based cut-ups of Steinski & Double Dee (who first gained attention in the early ‘80s via record called “Lesson 1”).

Now, 13 years since the formation of Jurassic 5, there’s a new school in session. The first lesson: To call The Audience’s Listening a hip-hop album would be to miss the point entirely.

“I think this album mirrors the world palate – there’s Brazilian stuff, rock stuff, Eastern European influences and many others,” he notes. “I wanted it to be that way, to kind of give it a texture of, ‘Hey, I go all over the world and buy records!’” The album has allowed Cut Chemist to get back to the root of his DJ self; back into the crates, though these days that means vinyl, CDs and digital files.

Bookended by what he would call the more “classic Cut Chemist” styles (“Motivational Speaker” and “The Audience Is Listening (Theme Song),” the meat in between often leaps into new sonic territory. The Kraftwerkian “Metrorail Thru Space,” or the lushly guitar-driven “The Garden,” recorded in Brazil. The legacy of hip-hop is still a firm root, which might be best evinced on “What’s The Altitude” featuring Hymnal. The song was inspired by the hissy and muffled (yet unbelievably dope) recordings on widely circulated cassette tapes of old-school hip-hop DJ battles, like the 1978 face-off between the L Brothers and the Herculoids.

Speaking of battles, it’s audible that Cut Chemist has given his all for this project, fighting with his heart and soul: “I treated songs as if they were the last I was gonna make,” he says.

The Audience’s Listening is a product of a Los Angeles native who’s lived in the bustling metropolis for all of his 33 years. It’s what’s shaped his sound and diverse outlook, his playfulness and his edge (as camouflaged in sweetness as it may be). It is also evocative of an era when sound enthusiasts put out records for the adventure of it, not just as a vehicle tied to hit singles and booty-shaking videos. Using a turntable, mixer and computer to create the songs, it is an homage to all that is musically possible from the fingertips of a gifted DJ and imagineer.

“Everything on the album was uncharted territory, something I’ve never done before. The only thing that’s worth doing is exploration.”

The Garden
quicktime hi
windows hi
quicktime lo
windows lo

Storm featuring Edan and Mr. Lif
quicktime hi
windows hi
quicktime lo
windows lo

Buy Link from iTunes:
CLICK HERE
posted by Shelia, 11:52 AM | link | 0 comments |

Watch Dixie Chicks New Video

THE DIXIE CHICKS RELEASE NEW VIDEO “NOT READY TO MAKE NICE


The Dixie Chicks, the controversial country trio that shocked a fanbase with a point of view aren’t ready to make nice just yet. Their new single responds to the criticism they’ve received since an unfortunate comment in 2003 but certainly does not apologize for it. With their new album TAKING THE LONG WAY The Dixie Chicks seem to be ready to step into a new realm.

The brave words on their new single “Not Ready To Make Nice” tell the world they’re planning to stand their ground but they’re willing to talk this out. The new video is not necessarily political but it’s definitely dramatic.

Watch “Not Ready to Make Nice”
http://www2.fanscape.com/dixiechicks/mediaplayer.aspx

TAKING THE LONG WAY will be released by Open Wide/Columbia/Sony BMG on May 23rd.
posted by Shelia, 11:38 AM | link | 0 comments |

Electric Light Orchestra

To celebrate 35 years The Electric Light Orchestra has released a new CD collection.

No Answer:
“10538 Overture” Streaming Audio:
Real Media
Windows Media

“The Battle of Marston Moor” Streaming Audio:
Real Media
Windows Media

ELO 2:
“In Old England Town” Streaming Audio:
Real Media
Windows Media

“From The Sun To The World” Streaming Audio:
Real Media
Windows Media

Official ELO Site:
http://www.elomusic.com/

ELO Reissue Series Site:
http://www.ftmusic.com/

ELO MySpace Page:
http://www.myspace.com/officialelectriclightorchestra

NO ANSWER TRACKLISTING
Selections:
01. 10538 Overture
02. Look At Me Now
03. Nellie Takes Her Bow
04. The Battle Of Marston Moor (July 2nd 1644)
05. First Movement (Jumping Biz)
06. Mr. Radio
07. Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre)
08. Queen Of The Hours
09. Whisper In The Night
Bonus tracks:
10. The Battle Of Marston Moor (alternate take)
11. 10538 Overture (alternate mix)

ELO 2 TRACKLISTING
Selections:
01. In Old England Town (Boogie No.2)
02. Mama
03. Roll Over Beethoven
04. From The Sun To The World (Boogie No.1)
05. Kuiama
Bonus tracks:
06. In Old England Town (instrumental)
07. Baby I Apologize
08. Roll Over Beethoven (alternate mix)

posted by Shelia, 11:24 AM | link | 0 comments |

Mimi Fox releases new CD Perpetually Hip

Critically acclaimed Jazz Guitarist returns with the double CD "Perpetually Hip".

PERPETUALLY HIP IS A UNIQUE CONCEPT CD; THE
FIRST DISC FEATURES MIMI PLAYING WITH A FULL
BAND, WHILE SECOND DISC IS SOLO JAZZ GUITAR.

“She plays with tremendous fire. She can do pretty much
anything she wants on the guitar.” - Joe Pass

Los Angeles CA: A New York native based in the Bay Area of CA, Mimi Fox will release her unique and inspired double album on 4/4/06. Perpetually Hip, her second release for Steve Vai’s Favored Nations Cool label, is the eagerly awaited follow-up to the acclaimed She’s The Woman.

The two-disc set sees Mimi Fox distinguish herself in both group and solo settings. Disc one captures seven studio recordings in a band setting where Fox is accompanied by a stellar cast of New York musicians including: bassist Harvie S, drummer Billy Hart and pianist Xavier Davis. On the more intimate second disc, Fox personally interprets jazz standards while preserving the melodic integrity of timeless gems from the great American songbook such as George Gershwin’s “Someone To Watch Over Me” and Hoagy Carmichael’s “Skylark” in a medley on track five.

Mimi Fox began playing guitar at age 10 and she was inspired by the wide variety of music enjoyed by her family — show tunes, classical, Dixieland, Motown — and her own youthful inclination toward pop, folk, and R&B. She began touring right out of high school and eventually moved to San Francisco in 1979, where she became a sought-after musician. Perpetually Hip is a true demonstration of Fox’s background, talent and passion for making her own unique take on Jazz tradition.

posted by Shelia, 11:10 AM | link | 0 comments |

Yung Joc - New Hip Hop Artist

Album Title: New Joc City
Album release date: May 23, 2006
Current Single: It's Goin Down
Label: Bad Boy Records
Website: www.yungjoc.com

Video: It's Goin Down
http://streaming.bitmax.net/asxgen/hosted/badboy/
yungjoc/video/00_goindown.wmv.asx


http://streaming.bitmax.net/ramgen/hosted/badboy/
yungjoc/video/00_goindown.rm


Audio: It's Goin Down
http://streaming.bitmax.net/asxgen/hosted/badboy/
yungjoc/audio/80_goindown.wma.asx


http://streaming.bitmax.net/ramgen/hosted/badboy/
yungjoc/audio/00_goindown.rm


More about Yung Joc:

"Meet me in the trap; it's goin down! Meet me in the mall; it's goin down! Meet me in the club; it's goin down! Anywhere you meet me guaranteed to go down!," "It’s Goin Down," - Yung Joc

The millennium hip-hop world is all about the pride, the culture, and the experience of the South. As the time ushered in a new age, so did it also ordain southern hip-hop, particularly that of Atlanta, as one of its most fertile breeding grounds for producing crops of prolific rappers. These artists flip a mellifluous vernacular and drawl when articulating some of the most colorful stories about growing up in southern ghettos - be they city or rural. No matter how edgy or boastful some of these tales might be, most of the time they are necessary for redefining and broadening the musical landscape. Adding his chameleon-like style to the Peach State's field of offerings is Atlanta, Georgia-born Yung Joc. After grinding in the streets and doing what he had to do to maintain his rap credibility, the College Park/SWATS-bred MC is getting his chance to shine through the tutelage of Block Entertainment/Bad Boy South. Poised as Atlanta's next big hip-hop star, Yung Joc is set to break topsoil and emerge fully-grown into hip-hop culture’s mainstream.

Yung Joc, aka Jasiel Robinson, was "a mischievous child," as he puts it. "I had a smart mouth," he laughs. His fair share of trouble ranged from fighting in school to getting kicked out of one and having to graduate from another. He's also been arrested, a hic-up that resulted in a stint of jail time. On the flipside, however, Joc is extremely passionate and determined to make a better life for himself, his family, and his comrades. "I'm not scared of anything so I never back down." His commitment to hip-hop culture is also unwaivered. Joc was ten years old when artists such as Run DMC, Dana Dane, Ice-T, Slick Rick, and LL Cool J sparked his interests in rap music. "Once I got a little older, my hip-hop inspirations came from Outkast, Goodie Mob, Tupac, and the Notorious B.I.G. By then," he explains, "I realized that I could do some of the same things these cats were doing and use my situations to catapult me into other opportunities."

The door to that opportunity opened one fateful night when word got to Block Entertainment that a young 23-year-old rapper named Yung Joc was bringin the house down at the historic Royal Peacock, the same place legends like Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin took the stage. Interested in observing the unsigned hype's original presence and rhyme delivery, Block attended Joc's show. "He had everybody leaning and rocking side-to-side," Block vividly remembers. "I signed him immediately." "Block assured me that he would give me the space to become a star," Joc concedes. "Since making everything official, I been on the grind even more than I was before." His album, New Joc City, is set for a summer release.

Joc's celebrity is already on the rise. He has e'rybody and dey grandmamma chanting, "It's goin dooowwwnn," an anthem that he recorded so that the young, the old, and the southern thug with a swagger could all feel. Other destined-to-be hits include "Patron," a hyped, but mid-tempo track that finds Yung Joc sampling himself throughout the song's hook. Another is the Chino Dollar-produced "Dope Boy Magic," on which Joc delivers poignant verses about upgrading one's hustle and flow. He relies on first-hand experiences to make his points clear and penetrable. "First Time" presents Joc's intimate side. Produced by Carlos and DaDa, the track is a slow-tuned arrangement that dances around Yung Joc's reflections on a first love.

Joc's distinct voice and remarkable ability to shape his flow has won him respect among hip-hop fans and aficionados alike. He's been on the bill with artists such as 8Ball & MJG, Slim Thug, Young Jeezy, and Keyshia Cole. It is with an unyielding spirit and energetic presence that Yung Joc will step into a promising music career that is destined to bring him fame and fortune.
###

posted by Shelia, 10:57 AM | link | 0 comments |

Under The Covers Vol. 1

Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs release Under The Covers Vol 1.

Two of pop music’s darlings – Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles - have joined voices in celebration of one of the most important eras in pop music. Featuring 15 of the duo’s favorite pop tunes from the 1960s, Under The Covers Vol. 1 combines popular hits and obscure gems from such important names in music as The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys, The Who, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, The Zombies, The Mamas And The Papas, The Left Banke, The Bee Gees, The Marmalade, Fairport Convention, Love, The Stone Poneys, and The Velvet Underground. Sweet and Hoffs, each with a stunning and highly distinguishable voice of their own, mingle melodies and tones for new, unique harmonies that truly reflect the sounds of the time.

A ’60s pop primer of sorts, Under The Covers Vol. 1’s 15 songs span a wide range of genres – from rock to folk to pop – but all have that unmistakable ’60s vibe. It’s obvious that Sweet and Hoffs have put their own stamp on these covers, individually and collectively, but have done so with a sense of respect and admiration for the original versions and composers. On Under The Covers Vol. 1 Sweet and Hoffs pay homage to arguably the most important decade in pop music by inserting their own musical personalities and unique harmonies for a fresh and new sound. Dig it.

“She May Call You Up Tonight” Audio - Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs

Windows Media
http://www.shoutfactory.com/av/mar06/She_May_Call.wma

Quicktime
http://www.shoutfactory.com/av/mar06/She_May_Call.mov

To learn more: CLICK HERE.

posted by Shelia, 10:49 AM | link | 0 comments |

E-40 My Ghetto Report Card CD Review

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

E-40's My Ghetto Report Card was well worth the wait. E-40 teamed up with some hit making producers and what you hear is a class act.

Old E-40 fans should rush out to get a copy of the CD because E-40 shows you that as a veteran, he hasn't lost any of his skills. If you're not acquainted with his past CDs, take a listen and enjoy his flow--the only way E-40 knows how to do it--smooth.

On a scale of 1 to 4, without a doubt, My Ghetto Report Card is a 4.

E-40 is back with "My Ghetto Report Card" and he passes with flying colors.

cd
posted by Shelia, 8:08 PM | link | 0 comments |

The Inside Man

I read several mixed reviews before going to see the Spike Lee joint “Inside Man.” Being a fan of the Spike/Denzel Washington team efforts in previous movies, I had to go see this one for myself. I’m glad I did. The way Denzel’s character and Clive Owen’s character went at it with their wit held my attention. The cast Spike chose did a wonderful job of pulling off the cleverly written script.

On a scale of 1 to 4, I give Inside Man a 4.
posted by Shelia, 6:53 PM | link | 0 comments |

Stay Alive - The Movie

I wasn't familiar with the cast members of this horror flick - Stay Alive, but they portrayed the characters well. Take a video game and add a bit of reality and you'll have the plot for Stay Alive. With quirky characters and a twisted villian, Stay Alive will keep you entertained. There were several moments where the suspense build up may cause you to jump in your seat a time or two.

On a scale of 1 to 4, I would give it a 3 because of the story idea.
posted by Shelia, 6:01 PM | link | 0 comments |

Hil St Soul's Soulidified

With a sound that reminds me of Indie Arie, Hil St. Soul's latest release "Soulidified" is a must have for all neo-soul listeners. You can tell Hil St Soul is not a studio singer. I would love to see a live performance. With 12 tracks, the soulful voice of Hil St Soul on Soulidified is enough to keep you entertained for at least an hour. This new release should make Hil St Soul a solid force to be reckoned with.

On a scale of 1 to 4, I give Soulidified a 4.

posted by Shelia, 5:52 PM | link | 0 comments |

Unforgivable is Number One Selling Men's Fragrance

SEAN “DIDDY” COMBS UNFORGIVABLE IS THE NUMBER 1 SELLING MEN’S
FRAGRANCE IN DEPARTMENT STORES ACROSS AMERICA

Estée Lauder and Federated Stores Join Diddy to Ring New York Stock Exchange Opening BellSM to Celebrate the Success of UNFORGIVABLE

New York, New York – Sean John Fragrances, a division of Estée Lauder, is thrilled to announce that Unforgivable is officially the number one selling men’s fragrance in department stores in the United States. Created by Sean Diddy Combs, Unforgivable was launched nationally in February of 2006.

To celebrate this success Diddy, along with Terry Lundgren, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Federated Department Stores, Inc.; William Lauder, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies; John Demsey, Global President Estée Lauder, M·A·C Cosmetics and SeanJohn Fragrances; and Diana Espino, General Manager and Vice President, Sean John Fragrances, will ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange Monday, April 3, 2006.

"Sean Combs’ Unforgivable fragrance is a runaway success at Macy*s,” says Lundgren. “We expect the early momentum to continue as we roll out this new fragrance to our stores across the country. There is every reason to believe that Unforgivable will be the #1 men's fragrance of the season."

Unforgivable reached number one status in record breaking time and the future of the brand continues to look promising with an upcoming international launch and ancillary products such as a Father’s Day gift set, deodorant stick, after shave and body spray. This success follows the limited edition, couture version of the fragrance, which sold out at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores in December of 2005 at $300 per bottle.

“The pre-launch anticipation of Unforgivable led us to believe we had a history-making brand joining Lauder’s portfolio of venerated prestige fragrances and the reports coming in now from our retail partners across the country have exceeded even
our most aggressive initial expectations,” says Demsey. “Sean helped us capture his lifestyle in a bottle and now everyone wants a piece of it.”

The Sean John Unforgivable scent exudes the energy, sexiness and elegance of Sean Combs. As an aficionado of scents himself, Sean Combs personally selected only the most premium and luxurious ingredients for his signature fragrance. The notes blend a combination of breathtaking, addictive and slightly dangerous essences.

“When we set out to create this fragrance, I wanted to revolutionize this industry,” says Sean Combs. “I wanted to create a scent, package it and promote it in a way that has never been seen before. I drew upon my experience as a fashion designer and a recording artist and launched Unforgivable like an album…and we have hit number one! I am a boy from Harlem and to have this kind of success right out of the box is truly beyond my wildest dreams.”

Suggested Retail Price for Sean John Unforgivable is $55.00 USD for 2.5 OZ and $75.00 USD for 4.2 OZ. It is available at Department and Specialty Stores across the country. A European roll out will begin in Summer 2006.

Sephora, who currently carries Unforgivable in America, is one of the retailers that will carry Unforgivable in its International locations. "I am thrilled the first Sean John fragrance, Unforgivable, is #1 in men's fragrances at Sephora," says Betsy Olum, Senior VP, Sephora Marketing. "We look forward to the continued success of the brand and our partnership."

Sean John Fragrances is a division of M·A·C (Make-Up Art Cosmetics Inc.), a subsidiary of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The Company's products are sold in over 130 countries and territories under well-recognized brand names, including Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Prescriptives, Origins, M·A·C, Bobbi Brown, Tommy Hilfiger, La Mer, Donna Karan, Aveda, Jo Malone, Bumble and bumble, Darphin, Michael Kors, Rodan + Fields, American Beauty, Flirt!, Good Skin(TM), Donald Trump The Fragrance, Grassroots, Sean John and Missoni.
###
posted by Shelia, 4:33 PM | link | 0 comments |

The My Life Contest Sponsored by Author V Anthony Rivers

Monday, April 03, 2006

This contest has ended. Toni Bonita is the winner of the "My Life Pack."




posted by Shelia, 6:50 PM | link | 0 comments |

Ne-Yo CD Review for In My Own Words

Ne-Yo is to R & B as Kanye West is to hip-hop. Penning songs for others has helped Ne-Yo with his own solo project “In My Own Words.” You must have been under a rock if you hadn’t heard the debut song “So Sick” on the radio. Believe it or not, this isn’t the best song on the CD. His lyrics are on point and there’s not a bad song on the CD. The ladies have dominated R & B lately, but Ne-Yo is representing well for the male artists.
With a voice that’s soothing to listen, Ne-Yo’s In My Own Words will appeal to both men and women listeners.

To read an interview with Ne-Yo, CLICK HERE.

posted by Shelia, 10:10 AM | link | 0 comments |

Review for Nya Jade's My Denial CD

When glancing at the CD cover of “My Denial,” it’s easy to assume that Nya Jade is just another R & B singer. Nya Jade’s music is more rock and/or pop than anything. If you’re a Tracy Chapman fan, then you will definitely like “My Denial.”

From listening to this 12-track CD, I think Nya Jade can bring some of the flair of Tina Turner to the rock genre. This multi-talented singer/songwriter’s skills are showcased throughout the CD. It’s evident that she dances to her own tune and took a leap of faith by doing music her way. With her unique style, I feel that she has a winner with her soulful, yet rock debut release “My Denial.”

If you want good music, good lyrics and something different to listen to, then Nya Jade’s My Denial is a CD you must have. It’s in my top 10 favorites for the year.

Track listing:

1. One Pill
2. My Denial
3. Crawl
4. Live
5. Next To You
6. Home
7. Sweet Love
8. Molasses
9. Sedated
10. Best I Can
11. Leave It All Behind
12. Fall Through

NYA JADE
"My Denial" IN STORES MAY 16
Katako Records
www.nyajade.com


ONE PILL VIDEO

WM HI:
http://katako.vo.llnwd.net/o1/videos/wmv/
NyaJade_OnePill_Hi.wmv


WM LO:
http://katako.vo.llnwd.net/o1/videos/wmv/
NyaJade_OnePill_Lo.wmv


More about Nya Jade: CLICK HERE
posted by Shelia, 10:03 AM | link | 0 comments |