And not only because the Atlanta-based sextuplet is a mosaic of harmonious male hotness... (wink)
The ideal mix of self-described Funk, Jazz, Hip-Hop and Soul…Reeling with free-thought and expression, this album has moved me to a place of undeniable soul searching. With themes hovering around freedom and sovereignty, its no wonder I’m ready to concur, or at least steal back my world, after even just one listen.
The Album’s title song Polkadotted Stripes is emotionally moving. With child-like innocence, it asks the question,
“America Don’t you love me?
I just need for you to tell me the truth…”
It’s a question that we’d all like to ask. And of course we know the answer… but messages are coming at us left and right stating that our best interests are at the heart of American decision making… If we ever decided to take the high road and give America a chance to answer honestly, this might be how we’d ask the question.
Another outstanding track, Fallin, is a poignant conversation between the American public (both misfit and main street), and their favorite Uncle Sam. While the figurative main character of the song strolls nonchalantly along Main and Wall Streets with gradually emptying pockets, The Great Uncle incessantly tags along chanting a mantra-like reminder that we are “falling for ever in debt” to him. So simple and well stated are the lyrics that it’s easy to soak up the message in just one listen. But one listen won’t be enough… trust me. The smooth sounds of this horn and harmony rich tune are on repeat at my house... I find myself in a trance like state, as I stare somewhere into space thinking, “Goddamn I AM falling in debt to Uncle Sam!”
The most inspiring aspect of this song is that it creates social movement in a gentle way. It doesn’t anger you to action. It quietly helps you to realize your position, opening your mind to the possibility of other themes to come... while connecting your spirit with the energy and vibration of others who are tired of feeling used.
The Rhythmic and Melodic 2010, (one of my favorites) is a cut that grabs your attention right from the start with a pulsating beat and blaring horns under intense almost chant-like enchanting lyrics. Ebbing and Flowing… Building all the way through until it ends with the declaration:
“I Just want to be free as I can be,
Someone please help me,
help me to be FREE!
I JUST WANNA SEE FREEDOM!”
Janelle Monae does a beautiful job with this one.
This album leaves me ready to find myself and allow myself to be whatever it is that I find. To find freedom and hold it worthy above all that equates to what’s “right” in my neighbors eye. In awe and reverence, I’m ready to throw all that is stagnant and full of societal-cliche out the door... for the knowledge of liberation and self-determination.
Mellow Massage Therapy Center in the East Falls section of Philadelphia is looking for artists for their bi-monthly event, Mellow Nights. Mellow Nights will combine fine art, live music, and massage therapy as a fundraiser for various charitable organizations that support the same artistic endeavors. The first event will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2009.
The chosen artist will have their original artwork featured on the evening of the affair in a “gallery-opening style” event. Artwork will then be required to hang in the lobby and treatment rooms at Mellow Massage Therapy Center for a time period of 2 months.
All pieces will be made available to clients for purchase. Whatever pieces are not sold must be picked up at the end of this 2 month period.
We are looking for art that inspires and/or compliments a relaxing atmosphere. Pieces should be of any medium, however they must be easily hung on a wall. Free standing sculptures will not qualify.
For submission, please provide a link to your electronic portfolio / website. You may also submit 5 samples of your work via e-mail attachment to info@mellowmassage.com. Please note, though only 5 pieces are required as submission for consideration, more may be needed for the exhibit dependent upon the size or the artwork.
You will be notified via email if we choose to display your art. The deadline for submission is Monday, September 7, 2009. All submissions not chosen for the upcoming event will be considered for subsequent months.
Please send questions to Vanessa Hazzard-Tillman at vanessa@mellowmassage.com.
So Beautifully Written.
Have you been here before? I have.
Thank God I'm not here now...
"Revelling"
you were so in love
that it was all you could talk about
and i think i felt a little left out
you were on cloud 9 all the time
while i was levelling
i was wringing my hands and you were revelling
but then why shouldn't you?
it was such a beautiful thing to do
would that i could get me some
of your yum yum delirium
i could level off the ground that we stand on
but with you down on bended knee
always looking up at me
that feeling of standing up together is gone
and though i love you through all time and space
my love always seems to take second place
you were so in love
that it was all you could talk about
and i think i felt a little left out
you were on cloud 9 all the time
while i was levelling
i was wringing my hands and you were revelling
but then why shouldn't you?
it was such a beautiful thing to do
-A. DiFranco
Dream of a land my soul is from
I hear a hand stroke on a drum
Elegant boy,Beautiful girl
Dancing for joy,Elegant whirl
Shades of delight
Cocoa hue
Rich as the night
Afro blue
Two young lovers dance face to face
With undulating grace
They gently sway
Then slip away
To some secluded place
Shades of delight
Cocoa hue
Rich as the night
Afro blue
Whispering trees,Echo their sighs
Passionate pleas,Tender replies
Lovers in flight,Upward they glide
Burst at the height,Slowly subside
Shades of delight
Cocoa hue
Rich as the night
Afro blue
And my slumbering fantasy assumes reality
Until it seems it's not a dream
The two are you and me
Shades of delight
Cocoa hue
Rich as the night
Afro blue
Oh shades of delight
Cocoa hue
Rich as the night
Afro blue
Sometimes I forget who I am. Or who I’m supposed to be.
I get distracted by people… like people on TV or something.
Sometimes I think I’m supposed to be like those people.
I hate that.
Then I see a locked hippy-ish guitar playin brown girl.
And it’s clear again.
http://www.sparlhaswa.com/
I feel like today’s post would be the same as the last. I’m still tired. Maybe even more so… So what else is new?
I IMed my bud Cam at work today saying that I think I’ll quit teaching piano soon since I really need to free up some time.
He replied:
M, C, E says:
keep on pushing
M, C,E says:
when I was in school i used to sing that song
M, C, E says:
I don’t feel no ways tired
M, C, E says:
come to far from where i started from
M, C, E says:
nobody told me the road would be easy
M, C, E says:
I don’t believe he bought me this far to leave me
S, G says:
definitely some good lyrics in that song... thanks
M, C, E says:
no prob
Hmmmm… still might stop teaching. Though the words were helpful.
Piano Recital was this past Saturday…
I know some of you don’t already know because I don’t think I’ve talked about it on this blog yet, but… surprise! I teach piano.
Ok so back to the story… the recital was this past Saturday at the house… I have 6 students right now so it didn’t make much sense to try to rent space for the recital. I just wanted to have something small… but still an opportunity for the students to play in front of people since it can be so friggin intimidating. And what’s the point of playing if you cant share the beauty of it with others. Everyone did very well, especially since for most, it was their first time performing. I was soooo proud! *sheds tear*.
Be prepared for the in-effective use of pictures. I took pics before and after the performances but got so worked up and into the recital itself that I forgot to take pictures of people actually playing. Blasted. But anyway, the pics that I do have will be coming soon.
I found this on the wall of Penn Station last night...
Temporary Well Being
The pond is plenteous
The land is lush,
And having turned off the news
I am for the moment mellow.
With my book in one hand
And my drink in the other
What more could I want
But fame,
Better health,
And ten million dollars?
– Kenneth Burke
Ok so I took a little longer than one day of silence.
Big deal…
Spent a rad music filled weekend.
Friday night was the opening show for the Black Lily Film and Music Festival.
Artist line up was a little drab, though there were a few sparklers throughout… Malene killed it… as did Ethel Cee (one half of the former duo Verses) I hadn’t seen her perform solo prior to that night but I definitely think she’s gonna do big things… people seemed to dig her.
Hmm.. who else… other than Kindred and Lady Alma (who both put on great performances). I pretty much could have done without everyone else… (Especially Slanty Eyed Mama).
Sunday was the closing show for the Festival… definitely a better line up. Finally saw ALICE SMITH!!! She only did 2 songs but still it was pretty great. Other participants included Ursula Rucker, Imani Uzuri, Black Blondie, and a surprise appearance by Amy Winehouse.
I like Amy a lot. She has a powerful voice and great style (and I was totally feelin her until she forgot the words. Ironically to the song “Rehab”. What kinda "fuckary" was that?!?! ... maybe she actually should go…)
The evening ended with Jill in the spotlight. You could feel the power of women artists throughout the whole place... An inspirational experience if nothing else.
Managed to get all of my required school work done too… now if I could only get my Statistics Homework done for tomorrow… we’ll be in business.
p.s.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those that lost their lives today in the Virginia Tech Killings. We wont ever truly understand why something so horrific happened... Strength to those still holding onto their lives in the area hospitals... and Wisdom to the doctors who I'm certain are working tirelessly.
Peace
ok so both papers were turned in on time... discussion board is pretty much done except for one chapter read that i just dont feel like doing... that may not happen at all. hope my grade survives without it.
Also, just want to share that I'm listening to the Bee Gees on the radio... and i like them. so what.
um. oh and i really hate little waitresses that think they're all slick and what not. dont call me names. its not nice. and if I catch you again I will shove my foot up your ass. I might seem innocent but dude really. common now. please dont be surprised. it would be unfortunate.
oh and i love my Sungee. and The Blue Method. those guys are hot.
Git it! Git it!
