The Seven Song Itch - Soul Sister Revival

Soul is in the ear of the beholder, or rather—in the voice of the singer.  As a child of the 70’s, I grew up hearing my fair share of soul stirring songs, so I take delight in these vocalists.  Now, I’m not a stickler for the past, on the contrary, my taste has a rather international flavor and with each new song I consider myself lucky to sample such a diverse selection.  In all honesty, I could rattle off Soul Icons all day, but I wanted to get a different point of view.  And yes, I've missed a myriad of singers, but this is just a sampler. Theses seven songs represent a partial British Invasion, with a couple of country gals thrown in the mix, of a Soul Sister Revival.

1. Joss Stone-“Drive All Night” (2011)

This lady is too young to be singing like this. Miss Stone is compared to many soul masters, but cuts her own piece of the chess pie with this song. Sometimes we all feel like a fool for love, but you complete me Joss—I would drive all night for you.  Footnote: In one of her live videos for this song, she shares a story of a lad that flew all the way from L.A. to pick her up from her flat and drive her to an appointment outside of London that she had the next morning.

2. Adele-“Someone Like You”(2011)

The mourning of a relationship can reduce you ruble. The exquisite sentiment conveyed in this ballad shows that some wounds will never heal. It isn’t easy seeing someone you love with someone new, but in order to heal you have to realize when it’s time to move on.

3. Duffy-“Warwick Avenue”(2008)

This cathartic tearjerker puts you in right smack dab the middle of a final breakup. I find that by the time she finishes the song, a good cry is on the way, as it was for Duffy in the video. Final words need to be said, and the sadness comes in the realization that a relationship is never going to work.

4. Amy Winehouse with Tony Bennett-“Body and Soul”(2011)

Though Amy’s musical roots are firmly planted in the girl groups of the 60’s, she eases in to the balladeer frontier with this soulful duet with masterful crooner Tony Bennett. It is her swan song as she passes into eternity. Amy is standing in front of us—begging to be loved.

5. Sheryl Crow-“Sign Your Name”(2010)

This cover version of Terence Trent D'Arby’s song from his first album (1987) works very well with Crows breathy vocal candor. It has a vintage Memphis-styled, soul-inspired feel, which finds Sheryl slipping her way into your heart, which makes you wannna stand up and shout, “Have Mercy!”

6. Martina McBride-“Whatcha Gonna Do”(2011)

Even cowgirls get the blues, and Martina is working it out for herself with this song. She’s giving him one last chance to do right, but knows deep within her heart that it’s over. She’s walking out the door, in an awful amount of hurt and frustration.

7. Dionne Bromfield – “Good For The Soul”

Dionne is part of the new British invasion and I look forward to hearing more from this soulful singer.  She signed to Amy Winehouse's Lioness Records label in 2009, and has two releases under her belt.  Dionne’s sound is reminiscent of Atlantic/Philly Soul singers, though she was born way beyond its heyday.  It’s great to see a great genre of music come into the new millennium with new breath.

Hey there,

I have two new reviews for you to see.  The links are hardwired on the right hand side and listed below.

Skinny Puppy

Martina McBride

Keep tuned for CD reviews from Thompson Square, Lacuna Coil, and Sherrié Austin.

The Seven Song Itch - Maidens of Mayhem

January 2012

I never really get enough time to listen to new music when it comes out, so I spend a lot of time searching YouTube and Sirius Satellite Radio to find artists that are similar to what I’m listening to at a point in time.  I discover great songs, and artists, sometimes a few years after they have made their presence known to the world.  It’s a shame that these artists do not have extensive marketing plans from their record companies.  Whether it’s international limits or just that the musical roster at the label is brimming with a myriad of other artists that some of these groups go under-noticed.  For the fans of these bands, there’s no need to re-introduce them, but for the rest of us who just can’t keep up, I offer this sampling of songs in a series I call “The Seven Song Itch.”  This is not meant to be the end-all be-all of a specific genre or even to showcase an artist’s catalog.  These are songs that I feel can stand the test of time and not become like milk—having a limited shelf life.  Maybe you know them, maybe not, but for what it’s worth these artists are out there just killin’ it, and it’s time you were made aware of their prowess. 

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content in these videos. Everything belongs to it's owners.  For copyright informational use, please refer to the paragraph below the end of the article.

Warning:  Most of this material is not for everyone, especially not the faint of heart.  You've been warned.

1. Gin Wigmore – “Oh My” 

I was introduced to this artist through a Lowe’s commercial several months ago with her song, “Don’t Stop.”  I liked the plucky nature of the music and the upfront lyrics.  She is a showman and has a wonderful career in Australia, but has had limited exposure to the US.  This video from YouTube is a fan’s interpretation of the song though the images of the Movie, “Sucker Punch.”  It proves to be very entertaining.

2. Imelda May – “Psycho”

I was searching for some psycho-billy songs the other day, stemming from my love of the group Social Distortion, and came across this wonderful Irish chanteuse and her ability to bring rockabilly songs into the new Millennium.  The song is a freaky exploration of madness, but with the charm of a 50’s bop that just squeals.  There is great guitar work and vocal acrobatics. 

3. The Creepshow – “The Garden”

Looking for a chilled out late night song around Halloween, I discovered this lovely morbid tale of the dead from this group.  This sultry songstress caress your ear with her breathy eulogy that calms you in the midst of a grave yard.  Its melodic macabre sound really puts the last nail in the coffin of lost love. 

4. Porcelain Black – “Who’s Next”

Believe it or not, this is a Lil’ Wayne protégé.  She has all of the monster rock rhythm of Marilyn Manson, and the cuteness of Britney Spears.  I hate to compare her to anyone else out there, but if you just listen to this track, you will find your own love of this artist, if you love the previous one’s mentioned.  I want to meet this gal, but am afraid of what she’ll do to me.

5. Dirty Harry – “Frayed At The Edges”

I was watching a BBC reality show where they teach a non-rocker how to rock out, and Dirty Harry was the vocal coach for a gal from Cambridge.  After the show aired, this blonde minx relocated to L.A. and started to rock up the scene. This was one of her first contributions–a good start I think.

6. Alexx Calise – “Out Of Sight”

Alexx, a fellow Cancerian, found her way into my inbox when I was reading press releases a few years ago.  She has a wide sound and a good soul.  She rips her heart open for catharsis but is gentle on your ear.  Young and inspired, she will be around for some time.

7. The Fabulous Miss Wendy – “Crazy Fucked Up Bitch”

[Video Not Age Appropriate, but I'm sure you can find it]

I met this great guitarist when she opened up for a Nashville Pussy show a few years back.  She is what Prince would term—Fitly Cute.  She plays up her little girl lost aspect while rocking out.  She has been around the block a few times, with some rock Gods, so she’s experienced.

###

17 U.S.C. § 107

Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 17 U.S.C. § 106

Copyright Code: 17 U.S.C. § 106A

The fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include:

1. the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
2. the nature of the copyrighted work;
3. the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
4. the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors.^[1]