Apr Featured New Releases:
Monica’s personal life has been pushed into the forefront the past few years, specifically during her reality shows, Monica: The Single and Monica: Still Standing. Now that the shows are over, the context of her “New Life,” shifts to creative restructuring due to changes at her long-time label. This opened up the doors to new collaborations, including production by Missy Elliott, some writing contributions by Jazmine Sullivan and guest appearances by Wale, Rick Ross and Mary J. Blige. Something not so new? A reunion between Monica and Brandy on the track, “It All Belongs to Me,” their first song together since the smash hit, “The Boy is Mine,” in 1998.
If You Like: Brandy, Fantasia, Ashanti
Recommended Track: “Without You”
Think Like a Man (Motion Picture Soundtrack)
In advance of the theatrical release of the movie, Think Like a Man, (based on the Steve Harvey book, Act Like a Lady) an all-star group of artists has written original songs to go along with the film. Contributions include, Kelly Rowland – “Need a Reason” (ft. Future and Bei Maejor), Earth Wind and Fire – “That’s the Way of the World” and the title track sung by Jennifer Hudson and Ne-Yo. Behind the scenes, songs were penned by Vanessa Carlton, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, Nas and Drake. You may not have been able to be a fly in the room when those minds met, but you have the next best thing in the Think Like a Man Motion Picture Soundtrack.
If You Like: Kelly Rowland, Future, Luther Vandross
Recommended Track: John Legend “Tonight (Best You Ever Had)(ft. Ludacris)”
After becoming the hottest ticket(s) in town across the US leading up to this release, it’s time for Alabama Shakes to prove their studio chops. However, instead of a polished version of their amp’d performances, you get a raw, buzzy and open-spaced reflection, as if the band were playing right in front of you. The biggest difference being that in their live show, singer Brittany Howard truly shines, while this album tries to echo the cohesiveness of the band by pulling her back. That may work for a while, but her star-power is electric and will keep all eyes on this band for some time to come.
If You Like: Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, The Black Keys, Raphael Saadiq
Recommended Track: “Be Mine”
Other Featured Titles Available This Week (4/10/12):
Florence + The Machine – MTV Unplugged
M. Ward – A Wasteland Companion
Bonnie Raitt – Slipstream
Wilson Phillips – Dedicated
Taproot - The Episodes
Halestorm – The Strange Case of…
Devin – Romancing
Dead Sara – Dead Sara
Original Broadway Cast Recording – Newsies
Pelican - Ataraxia/Taraxis
Gold Fields – Gold Fields EP
Dinosaur Feathers – Whistle Tips
Zambri - House of Baasa
Radiation City – Cool Nightmare
Coming Up Next Week (4/17/12):
Train - California 37
Jason Mraz – Love Is A Four Letter Word
Jack Johnson – Jack Johnson & Friends: Best of Kokua Festival
Neon Trees – Picture Show
Bob Marley & The Wailers – Marley OST
Future - Pluto
Dar Williams – In The Time Of Gods
Dry the River – Shallow Bed
Maps & Atlases – Be Aware and Be Grateful
Our Lady Peace – Curve
Eric Hutchinson – Moving Up Living Down
Dragonforce - The Power Within
Curren$y – The Stone Immaculate
Laibach – Iron Sky
Horse Feathers - Cynic’s New Year
Omar – Sing (If You Want It) Re-Twisted
