The Return... Shaun is BACK!

Greetings to one, and all. I know I haven't posted in such a long time, but I'm back. I'll be back to regular posts in the near future. I've got A LOT to do, and I'm getting my life back on track. Thank you for following my blog. For those of you who don't know. I do have a Twitter and YouTube channel, that you are more than welcome to check out. Check out the videos, and drop me some video ideas, and requests.

I have SO many goodies to give you guys once I get my blog rolling again. I'm trying to buy a MacBook Pro to keep me doing my best in school, and so I have the tools I need to spice things up a bit. If you'd like to actively help me, I'm making a widget available. It's hard times for everybody but, if you have it in pocket and in your heart to give, participate as you feel led. Until NEXT time...

Thursday Video Premiere: J*DaVeY "Get Together" (Video Teaser Included)

It's TOTALLY safe to dub me a J*DaVeY stan. I love everything they've put out thus far. SO, yeah! With that being said. I had to post the video below. Download Boudoir Synema: The Great Mistape here. Follow Miss Jack Davey, Brook D'Leau & Socketumi on Twitter. For updates stalk the J*DaVeY website. Enjoy.

J*DaVeY "Get Together" from Veronica "V-Chip" Hinds on Vimeo.

I'll be back to my regular posts, soon. I have some real goodies for you. JUST hang in there. I have to update the last blog SO be sure to go check that again for Annie Don't Wear No Panties version of the 8ight Mixtape. :o)

8ight: The Stepson of Erykah Badu (Official Release)

Firstly, it's Valentine's day SO, I'd like to wish everyone a splendid Valentines day. And to those of you who are like me, and determine to be utterly bitter because you don't have a Valentine, or a significant other for that matter, this goes out to you.


As previously promised, and currently anticipated I have a real treat for you. Furthermore, I'm SO glad to support my dear Durand. I've learned that his giftings extend a lot further than his music, but every one enjoys a good wholesome jam.


I feel it only proper to give you my complete and honest opinions of this mixtape, and it's contents. My statements do not in anyway reflect my personal opinion of the artist, but the output of the individual. Let's dive right in; shall we?


There are two versions of the release available. An 'Annie Don't Wear NO panties' version, and a 'Peace after revolution' version aka an unedited and a clean. It ONLY seems right that the album would have eight tracks; 

1. Incarcerated Intuition - There's SO much going on when you press play. You may think you're hearing voice, but NO that's ALL on the track. Immediately, you plunge into the underground with famous "Doh-doom doh's" a la Ra-Re Valverde. This is an intense mix of SO many good artists I think I'd be unable to continue this blog if I got into them. I'll just let you do your research, but I give this track a "jump up in the air and stay there"
2. On & On... & On - As much as I secretly stan for the vocality (HA! I just made a word, who's mad?) of Alcoholharmony this track had to grow on me. ...And by grow on me, I mean I had to force myself to listen to this after I heard it once. Once I discovered my BQT acting up as it played, I admitted to myself I liked it. The beat is real Common Sense hip-hop, and the vocals are amazing. 
3. Remnants - "Share that beat of love... Rock with yah!" That's exactly, what you'll find yourself doing; rocking. You better sing boy! * Shimmy* There's something about the melodic color flow of this song that just sends me off to space. Well, it gives me the frequent flyer miles to take off in my clef note rocket. 
4. Flipside Of The Game - *Stands at the mic and snaps* For those of you who were wondering what "BQT" is, allow me to explain. Whenever you're in a setting and find it necessary to yell "Yahz", give radical praise or anything of that nature you have BQT. The standard definition of BQT according to the ShaunSpeeh dictionary is a tourrette like outburst of emotion-filled speech that usually occurs while seeing or hearing something that tickles your fancy.
5. Citric Cipher - SO, let me bash Durand real quick. Somewhere along this journey of completing this project, Durand found his whistle register and decided to put it all up an through this mixtape. I don't know who he thinks he is for throwing all of this squeakery in my tweeders, but I love it. These arrangements were real sweet to my ear hairs, even though he claims to be "sugar free".
6. Se7en - I'm VERY emotional and something about this song just made my heart melt. The emotions are there, and the sincere delivery made it so much stronger. Actually, I closed my eyes and listened to this track, and I could imagine myself sitting in a puddle of blue-green flower puddles being adored by someone. ... And then I woke up from that dream as quickly as this track ended. This is a TOTAL teaser; I want more.
7. EnPhatuation(s) - I'm absolutely floating on this psychedelic river boat listening to this track. This song just makes me feel like I'm on a crystal myth, perhaps even angel dust like trip. The beat behind this song was very new age. Can you feel the Deep Forest behind the music? This is probably the most lyrically clever as far as weaving together songs that play off of each other's moods. This track is a "sweet thing".
8. Ebi - This is almost like hearing "Before" on Muhsinah's "Oscillations: Triangle" project. That track was the best way to begin her album. Perfectly adjacent to that, this was the best song to put as the ending of the project. The diction and choice of I think this is one of my favorites, if NOT my absolute favorite. 

NOW you can give your feedback. Download the 8ight: The Stepson of Erykah Badu mixtape right NOW. Stick your pinky finger in my tea...

Power Forward Music Download: Crash Cut, Durand Bernarr, and more

Power Forward Music Download: 

Crash Cut & Durand Bernarr

Allow me to get my Erykah on real quick fast. "I'd like to dedicate this to all the creators righteous children. I've got some food in my bag for you. NOT that editable food, that food you eat. No. I have food for thought." ... Here are the goods! Are we ready, children?

I'm handing you these goods from some of the best places in music so, I hope you're thoroughly nourished by the end of this. One download for comedy, a second for eargasm, and a third for the heck of it... Enjoy it. :)

Oh yeah! ... Do NOT judge me for this post. My BIG brother put me up to it. Thank you and bye-bye. Hmph. ... You're doing it!  You're judging me. The last time I do something like this! *Folds arms* LMBO.

Download Crash Cut's "Amen" album; Durand Bernarr's "Remnants" from the "8ight: The Stepson of Erykah Badu" mixtape; Chanj's "In the Name of You" mixtape.

Music Monday Special #1: Tawiah (Melodramatic Funk/ Indie Pop)

Music Monday Special: Tawiah 

(Melodramatic Funk/ Indie Pop)

I have a bit of an announcement so, gather around. Allow me to apologize for not putting you onto this over-seas artist sooner. You are simply NOT complete without her music in your life.  I'm NOT sure why I overlooked her when I pick people to write about. I think when I fell and bumped my head, a screw came loose. 

It was a early one Saturday morning, and some one sent me a video of a  young lady named Tawiah doing a live cover of Soul 4 Real's "Candy Rain". I'm NOT sure exactly what it was about her that caught me every type of off guard... and unsurprisingly I loved it. I'm a BIG sucker for a good, wholesome surprise. *Wink*

Tawiah hails from South London, born in Battersea. She actually had her beginnings doing studio backgrounds for Corrine Bailey Rae. From there she moved on to be a singer under the direction of Mark Ronson, in his band. And then there was "In Jodi's Bedroom"... and her single "Watch Out" which received high reviews and was campaigned by Giles Peterson. You check the records through and through, Tawiah is a solid talent.

  

I really don't think any of the persuasive talk that I usually do is necessary on this blog post, because her talent really says everything that you need to hear. I highly advise that you go to iTunes, and buy Tawiah's EP now! Add her as a friend on Music myspace, and follow her on Twitter. Of course I'm always willing to oblige the disbeliever. I do believe that I only let the creme of the crop come through my ears. SO, here's the video that made me fall so head over hills for her artistry. Until NEXT time...

MIA Monday Special #2: Erykah Badu (Neo-Soul/ Jazz/ Hip-Hop)

MIA Monday Special: Erykah Badu 

(Neo-Soul/ Jazz/  Hip-Hop)

Normally, I have these wonderful intros to artists in the off case someone isn't aware of the artists body of work. However, there really isn't a story to this. The Queen of Neo-Soul has been out for a little over a decade. If you don't know about her, shame on you! I refuse to prolong this post. I'm way TOO excited about this. 

Erykah is FINALLY releasing her highly anticipated, and long over due project; New Amerykah Part II: Return of the Ankh. The official release date is March 30, 2010. So, mark your calendars... As I will be buying this album thrice. I'm NOT one of those bloggers who supports leaking artists material.

There are enough of those bloggers out there. I mean come on! This is Erykah Badu we are talking about here! JUST go buy it people! However, if you must Badu leaked an HD version of the bonus track "Jump Up In The Air" (Featuring Lil' Wayne & Bilal) on her website last week. I just wanted to bring everyone up to speed.

 

Of course Erykah has worked on her own production for this project, but she didn't do it alone. For all the tech freaks & regular ol' tech junkies in the house, this is for you. Along with the names of the tracks I'll list the people who've also had their hands in this project, as far as production and sound goes. The solidified track listing is as follows;

1. 20 Feet Tall [Production/ Sound credits go to 9th Wonder]
2. Window Seat [Production/ Sound credits go to James Poyser, alongside the sounds of Ahmir "?uestove" Thompson on drums, Stephen "Thundercat" Bruner on the bass, and Kirsten Agnesta on the harp.]
3. Agitation [Production/ Sound credits go to Shafiq Husayn]
4. Get Money [In addition to having an interpretation of Sylvia Strippling's "Can't Turn Me Away", Production/ Sound credits go to Karieem Riggins on drums, Stephen "Thundercat" Bruner on the bass, James Poyser on keys, and Tommy Trajlio on guitar.]
5. Don't Be Long [Production/ Sound credits go to Taarak}
6. Love [Production/ Sound credits go to J Dilla}
7. Umm Hmm [Production/ Sound credits go to Madlib}
8. Fall In Love [Production/ Sound credits go to Karieem Riggins (This song also contains a sample of Eddie Kendrick's "Intimate Friends")]
9. Incense (Instrumental) [Production/ Sound credits go to Madlib and Kirsten Agnesta on the harp]
10. Out of My Mind Just In Time (Part I) (Undercover Over-Lover) [Production/ Sound credits go to James Poyser on keys.]
11. Out of My Mind Just In Time (Part II) [Production/ Sound credits go to the divine Georgia Anne Muldrow]
12. Bonus Track (Web-only): Jump Up In The Air (Featuring Lil' Wayne & Bilal) [Production/ Sound credits go to RC Williams and Jahborn. (interpolation of "Hydraulic Pump" by Parliament Funkadelic)]

So, here's my treat to you wonderful guys and gals. For those of you who missed the chance to see the HD video on Badu's site, thus missing the chance to download it; here's your freebie. You can go ahead and download it here. Enjoy it thoroughly! If the link stops working JUST let me know & I'll make another available. Until NEXT time...

Monday Underrated Artist (Short Spotlight) Special #1: Courtney Salter

Monday Underrated Artist 
(Short Spotlight) Special #1:

Courtney Salter (R&B/ Soul/ Rock)

So, I usually don't do this, but this girl is worth it. I love her fashion & style, her sound, and her total insanity. Her voice gives a Billie Holiday, Chrisette Michele combo with a light splash of Tawiah and Corrine Bailey Rae dubbed with a heavy overtone of some "X" factor that only this young lady seems to possess. 

My musical preferences ALWAYS draw me towards original, vintage and experimental styles. I can't help it so, don't blame me, it's my electric eclectic soul. Her vocal execution is more than crisp; it's  invigorating, innovative, dramatically charged and for some reason makes the hairs in my ears feel ALL types of tingly. 

Courtney Salter is her name, psycho-soul musical expression is her game, and I think you NEED to get into her, right now (aka 5 days ago). If you need some serpent-like persuasion, allow me to whisper in your ear. Watch these two videos from Ms. Salter, I'm sure you'll fall in love with her. Check out the additional information below.

"I Don't Wanna" Aaliyah Cover

"Slow Dance" Keri Hilson Cover

If you want to see more of Courtney subscribe to her YouTube channel or simply listen to her original music by visiting her Music Myspace. Word on the street and the business in the alley ways says, Miss CokeCourt has a mixtape out, that is available for download. As soon as I get my anxious hands on it, I'll make that link available, by updating the post.