Two nights ago I was in a rental car driving from Hyde Park to Rogers Park on Lake Shore Drive. I had the windows down and was listening to the smooth Jazz of WNUA. As I approached the stoplight by the Field Museum, I heard a fierce track blasting from the windows of another car.
After saying a little prayer, I fumbled with the tuning knob and made my way up and down the FM band. Luckily I managed to tune in the same station and catch the rest of the song. In less than a minute I was bouncing in my seat, enjoying the Pop high that comes with the first time I hear a new song. And when it was over, I learned a new name in music - Rihanna.
Beyonce look out. There's a new voice on the scene and you better keep your eyes open for this native of Barbados. Thus far Rihanna's not proven herself with a live performance, but I suspect it's only a matter of time before she opens her pipes up and gives it to us live.
Rihanna's debut single and video is called 'Pon De Replay' and has a Reggae/R&B hybrid sound, with a throbbing Pop hook that you won't be able to get out of your head. She was discovered in Barbados, and after a short audition, impressed with her talent, Jay-Z signed her to a six-album Def Jam contract immediately. Jay-Z does have a pretty good eye and ear for talent, so we'll see where Rihanna ends up in a year. Be sure to watch for my review of her forthcoming album Music Of The Sun in the next few weeks.
Yet another fantastic pair of remixes of the Afro Medusa ( now classic ) track 'Pasilda' has been released on the Azuli label. Haji & Emanuel have reworked the beautiful not-quite-Spanish vocals into two big Latin flavored floor thumpers. The Club Remix brings the powerful vocals around again for another life on the 'floor, while the Dub Remix showcases the beautiful guitar and piano of the song. The breakdowns in the Dub are really spectacular on a big sound system.
Is there such a thing as a bad record from the group Copyright? I think not. 'Essence Of Life', their latest to drop, is one of those songs that sounds like you either heard it ten years ago or ten days ago. Copyright's knack for making timeless House shines through this triple-play of remixes that will fill you with bass, vocals, and a saxophone that sounds like it's having multiple orgasms. ( I'll have what she's having... )
All three are on the deeper side of House, but the funky piano on the House Mix is the track that gets my juices flowing. They mix it with a handful of filtered vocals and that deliciously orgasmic sax ( had to mention that again ) and you'll be dancing around the room in no time.
With you in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik
peter@windycitymediagroup.com
