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Showing posts with label Foreign Exchange. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Foreign Exchange. Show all posts
While I am over here enjoying the FE Music: The Reworks album (Which I still haven't written about but trust me, it is coming), I am EQUALLY excited about the new music that my man Zo! has coming for us.
As you can READ below, the album, which is due out May 21, 2013, features some very dope artists. It looks like another one in the belt for FE. This is his second album but DEFINITELY not his second offering. Go on ahead and type in 'Just Visiting'/Zo! into your Google search bar and see what you come up with. (You could also do that here as there are some links on the blog itself.)
1. The Train feat. Sy Smith 2. Count To Five feat. Gwen Bunn 3. New In Town (Happy) feat. 1-O.A.K. & Carlitta Durand 4. Making Time feat. Phonte & Choklate 5. Tell Me Something New feat. Jeanne Jolly 6. ManMade feat. Phonte 7. We Are On The Move feat. Eric Roberson 8. Show Me The Way feat. Anthony David & Carmen Rodgers 9. For Tina 10. Out In The World feat. Choklate & Phonte 11. Body Rock feat. Sy Smith
Without even THINKING ABOUT IT, I KNOW WHOSE ORIGINAL idea this probably was...Any guesses on your end?
So now in addition to me coping the Laughing At Your Plans shirt, I GOTTA GET THOSE so that I can see that walking around my house. Note, I said 'see'. So naw, they aren't for me. But they are FOR ME...If you get what I am saying.....
Consider this my formal request for a set of 'Don't Wait' line of boyshorts or something... Just a request.
(The aforementioned 'Laughing At Your Plans' shirt modeled by Aimee "The Swiss Army Knife of The Foreign Exchange" Flint..As I like to call her..Her official title is Director of Operations..)
Might wanna start checking out folks 'stores' online. You NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIND FIND TUCKED AWAY IN THE BACK.
If you know ANYTHING ABOUT ME, I don't really do the 'review' thing too well. I'm not about going around talking about music I don't 'like' and 'reviewing' music would probably require that in some capacity. So hence the reason I don't call these 'reviews'.
"Dear Friends" is a double-disc CD/DVD digipak that features the full acoustic concert performed by the band's current touring lineup of Zo!, Sy Smith, and singer/songwriter Jeanne Jolly " - Per FE Music
To quote Phonte Coleman himself in a recent concert...
"The Foreign Exchange is not....a NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION....."
Please support them in the manner that you best see fit. They are MY FOLK and I still cop so I would expect nothing less from you.
Here is the tracklisting once again..
01. Introduction/Fight For Love: In case you don't recognize the voice, that was none other than Patrick Douthit, known professionally as 9th Wonder, who introduced the group. I am going to assume that you know the relationship between Phonte & 9th and leave it at that. Great to see him come out and support them that evening as he did come back into the control room and take in the show with some of us.
02. All Roads: This song, at present moment, is on CONSTANT REPEAT in light of the recent event in my life. My Father's passing. During this recording, my Father was still alive and residing in the fine state of North Carolina at the time. I actually didn't get to see him during that particular trip due to circumstances but I did see him PLENTY BEFORE HE WAS GONE. When I first heard this song in its studio form, it actually reminded me of my parents. Probably not the group's intent when the song was written but good music does that. It has more than one meaning. Ya dig?
03. Take Off The Blues:
All I am going to say is 'What ya gonna do when you REALLY DON'T WANNA DANCE BY STANDING ON THE WALL? Get your back up off the wall... " That good ole grown folks traveling music...
04. Lose Your Way/Band Introductions
This is one of those 'tracks' that is DEFINITELY ENTERTAINING AND INFORMATIVE. The 'parts of this' that didn't 'make the cut' on this part I FULLY EXPECT TO MAKE IT AS A SKIT SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LINE. Or knowing Zo! and Tay, it will just bloom into a full song.
05. House Of Cards:
It felt like they were floating on a magic carpet and levitating on stage when they sang this joint. Seriously. They transitioned from the Intro joint and just seemed to SOMEHOW KICK IT INTO ANOTHER GEAR. How I don't know nor do I want to know. It was about this point that I started to realize just how MAGICAL this event was. 'Tay took another swig of room temperature water and killed it.
06. Greatest Weapon Of All Time:
Sy Smith's stories/Phonte's sense of timing...Hilarity. This is one of Zo!'s joints and again it is all the way live. If you can see her live, do it. That's all I will say. (Wait, I have said that before...) Tay's breakdown of BBD's "Do Me" reminded me of when I realized that Big Daddy Kane was bugging as well when I was a little older.. (Eight to eighty...crippled and crazy..)
07. Something In The Way She Moves:
He (Phonte)..no THEY...(Foreign Exchange) covered JAMES TAYLOR. James. Taylor. Do I REALLY NEED TO SAY ANYMORE? If you don't know who that is, GET YOUR MUSIC GAME UP. (Not dissing you either. No really. Go see who he is. You are missing out.) This is probably the thing that I love about this band the most. They are not pigeonholed by what they think you 'want to hear from them'. They sing what they want. How they want. When they want. Without fear. They show their musical range and knowledge almost every time they pick their respective instruments.
"All songs are like your children..." - Phonte on how he feels about the songs he writes..
08. Laughing At Your Plans:
I want so desperately for someone to take this to a country station, drop it off and have it catch fire. It deserves to. It is actually 'genre-less' in many senses but I know most would SAY IT IS COUNTRY. I am thinking that FE wouldn't care WHAT YOU CALL IT AS LONG AS YOU CALL IT GOOD. Having Jeanne Jolly on the track, which was PERFECT outta the studio, made 'perfect' seem like not enough. If that makes any sense. She owned it. Period. Seeing/hearing Nicolay back there with Chris on his 'Daughtry' vibe (for this and ALL THE SONGS) WAS DEFINITE TREAT TOO. That should be noted. By now, most of you have seen Nicolay do that if you caught them on tour recently but at the time, this was his FIRST TIME doing it in front of a live audience. (Go back and read the re-cap above. He discussed that with me a bit). I don't think you know just how much I love this damm song.
09. Daykeeper:
As Phonte stated, this is an old favorite. For them to 'swing it' was RIGHT UP THEIR ALLEY AND IT SOUNDED GREAT. Then they hit us with this....
When. They. Took. This. Song. Country. I. Lost. My. Damm. Mind. I lost it again when they CHOPPED AND SCREWED IT. Live. No effects. No gimmicks. They. Slowed. Down. Their. Voices. Instruments. And. Replicated. The. Song. Chopped. And. Screwed.
Do I really need to say more? I didn't think so....
10. I Wanna Know:
Audience participation. Guitars. Down home feel and more. All in one song. Perfect way to end it.
11. Steal Away feat. Jeanne Jolly:
I want more of this. Period. That's all I will say.
12. All The Kisses feat. Amber & Paris Strother of KING:
I look forward to seeing them perform this song live in Columbia. I will keep my fingers crossed that there are more songs in the can with them as well.
Those last two tracks are BONUS TRACKS to the album. Both are STELLAR TRACKS introducing two artists that you may not have heard of before. Jeanne Jolly and KING. You should DEFINITELY familiarize yourself with them.
I haven't 'seen' the video yet so I can't speak on it. I have heard I am in it too. Even if that is not the case, I know I will still enjoy it. Welp, that sounds like it will be another blog post honestly. 'Till then.......
.....Go out and support this good music people. It is out there. You have to find it. You should also get on your local radio stations about playing stuff like this or SUPPORT THE ONES THAT DO. (There are stations out there that play The Foreign Exchange too. Shoutout to you.)
(Speaking of which, I need to change the blog's heading picture. It will still be FEOfficial but I not sure which one I am gonna pick. Ya'll wanna help?)
Oh it seems that Soul Sanctuary has pretty much the WHOLE PHILLY CONCERT on film...So the top footage in with this series of videos and enjoy some of the show that we saw.
I have some video that I will put up later after I chop it up and the like. Along with some more pictures. I just uploaded a few here to get started and to let folks know what is coming up later on today once I finally get things like I want them.
Gabriel Voss as Tyler (Male lead)
Katy O'Leary as Tiffany (Female lead)
Gabriel Caste as Mark
In true FE fashion, not your 'typical' music video. Message sent and received.
A lot of you..and I do mean A LOT OF YOU, have asked me about that group pictured on the side (and at this present time...THE VERY TOP OF THE BLOG). Here is another listen to them live. If they come to your area, MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS TO COME SEE THEM.
This past weekend in Durham, North Carolina, the good folks at The Foreign Exchange held a private concert for around 30 of SOME OF their closest fans. It also doubled as a recording for a future 'live' album that they plan on releasing for their FANS to enjoy. I was lucky enough to be able to attend this event. This is going to my 'ramblings' on the event that took place on Sunday February 20th around 6:00 P.M.
Unfortunately, I was NOT able to take my camera inside and NORMALLY that would put a damper on my personal spirits as I HATE TALKING ABOUT EVENTS without visuals. However FE had cameras ALL AROUND and some photos were 'leaked' out so I do have some visuals to work with. Before you say it, these are people I consider MY FRIENDS (See the Phonte 'chat' I did with the man himself here..)too at this point so I was not about to go 'rogue' and start disrespecting their rules. So no, I don't have many pictures of my own on this go around. I know I said I planned to take some. I got something better though. The experience. I mean after writing about their music here on the blog & seeing them perform, I STILL am blessed to have seen this event. So it is a MORE THAN FAIR TRADE OFF for me. Besides, when I tell you that there were cameras EVERYWHERE...I am not lying. When that happens, I will post some up here and link you to the rest. @ the rest of the photos coming out.
(Here we stand..waiting..for the goodness..)
(My peoples Amiee Flint!)
We arrived around at SoundPure Studios in Durham about ten minutes to six and waited patiently to be let in. Of course we were greeted by the busy bee known as Amiee Flint...the Swiss Army Knife of Foreign Exchange. She personally came out to catch up with each guest, calling folks by name, recounting stories of previous FE experiences and thanking them sincerely for coming out. As we walked in, we gave our names to the good folks handing out what turned out to be those beautiful shirts that you are now seeing on The Foreign Exchange's website and Facebook. (I believe all of us will be represented on the site in our shirts as the pictures come pouring in. Another GREAT TOUCH by FE...) There was also some really good food, drinks and spirits for us to partake in as we received our 'instructions' for the evening including the option of sitting in the audience OR THE CONTROL ROOM. While the idea of being recorded in the live audience (a la Jay-Z/Maxwell UNPLUGGED) almost made me sit front row and center, I opted for the CONTROL ROOM. I don't regret it. Trust me. The below picture is why....
I DID NOT TAKE THIS PICTURE but this was my view. I was STANDING right next to the camera man (Complex in the house) in the control room when it was snapped PLUS I was able to hear, watch and see the recording process. Couple that with some TRULY PRICELESS moments (some that will be shared on the blog and some that I will just keep tucked away for my personal memories) and I was just fine where I was at. Just sitting in with the band as they prepared to do their thing was a treat. Cutting up and whatnot. I told you though..another time for those discussions. Trust me, I asked the questions ya'll loyal fans wanted to know...hell..I wanted to know just as a fan. It was a good time leading up TO THE CONCERT for sure. Then this happened. The last to arrive before the band went on was Phonte Coleman. Who was in tow with him when he walked in? None other than Patrick Douthit. As in 9th Wonder. If you KNOW anything about Phonte Coleman and his brother from another (those words were said in our presence by Phonte himself.) relationship over the years as it has played out (even here a little bit), that MERE FACT speaks volumes.* 9th introduced the band.to a very shocked audience on some Prince shit...I kid you not. Can't wait for ya'll to see it. He even stayed back in the control room with us and hung out. Which I thought was cool. There are tweets about it somewhere....What a way to 'answer' any remaining questions....I love it.
Median came through to show his support..Good dude. Chopped it up with him a lil.
Sy Smith was in THE BUILDING. That voice of hers. Yes! I got a chance to watch her warm up in the control room and even gave her a couple of songs (That she wisely only used one of) to warm up to. She was just as sweet and genuine as she is on Twitter and in song. That spirit that you feel in the records is DEFINITELY not an act. It is her all the way. We exchanged info and I smell something coming from her via The Warehouse really soon.
Now every time I come around these cats, I get turned on to a new artist. Not sure why I thought this time would be any different. Jeanne Jolly. Don't forget the name. Open up your musical minds people. It is worth it. Trust me. Beautiful voice. I LITERALLY ran into in the back halls of the studio. Very gracious and she was a great asset to the concert....Google: Falling In Carolina...That is her joint. Track 5 is GENRE LESS..I don't care what you like....if you like singers...you will ENJOY that joint. It is plush.
Oh the concert? It was great. Seeing as though it was a live taping, we were treated to what REALLY GOES INTO the process. The checking of cameras. Making sure the takes are recorded. All of that stuff you 'wonder' when you see the finished products on TV. As a fan, a 'blogger' and someone who works with other folks trying to get to the point that FE is, this was invaluable for a person like me. In the words of Amy Flint, I was in 'heaven'. I RECEIVED A LOT OF KNOWLEDGE. So as well as it being a great concert, it was a learning experience for me in professionalism, conduct and the inner workings on how something like this should go down. There were NO HICCUPS. Not a one. No one 'messed up'. Everyone was on point. Everyone. Vocals laid perfect. Even the 'unplanned' parts went great. Of course Phonte kept things light with his humor.
Nicolay debuted the his skills on guitar. Before they went on, it was Nicolay that I probably talked to the longest. We spoke on EVERYTHING. You know I asked him about Wiz...(That is coming. Just wait aight..Not in this post though.) I asked him what other instruments that he was working on playing. A devilish grin came to his face as he pointed to the stage..... He played the guitar on EVERY SONG. I will let that marinate with you for a minute. This is how you usually see Nic below...
Yamaha out....Doing his thing. He was on something different this evening and sounded GREAT doing it. He was jamming on that guitar. So that was an experience in itself to watch him unveil that exclusively to us for this event. True musician that man is.
They flipped some of their songs in true FE fashion. Once you make yourself familiar with Jeanne Jolly, I am SURE you can only imagine the things that you will be treated with once you hear how they flipped certain songs. (No, I am not giving away everything. You will have to see the video when it comes out!) I will give you this though. If you like 'chopped and screwed' music, you are in for a treat. A real treat. Now remember, this is LIVE, with real instruments...there is no Auto Tune. No gimmicks. This is them. It is recorded but what we heard was their PURE MUSIC and it was phenomenal. I have heard Tay sing before and have never heard him sound 'different' from what I hear on the record. This performance did NOTHING to change that. Matter of fact, it solidified his singing abilities. Dare I say he has gotten even more comfortable? Yes. He has gotten better vocally. I'mma start calling that man "No Auto Tune Tay'....'cause he can manipulate his voice to do things without the benefit of that tool. I (we) actually got to hear that on Sunday.
Since I mentioned Sy Smith being here, you know they did some of Zo!'s album so there is another hint of what you should expect. A James Taylor cover was done as well. (Hey, James is from North Carolina btw...) Other than than, I would rather not ruin it for you. You just make sure that when they do release this acoustic version of their music, you check it out. It was done for the fans in true FE fashion.
(Yes, I found it in Best Buy...)
I would like to thank Amy and the entire FEOfficial family for having me. Had a great time. I will be at the dates that are close to my area with more coverage of this fantastic musical troupe. Looking forward to more great things from team FE.
The cross streets where you can find SoundPure in Durham, North Carolina.
Oh and even though I already made a separate post about it...They just released a new video....For "Authenticity"...the title track to their new CD...You can see their work on VH1Soul as well...Their videos are in rotation....
*Oh and to answer your next question, no, I didn't grill 9th.. He was taking the performance in like I was so it was neither the time nor the place. Like I said, priceless moments. There isn't anything anyone can tell me about 'how they are' from this point forward EXCEPT THOSE TWO. @ their relationship. Oh and for you 'loyal followers' & friends from #thatsite, the Patrick you described was the Patrick I met on Sunday. I understand now. Completely. (Hi LoveJones76!) Interaction and pleasantries were exchanged.
It will be really good to see their work on the screen as I watch VH1Soul. According to their website SubSoul comes on at 10am, 6pm and again at 2am at night. So look for them there!
She is the lead in The Foreign Exchange's video for their lead single, "Maybe She'll Dream Of Me"...Yes, I am going to put the video up AGAIN..Sue me...I had people asking me 'Who is the young lady in the video??" I had no answers. I do now and it is someone that I follow. Who knew? (Besides her...lol)
Get to know this VERY HUMBLE and down to Earth person in these places..If you DO HAPPEN TO FOLLOW her, please bring your manners and best behavior. She doesn't mess around ya'll. None of that 'lil boy' game. Big boy 'actions' and mannerisms only need apply. (Whispers) In English, I wouldn't run up on her trying to holler....lol ( I hate that I have to say this but she FOLLOWS me on my main account and I actually dig her as a follow so I can't have you making ME LOOK BAD. Sorry.)
Since there are so many posts and some of you are VERY NEW here, I will flashback from time to time so you can see the OTHER THINGS that are present on the site...Like this wonderful video of Foreign Exchange doing what they do...Click the labels or type in their name up top if you are not in the 'know' about this group. They aren't the main picture on the blog for nothing....
I promise I will try to stay on tangent during this post. I have to get this out though. This is HOW I SEE THE ALBUM. If we usually agree on music, I would suggest you give it a shot (there is a music player up top if we don't know each other that can give you some hint as to whether would or wouldn't agree if you don't know me..) I will not call you out of your name, question your musical tastes, or any of that other immature stuff if you don't agree/like the album. We can agree to disagree. It is okay. Oh....and THIS IS NOT A REVIEW per say. People who review music usually don't get this 'personal' with the it. Call it that if you must but those words NEVER came from my mouth. People who 'review' things tend to stand in judgment of people when they don't agree with what they think of an artist's product. I am not here to do that.
Let me start off RIGHT FROM THE BAT and say this is GROWN FOLKS MUSIC. Pure and simple. Much like a high school/college/early 20's to early 30's relationship tends to differ from a real LIFE GROWN UP RELATIONSHIP, this album does that when compared to what is out now. Succinct and to the point. No pussy footing around. Wrought with emotions and no hiding of the hands. So if you are in a certain stage in life, this might not move you like that honestly. Especially if you are still in the fantasy part of 'the game' so to speak. (You know where you get what you want when you want it with no compromise on your end even when you are dead wrong? That part of the game? I digress..) In retrospect, it may move you LATER on in life though so I wouldn't toss it aside and dismiss it. The album is not your MOTHER & FATHER'S R&B all the way but it is DEFINITELY influenced by it. So if you are looking for that over produced, over 'sang', can't be replicated on the stage when you see them live, type of music, this album is probably not for you. If you ARE a lover of this type of music, you should love this album. You might even be a little upset at the run time simply because you ARE enjoying it so much.
Let me also take this time to remind you AGAIN (as I did in that link provided) that the songwriter of the group, Phonte Coleman, told you about his approach to music when he was a full time rapper. The albums will change and sound different. That's the point. Good but different. So any comparisons/expectations of this being Connected or Leave It All Behind's 'musical twin' should be not be 'connected' and should be 'left behind'. At least when listening to this album. This album should be standing alone. None of the other projects were like anything else out. This one is in that same vain and should be treated as such not only when being thought of in regards as to what is out now but in regards to past products. Expecting quality product and yet the 'same' product is a little unfair in my eyes so I don't. For if they did that, you would feel cheated wouldn't you? I know I would. I would want them to take me places where even THEY thought they would never go musically. I feel like I should allow them to grow as I have from '04 when the first one came out to now.
Just like the last album, and Zo's album, you get introduced to some acts that may be new to you like Chantae Cann, Jesse Boykins III as well as being wrapped in the silky sounds of Darien Brockington and YahZarah. The young man Median even makes an appearance. Other than that though, you are treated to the evolution of the boys with the help of Zo! (Fight For Love, Maybe She'll Dream of Me, Don't Wait, Everything Must Go), Chris Boerner (All Roads, The Last Fall, Authenticity, Don't Wait, on guitar, Lil John Roberts on the drums (Everything Must Go), John Teer (Everything Must Go) and Allyn Love (Laughing At Your Plans) on the pedal steel. Nicolay handles the instrumentation on all the tracks not listed with Phonte on the lead and sharing as listed.
At the first couple of listens of the album, I felt it was pretty dark overall. Which actually wasn't a bad thing to me. I thought it flowed nicely and every song fit in the order that it was presented. (I am a stickler for song order on an album. I feel the album should flow even though I won't be reviewing the tracks in order. Sue me.)
After double digit listens, I began to notice the lighter sides of the album and they balanced out the 'dark' records that I initially caught my attention. Songs like the lead single "Maybe She'll Dream of Me" (which caught everyone's attention I would hope since it was ...well..the LEAD SINGLE!) balance out the 'Full fledged'/none of that Joanie love Chachi type relationship that songs like "Just Don't Make Me A Fool' ft. Jesse Boykins III & Median or the equally as truthful 'Everything Must Go'.
The Last Fall....I think the comparison 'talk' really gets fanned here..With the VERY BEGINNING of the song (which was brilliant to me). Stand out line in the song for me was '..feel like a fool for missing something that was never there...' Loved guitar and keyboard play on this one and the break down in the middle that showcases chorus...Straight and to the point.
The title track 'Authenticity' has a VERY DEEP Prince influence with a very MODERN TWIST. It is one of those joints that you can definitely feel if you have ever been at that point in a relationship. I can see many a person (male or female) repeating the chorus in the heat of the 'battle'....
....'She wants me to fill her needs. She begs for authenticity. You don't want truth from me. YOU JUST WANT WHAT YOU WANT.....'- Authenticity.
'Eyes to the Sky' is one of those joints that will have you thinking about a lost loved one, your job, or anything else that is wearing heavy on your heart. It is the track that everyone says is 'too short' but honestly, it is JUST RIGHT. It is straight to the point. Beautifully written and sonically appeasing and appropriate.
Don't Wait.....Like the 'closer' he is, every time Phonte brings Darien on a track, he takes it to another level. This time is no different. This song's message is simple. If someone loves you back, don't wait. Straight and to the point. Many a person could use this message. Seen many a person lose person 'getting in the way' of it by trying to sabotage it, being hesitant due to what they think others will think of it and all of the other things that make one 'wait'. Tough message. Zo! gets on the talk box and REALLY PUTS IT DOWN...That is that 'your mother & father's type of R&B' sound I was getting at....
All Roads...is a just a perfect Fall song. The kinda joint that you want to get into your car, watch the leaves swirl as you move along on your way to life's journeys. Phonte's voice just flows over the production by Nicolay. It is a perfection description of just how life flows when you are involved with someone (family included) or something (your career, your life in general) See for me, music can be interpreted in many ways. Especially tracks like this one.
Fight For Love....It is pretty self explanatory. This is usually the part of a relationship that people tend to just 'hope works itself out' or ignore until things EXPLODE. Which makes this song even more special to me. I UNDERSTOOD everything that was being laid out in this song. Been in that place. Had someone feel like me too. So it makes sense to me. To others? I can understand why it may not 'move' them like that. Unlike in a fairy tale or soap opera, in real life, it gets like this. It is the pink elephant in the room. Finally, a song, by someone in my age group, that expresses it. It is refreshing to me lyrically and sonically.Phonte even goes PHILIP BAILEY at the end of the song....Which I really felt.
(The aforementioned Philip Bailey with EWF)
Don't Make Me A Fool ft. Jesse Boykins III & Median......This is another one of those, "If you have been in or past this chapter of the book of relationships' songs. Meaning, if you have taken TRUE STOCK in how things really go down, you get the song. If you are still living in Fantasy Land, where all relationships are perfect or just end when they are not, you probably don't get the song or feel it. I understood it. Seen it. Done it. Been on all sides of it. Four or five times a piece. Much like Biggie had the Ten Crack Commandments, this is one of the Commandments of a 'Big People Grown Up' relationship. I know you, what I signed up for and I am EVEN going to let you be who you are but don't make me a fool doing it.
The track that STOOD OUT TO ME FROM THE BEGINNING AND EVEN RIGHT NOW, is the Chantae Cann featured 'Laughing At Your Plans'....It is a DIFFERENT TYPE OF TRACK. It is everything that I 'thought' Hootie (Darius Rucker, who can GO BY THE WAY IF YOU DON'T KNOW...) would do and never quite gave us. Something along that line. The young lady that is accompanying Phonte on the track from ATL by way of Chicago, laid it down. Effortlessly. Like a silkworm spinning a cocoon. Layered and smooth. Just like she did when she was backing up India Arie...(Yes, that is where you have heard that voice before if she sounds familiar to you and you have seen India Arie live before..) I truly feel this track could garner the group a nomination in more than ONE CATEGORY of many of the prestigious awards that are given out if people open their ears and listen. This song makes me want to get on this PARTICULAR STRETCH OF ROAD and just ride....
(This a personal picture of mine. With my Blackberry no less. No professional cam or photoshop. Coming down off a North Carolina 421 just before you get to Boone to turn down to come back DOWN THE MOUNTAIN to Lenoir..A TREMENDOUS hint for some of you who have wonder just WHERE in NC I am always alluding too & YES it is my background picture on my personal Twitter page.)
City Ain't The Same Without You - This is vintage Foreign Exchange to me. Great lyrics. Beautifully arranged song. YahZarah breathing life into the lyrics with Phonte providing the background vocals. Nicolay providing the cinematic musical backdrop.....It is almost unfair when they do songs like this 'cause it seems effortless like they could do this in their sleep. Which apparently is what some people want. One song like this is good for me. Give
Sounds like a lot for an album that is only 38 minutes long? That is because that is how The Foreign Exchange does it. Gives you everything you need in a nice package. No filler. Can't wait to see them perform these songs along with the rest of their catalog when they go on tour next year.
Not in that order..lol...Apologies at the long title...and omission of names. @ Nicolay and Darien Brockington.
Maybe She'll Dream of Me- In Store performance...
Thankfully someone recorded portions of the show from an audience point of view. Sure there will be some more high quality footage too.
Blogger's Note:
I have been asked by several folks why I have not reviewed the album Authenticity......I'll tell you this much. It isn't because I DON'T LIKE THE ALBUM. I love it. Undecided on giving one. Have one TYPED UP AND ALL OF THAT. Just not sure if it is my 'place' to give you one. I put the music in front of you, like I am doing now, so I feel like you should have time to decide a bit whether YOU like it or not. Or at least have time to before I put my 'spin' (Lets face it, that what a review is..) on it. So we don't have to go through the 'Am I missing something here?" discussions. I also want to look at this album (and have) from a perspective that it is a body of work that should stand alone. I know it is human nature to 'compare' the output/product/what have you to past projects but you see I have been PAYING ATTENTION to what the team @FEofficial has said. Hell, what Phonte has always harped even as a member of Little Brother. They are always going to try to take things in a DIFFERENT direction. Each project is to stand alone. To paraphrase him a bit...
"I played this album (GetBack) for a friend of mine....she said it was dope....but different...
I said......
NIGGA, THAT'S THE POINT!" -Phonte Coleman at the beginning of "Dreams"...
That statement pretty much summed up why I personally fool with the whole movement. Evolution in their music. As it pertains to their lives and ours. I get that some folks don't 'get' the new album 'cause they may not be in that space in their lives yet. (Or may never get there. Which is okay.) I happen to get it though. I love the album. I also know that if (and when probably since I am saying I have done it now) I do review it, it is MY OPINION and not everyone will share it or agree with it. I have read tons of reviews over there years and I have to say that I am put off by the condescending nature in which they are written. As if there is some 'special' criteria other than ones ears, personal experiences and time used to formulate what is essentially an opinion. Albeit an opinion that if you and the critic are likeminded MAY work out but for the most part doesn't. If I listened to every damm music critic (or didn't seek out music on my own to listen to what they DIDN'T REVIEW) I wouldn't know about HALF TO THREE FOURTHS OF THE ACTS I do now...Which was what I was getting at with that series of questions I posed on Twitter and what I don't LIKE about album critiques and music critics in general. In particular those younger than me telling me about music that I was FULLY GROWN TO EXPERIENCE and understand. I wouldn't dare take the attitude some of you take in regards to my parent's 'music' 'cause quite frankly, I WASN'T THERE... I am hesitant to do a review because I don't want to come across in that manner. Like so many have come across to me. I digress though...Hope you enjoyed the videos.
P.S.
Oh you thought I wasn't going to speak MY MIND on MY BLOG? FOH....
I may publish it. I may not. I will also say that I have changed 'favorite songs' on this joint at three times since I wrote it, which leads me to believe that a review probably shouldn't be written after the first say...two to six 'forced' listens to begin with for the sake of saying "I reviewed their album". So it may take a minute or two for me to fully settle in on the review I wrote.
(Pictures Courtesy of The Warehouse. Taken in Philly at the Roots Picnic 2010)
Nicolay & Phonte explain about their third release, Authenticity...Sy Smith's sexy and sultry self is in this video..Live performing and explanations throughout this short film.
As I always try to tell my aspiring and upcoming artists about when gems are dropped....YOU SHOULD WATCH THE VIDEO. Knowledge is being dropped. Regardless as to whatever type of MUSIC you are doing. Hardcore hip hop. Conscious rap. Singing. Whatever. These two are tried and true to this independent shit. They KNOW OF WHAT THEY SPEAK. Again, don't shoot the messenger just 'cause you don't fool with the music. They are where you are trying to be... @touring, own imprint and having creative control.
They made two more videos for their previous albums too..You should listen to all three as while most of us know how they got started, some of you don't. It is a compelling story & lets you know that anything is possible.
Let me be clear. I need you to SUPPORT the artist whose music you see/hear in the music player here. Some of them are my FRIENDS!! I want them to make money. So while I may put up a link here or there that they didn't 'endorse', it is only out of the love for their music and the fact that I want you to SUPPORT THEM. So please do. Seek out their music. Some of them are VASTLY UNDERRATED and your FAVORITE MUSICIAN loves them. So it isn't 'talent'. It is exposure. Which is all I am trying to give them here..
SO SUPPORT THEM!!!
