http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/gitbean Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:07:36 GMT Reviews by gitbean http://www.viewpoints.com/Madonna-review-b9923 ALLOT of things can be said about Madonna as we all know very well ( Brittany kisser, Cabala queen, rumors of divorce, A-Rod, Rodman etc....) and she is not known for being the world's greatest singer. Let's not even get started on her painful attempts at acting (I could name a few movies but I will just say one word....SWEPT AWAY).  Above all the thing that can be said most is this fact: she has managed to keep her finger on the pulse of the music world and in the public eye ever since her breakout 80's days. As I look back on it Madonna's music has been apart of my collection from then until now and BOY what a musical ride it has been. — The Beginning: — My earliest memory comes from the first time I heard the song Everybody with the addictive course "dance and sing get up and do your thing." It was some time before I found out that it was Madonna and when I did it was at that moment I became a reluctant fan. I say... Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:07:36 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Madonna-review-b9923 gitbean 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Guts-Le-bienheureux-review-9b2c5 Being lost in boredom sometimes can produce the greatest musical finds. In this manner I have discovered artists that I otherwise would have never come across. It's times like these that you can really appreciate the beauty of a new discovery and with Le bienheureux this point is made bright and clear. If you are familiar with Nightmares On Wax then Guts is perfectly suited for your musical pleasure. With binded hip and trip hop beats, blues, down-tempo, funky tight electronic arrangements, and solid production  Le bienheureux plays well and perfect for summer fun. A little over half feature vocals and none a featured better than on the song that started this ball rolling for me Skunkfunk. The song is trapped somewhere between 70's throwback soul and today's organic down-tempo coming together to make a song that I have not stop playing yet.......odd yet pure and beautiful!! — Track-list: —... Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:01:57 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Guts-Le-bienheureux-review-9b2c5 gitbean 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/DAngelo-Ultimate-DAngelo-review-d8e72 The price of fame can be very costly.....just look at the current examples like Amy Winehouse. In the beginning you start out with the thirst and hunger of an artist yearning to make their place in the music world. At this time you are at your very best due to being focused and passionate about what you are doing. Then comes the swelled ego, the "YES" people, hanger's-on, drugs, and the unwillingness of those around you to help you see the mess that's being created. One only hopes that these artists can find their way back to doing what they do best. — This brings me to the case of D'Angelo. In having a conversation about what fame does to some artists this young man's name came up and during the conversation I found my mind musically drifting to his STUNNING remake of  Smokey Robinson's Cruisin...ironically the ONLY Smokey song I like (this is one Motown artist that never really moved me). D'Angelo's break-though CD Brown Sugar took the mid 90's by storm and crowned... Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:20:13 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/DAngelo-Ultimate-DAngelo-review-d8e72 gitbean 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Very-Best-of-Cole-Porter-review-82ad5 Ok......so I was at The Sound Garden one day this week (as per usual:~) and while their with friends I managed to rediscover a true American master. As it goes employees at The Sound Garden each get a turn to pick what is to be played next throughout the store. On this particular day even in the thick of multiple conversations and customer's I could not help but zone out to what had been chosen. Because a typical trip to the Garden can take on upwards of 1 to 1 1/2hrs I just about made it through the whole CD and after hearing Carmen McCrae's rendition of Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye  I made a bee-line to the counter inquiring about the musical beauty my ears just witnessed.  — It has been often debated just who holds the title as for American music master between Porter and Irving Berlin.....my loyalty has always lied with Cole and the beauty with which he composed classic's that are still called upon to cover to this very day. The Very Best of... Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:27:52 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Very-Best-of-Cole-Porter-review-82ad5 gitbean 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Colette-Push-review-20494 This one had me smacked right in the middle of the road ......at first. On the one hand you have one half of this Cd that provides you with some awesome and impressive takes on pop, dance, and r&b and the other a bunch of over radio'ed dance music that lacks spirit and soul.  On the upside you have the bottom beat heavy standout r&b thumper Funny that makes you thirst for more of it's kind of style and then there's the hot hot HOT dance number Get You Over that is so strong it does not ever need a remix applied to it. If that is not enough then ther's an up tempo-ed version of Funny that takes the song to the highest of heights. Then there's the other side with the filler's that could have been replaced or flat out left on the cutting room floor. After a couple of listen's (especially after a good workout) I came to like this release because even with the tracks that could have been left out of the fold it still has a fresh pop/dance appeal to it that stands allot better... Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:33:44 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Colette-Push-review-20494 gitbean 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Sketches-Of-A-Man-by-Dwele-review-aad4 When an artist is dropped from a major label usually one of two things happen....they thrive underground possibly on their own indie label OR they suffer in the KOCH wasteland putting out control mediocre music that is far below the talents. I was SO happy when the musical wire was buzzing with a new release by this artist that i have come to like but a fear followed that up when it was said that he no longer was singed to Virgin. Still though I held out hope and after a once over I walked away somewhat disappointed. Before I heard a  young man sing and make music with a certain passion but he has been  replaced with someone who sounds like an outsider trying desperately to fit in when they really don't have to. Your craft should speak for itself but when you come off as trying to hard to matter you can almost come off as desparate. — In Short: — Feels So Good is the only song that sparked a feeling of wht this thrid release should be be cause it displays Dwele... Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:19:49 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Sketches-Of-A-Man-by-Dwele-review-aad4 gitbean 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Eric-Roberson-Left-review-23c40 I am a lucky dude sometimes.....I mean...it's SOOOO cool to meet your favorite artists in person and get a chance to honestly tell them minus the *STAR*ie eyed groupie hype that you appreciate their creativity, craft, and ability to produce quality music. You have entertainer's then you have ARTIST's and Mr. Roberson is one in every since of the word. The independent community is thriving with a robust bounty of artists that are doing music on their own terms instead of having the "million dollar babies" over their shoulder pimping them out to the music buying public. What an awesome thing I would imagine to have total control over what you play and how you play it to an audience that although may not be huge in commercial size is loyal and appreciates the heart they put in what they do. — A Little Background: — After having the breakout r&b tune The Moon in the mid 90's and even with the song being a hit a full length... Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:13:34 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Eric-Roberson-Left-review-23c40 gitbean 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Self-Portrait-6-3-by-Lalah-Hathaway-review-c46c3 Soul/r&b music at it's best can be a wonderful thing! Believe it or not there are artists that don't need the gimmick's of Ciara, the "oh baby's" of Ashanti, and the pop, lock, & drop of Janet Jackson all of whom put out "okay", typical, and forgettable music. When you have an artist that expresses themselves with CONSISTENT heart, passion, and pure emotion you are certain to be throughly pleased and after all these years Lalah Hathaway, daughter of the late great Donny Hathaway, never disappoints! I fell under Lalah's spell quickly with her self titled debut in 1990 and it's first single Heaven Knows with it's effortless soulful flow & delivery and from then to this beautiful Self Portrait Lalah shows artistic beauty and musical prowess at it's sublime best. I have (HAPPILY) been on a roll of late with getting CD's that from start to finish play as one beautiful track cut in slices (in this case 12) and with Lalah I knew it was a given... Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:06:17 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Self-Portrait-6-3-by-Lalah-Hathaway-review-c46c3 gitbean 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Jean-Paul-Gaultier-Fleur-Du-Male-Eau-De-Toilette-Spray-review-20770 Notes: — Orange Blossom, Petitgrain Leaf, Coumarin, Fern Accord. — Bottom Note: — There's nothing worse than a cologne that smells like a bottle of lather and soap suds and FLEUR DU MALE crams that fact down your nostrils. Of all the Gaultier frgrances I have smelled and owned this one sits WAY down at the "bottom line"! — ... Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:00:24 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Jean-Paul-Gaultier-Fleur-Du-Male-Eau-De-Toilette-Spray-review-20770 gitbean 1 http://www.viewpoints.com/Jean-Paul-Gaultier-LE-MALE-Summer-Fragrance-review-e0205 Although I did not purchase this scent (yet:) I still felt the need to pass it along because after sampling it the fragrance stuck with me.....in a good way. Le Male in original form has been around for some time and the summer version stands well with the original offering a light and cool alternative for the summer moods. With it's earthy herbal minty-fresh scent Le Male would make a soft yet bold statement! — Notes: — Mint. Lavender. Vanilla. — Bottom Line: — If I had to smell like summer this would be my choice and will be my choice on the next shopping trip! —... Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:51:28 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Jean-Paul-Gaultier-LE-MALE-Summer-Fragrance-review-e0205 gitbean 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Lizz-Fields-Pleasureville-review-ed1e3 FINALLY.......the wait is over! I tend to get a little nervous when my favorite unknowns go a long time between releases because it's easy to get caught up in the mainstream hustle. Lizz Fields first release By Day, By Night got MUCH (and still gets MUCH) play from me and it having such a musical impact on me I had me drooling for and dreading a follow up from this amazing young lady. The upside is that with as good as her first release was I was certain that she would deliver a second time around and the dread came from the fear that with so much time away she may have lost her drive. Pleasureville came as one big vacation of relief all around from start to finish (I have had a good streak with theses kinds of releases of late:). This impressive follow up takes Lizz's sweet, soulful, and soft sty-lings to even greater and broader heights without tainting her original musical beauty. — Bottom Line: — Sorry Mariah Carey fans but who... Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:21:11 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Lizz-Fields-Pleasureville-review-ed1e3 gitbean 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Ed-Hardy-Ed-Hardy-Mens-Eau-de-Toilette-3-4-oz-review-8f406 Nice scent! That was the first SURPRISING thing that came to mind when I first smelled it but I must admit when I saw the bottle I was thinking I was in for a cheap smelling time. I am not a big fan of the Ed Hardy clothing line because every "hipster" has the logo'ed tee's and although I have come across some that I was impressed with I just see TOO many of them.....now the fragrance is another story! For those that shop Macy's this scent brought as a gift set comes complete with deodorant, shower gel, a travel size spray, and a smart gym/carry all (man) bag.....of course with the signature Ed Hardy tag. Bottom Line: — This scent comes complete with aright and inviting citrus shades of Bergamot & Mandarin and are complimented by the aromatic spotlight of Thuja and the sharp snap of Clary Sage for that added perk. I don't need another fragrance (as my mom would tell me) but I am a sucker for "the new one" and this one... Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:38:31 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Ed-Hardy-Ed-Hardy-Mens-Eau-de-Toilette-3-4-oz-review-8f406 gitbean 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Some-Kinda-by-Dwele-review-04803 After the comical musical battle at work I decided to extendDwele listening to his follow-up Some Kinda. The TRULY underrated modern soul classic Subjectset the follow-up bar pretty high and minus the odd one or two "OK" tracks Some Kinda proves that Dwele is a reliable r&b artist even though he is not well known in the mainstream way. Just as with Subject Dweleoffer's a soft yet solid approach to music making that is less forgettable and more quality and lasting. Even when he has his sight's set on the main-steam "fitting in" crowd Dwele soft yet humble approach win's you over even forgiving him for trying hard....just a little. — Track-list: —... Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:24:30 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Some-Kinda-by-Dwele-review-04803 gitbean 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Subject-by-Dwele-review-15c26 Whenever my music can be heard the question besides who/what is my favorite i am asked most is "what/who is that you are playing". With one "touch" of the pod you can see the countless looks on peoples faces seeing artist they have never heard of (you know that unfamiliar look). I got chewed today for trashing Usher's latest effort Here I Stand. It got so bad that the person (Jeff) walked away in quite a huff telling me I don't get him because I have weird taste in music. I am a REAL sucker for a good debate/confrontation(the competitative friendly kind) so after recovering from the shock of the statement I asked why that was said to which he replied "because dude....I walk by you one second I hear that old sixties crap (referring to Dusty Springfield) and the next you hear Grace Jones or John Coltrane ". Never one for missing the moment for getting a good zinger in I replied " well...that's what separates music listener's from music lover's".....he... Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:41:39 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Subject-by-Dwele-review-15c26 gitbean 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Patti-Labelle-Patti-Labelle-Live-In-Washington-DC-review-6abd1 Patti Labelle rocked Washington DC with a performance that caught her at her prime (which she is still in:)! The packaging and cover photo looks new but this 1982 performance shows just why Patti is so loved! When she is not screaming Patti is at her pure best which is why this was joy to hear. You can hear the clear beauty at her peak of profection when she sings and takes notes and stretches them beyond their limits in the best way possible. She is well known for giving you one heck of a show ands this recording displays that point wide and clear. I have seen her live before but would have given anything to be in attendance this night. When I see her live she has such a connection with the audience and though you know she's on a schedule she makes you still feel like you were appreciated by an artist that gave her all! — Track-list: —... Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:44:18 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Patti-Labelle-Patti-Labelle-Live-In-Washington-DC-review-6abd1 gitbean 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Amy-Winehouse-Frank-2-Disc-Deluxe-Edition-review-2d594 I have, since  discovering her (music), been very much a fan of Amy's raw, gritty, and passionate brand of soul. Beneath all the problems (some of which are still on going) there is a artist with talent to spare and with the re-release of her groundbreaking debut CD Frank it is very possible to get hooked all over again. I almost ALWAYS shrug off the idea of a CD that boasts "bonuses" because it's nothing more than the routine live track, remix, or song that SHOULD have been left on the cutting room floor. — That SO is not the case with Frank...this CD stands firmly by the word BONUS as you are treated to 17.....count them....17 bonus tracks (19 if you count the two bonus hidden tracks on disc 1.)...some of which are seeing the light of day for the very first time. Included are B-Sides (that should have stayed on side A), original demos (pure stripped down musical beauty at it's very best), remixes (QUALITY ones), and live performances ( so alive you... Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:52:07 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Amy-Winehouse-Frank-2-Disc-Deluxe-Edition-review-2d594 gitbean 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Hil-St-Soul-Black-Rose-review-f04a3 Truth be told when asked who and what is my favorite artist/music is I am ALWAYS at a loss for words. This is because so many artists, styles of music and it's MANY moods flood my mind evoking many memories of falling in love with a song for the very first time. Take, for example, The Fugees re-make of the Roberta Flack classic Killing Me Softly.....from the very first listen I could tell that I would be playing it to death because it was (and still is) addictive and timeless all while doing the original proud to the point of topping it. Many more examples of that same feeling come to mind especially in the realm of the artists that we know little about yet they hold a rightful thrown in their respective musical sty-lings. — Such is the case with UK artist(s) Hil St. Soul ( singer Hilary Mwelwa and writer and producer Victor Redwood Sawyerr ) who makes it abundantly clear that there's more than meets the musical media eye....even if you have never... Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:07:07 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Hil-St-Soul-Black-Rose-review-f04a3 gitbean 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Paul-Weller-22-Dreams-review-1f974 Paul Weller has been a consistent and honored voice in music (30+yrs strong) though allot of us american's may not realize this. As front-man and founder of both The Jam and The Style Council Paul's raspy soulful vocals and tight instrumentation have been rocking and rolling on and as a solo act he continues to shine and dream......BIG! — 22 Dreams cover's allot of fronts from rock, rhythm & blues, free-jazz, electronica, and funk which comes off as an expression of a bold artist who musically thinks beyond the box. You don't get a Cd filled with short song's (OK.....some are short:)....instead what you get is a very ambitious, modern, and impressive winner failing to disappoint! After listening to 22 Dreams I quickly pulled out my all time favorite Style Council CD Confessions Of A Pop Group because in that same vein 22 Dreams shows Paul at his very unconventional best! — Track-list: —... Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:46:38 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Paul-Weller-22-Dreams-review-1f974 gitbean 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Musical-Massage-by-Leon-Ware-R-B-review-ebfe3 The story behind this classic is as equally fascinating as the music itself! Ware's  song I Want You was demo-ed for T-Boy Ross (brother of Diana Ross) to obtain a recording contract with Motown. When Motown head B. Gordy heard the tune Marvin Gaye was top choice for it as a (then) next single. Marvin himself fell head over heels for the song and one magical night while at Gaye's home Ware was previewing tracks for an album he was recording for himself which brought Gaye out of his bedroom inquiring about the sweet soulful sounds he was hearing. Marvin asked for, and received, the tracks he was listening to which turned out to be the CLASSIC Motown album (as they were called at the time) I Want You.......possibly Gaye's finest work! This sent Ware back to the drawing board to create a new set of tunes for himself and Musical Massage is the result and it's really not hard to see why both Gordy and Gaye were under Leon's musical spell! Musical... Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:01:26 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Musical-Massage-by-Leon-Ware-R-B-review-ebfe3 gitbean 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Ashanti-The-Declaration-review-92c43 Sorry good people...there was no easy way to put it:)! This is the all to often tail of a commercial artist that is as stuck in "the machine" as she was from day one! The declaration may be Ashanti's way of show growth but someone forgot to tell her that as a artist you have to actually GROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you like your music radio ready (to be played 10,000 pr hr) with an empty commercial appeal then look no further then this bland, lifeless, and thin effort.........trust me half way through it will all be just a bad dream...... — Bottom Line: — I DO declare! —... Thu, 05 Jun 2008 05:42:01 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Ashanti-The-Declaration-review-92c43 gitbean 1