Bad quality, but hey…

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/4758378]

Peace, Love & KanYe West

Speeakz

Yesterday I got a chance to listen to Maxwell’s new album BLACKsummers’night over at Sony BMG in Kensington. The labels new swanky diggs, topped off by an seemingly endless supply of alcohol (I see you Marsha) set the mood perfectly. With only about 25 people in attendance, it was a real nice, relaxed affair.

Once ushered into the ‘listening room’ (my dream living room, essentially), we got to watch Maxwell’s new video “Pretty Wings”, before the album started. I don’t know about you, but I personally haven’t stopped listening to that song. It’s very rare I put singles on my iPhone, but that one is on there and is regularly repeated. With such a great first single, I have been super excited about hearing the new album in its entirety.

I wish I could divulge some really great, insightful information on each track, but we only got one listen, which really isn’t enough to truly get a sense of a song. But, what I will say is firstly, the musicianship on this record is superb. The instrumentation (which I can only presume was recorded live) instantly stands out, delivering a sense of real quality. Rich sounds that beautifully compliment Maxwell’s impeccable vocals. Which brings me nicely onto my second point – his vocals. Maxwell returns stronger than ever; his voice has both matured and grown. I’m yet to hear another male vocalist (past or present) who could truly stand up or compete with what Maxwell does. Seriously.

Tracks like “Stop the World”, which was definitely the stand out track, has him sounding just the way we like. Classic, throwback Maxwell, but with a new edge. Sometimes, ‘classic’ can come across as boring, but this is far from that. As I mentioned, on this track, like all of them really, the instrumention was incredible – laced with his bluesy ad-libs – dang! Other songs like the piano led “Fist Full of Tears”, the concious “Help Somebody” and the “Womans Work” throwback “Playing Possum” will not disappoint Maxwell fans. Bar the first two songs “Bad Habits” & “Cold” which weren’t bad, but just not my cup of tea, I thought the album (based on only one listen) was brilliant. Well put together, well made and well executed. I really can’t find many faults with it and believe, whole heartedly, that Maxwell has remained true to his soulful roots and not compromised in any way, shape or form.

We also got a little bit of (unconfirmed) news that Maxwell should be hitting Europe/London for some gigs around October/November. That’s the hoped plan at least. He’s said to be “very keen” to get back into the swing of things now, having taken a break after feeling “disappointed” by the music industry. However, we were told he’s also “very nervous” (put mildly) about the reaction the new album will receive as what he does is very personal and means a lot to him. And that the second and third instalment of the trilogy haven’t got release dates as of yet, but will be out in quick succession. But then, that’s what Erykah Badu said, and I’m still waiting?

All in all, BLACKsummers’night is the Maxwell album we’ve all been waiting for. My expectations were impossibly high, yet he was able to reach them…Exceed them in fact. I’m very excited about it and am confident you all will love it too.

Peace, Love & Maxwell

Speeakz

Tracklist after the jump

Last night was pretty intense. Fabric, a place I haven’t passed through since…Damn, my college days. A very different kinda Speeakz used to get down inna that place on a regular. It took two legends to get me back in that there, and boi, drunken memories aside, I can not regret attending, one bit.

It was truly an amazing sight to see that many people (850+ I hear) out, ready to rave, on a Tuesday night. It’s rare, very rare in fact, but people were ready and willing. The vibe was so on point, no ‘scenester’ stooshness/stupidness (the kids stayed at home), no waste drunken foolishness – this was a strictly Hip Hop event.

I arrived about 11ish, at which point, J.Rocc was on spinning his soul out. The dude kilt’ it. Like, completely smashed the venue to pieces. The tunes he was dropping were sending us all into a sense of musical euphoria. I can’t possibly go through all the tunes he played coz they were all pretty serious, but I remember quite vividly going crazy when he dropped Aaliyah’s “Rock the Boat” (Lola, I SEE you!).

…Then, he dropped “The Red”. People who know me well enough, know that that tune is my all time favourite Dilla beat. But wait, what was that? Madlib on stage performing it LIVE? Are you taking the piss? By this point we were up on the balcony,  and sh*t, I could have quite easily jumped over with excitement. Madlib, rocking “The Red” was most certainly the highlight of my night.

It was only a short time after this that Madlib took to the decks properly to start his set. Course, by this point everyone’s anticipation levels were reaching maximum. We were waiting for those classic Lib’ tracks, waiting for him to drop something that was gonna make us all go wild but, unfortunately they hardly arrived! Now, I don’t want to be too harsh or nagative on him, because all fans of his should know the kinda dude he is. He’s serious, he’s deep, he’s intense. So, to expect anything less that random instrumentals, new productions (“that you’ll never hear again”) and strange interludes would have been a lil’ naive of you. But, inbetween the odd chaotic musical rant, he did drop some new Madvillian, some new Quasi & some new Beat Konducta – which all seemingly went down well.

Unfortunately, raving on Tuesday has its downfalls, the main one being work the next day. So, we retired relatively early-ish. But I heard after we left J Rocc jumped back on the stage and once again, brought the house down. I’m even hearing (from various people) that he’s the best live DJ peeps have ever seen. Hmmmm. I mean, I wouldn’t like to comment on that, but I wouldn’t necessarily complain about that claim. He’s incredible. But together, Madlib & J Rocc are even better. Their chemistry is something very cool to behold.

Benji B & Co took Deviation to the next level last night. They truly outdid themselves. Til’ the next one!

Peace, Love, Madlib, J.Rocc & Deviation

Speeakz

This is just, stunning…

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/4742538]

I cannot wait to see Brittany Bosco live. She needs to hit LDN up soon!

Peace, Love & Brittany Bosco

Speeakz

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.826861&w=425&h=350&fv=]

The full, finished version of the Freebass 808 & Battalion Armour project is finally here and ready for you to download. Just hit the “Download Album” or “Download Video” buttons and enjoy!

Peace, Love & Moonbass

Speeakz

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.826859&w=425&h=350&fv=CONFIG_URL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtvu.com%2Fplayer%2Fembed%2Fconfiguration.jhtml%253fvid%253D377055]

Peace, Love, Keelay & Zaire

Speeakz

Mini revealed, via her twitter, that the name of her new album will be…Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.

LMAO! What a di*khead. I mean, what kind of album name is that? That said, all I do know is, Mariah best come back with some hard core sounding music, coz if it’s anything like her last album – she’ll definitely need to have a baby and set up home with that dude she married.

…Oh and on the material side of things, Carey also tweeted that she was in the studio with Timbaland – which could be a good look.

Peace, Love & Mariah Carey

Speeakz

Once again, I’m gonna let the press release speak for itself…

MICHAEL JACKSON

KING OF POP

As the anticipation mounts for the most eagerly awaited comeback of all time, more details about the scale of the Michael Jackson O2 shows were released this week.

Due to the sheer magnitude of the “This Is It” concerts at The O2 arena promoters and producers AEG Live and Kenny Ortega, Michael’s directorial partner and creative collaborator have elected to move back a few of the opening shows in order to meet the challenges presented by such a massive and technically complex show. Organisers are determined that all Michael’s legions of fans attending the opening nights get to experience the same high quality staging that is planned for all of the spectacular shows. In order to deliver a phenomenal and unprecedented show – the first show on the 8^th July will take place on 13^th July 2009.  The subsequent shows on 10^th July will be moved to 1^st March 2010, 12^th July will be moved to 3^rd March 2010, and the show on the 14^th July will be moved to 6^th March 2010.

Randy Phillips, President and CEO, AEG Live added, “Kenny and Michael are, at the same time, both creative pioneers and perfectionists.  This show has grown in size and scope, thereby, necessitating more lead time for manufacture of the set, programming the content for the massive video elements, and, most importantly, more time for full production and dress rehearsals in the world’s busiest arena, The O2.  As much as we agonised over this change in the original schedule, we are sure the fans will understand when they experience the level of entertainment Michael Jackson intends to deliver while also ensuring the safety of the musicians, cast and crew and the crisp execution of the production.  It is AEG Live’s sincere hope that those lucky enough to have purchased tickets will have enough time to change their personal schedules and travel plans if they are coming from outside of London.  We do not want anyone to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Michael, who is directly involved with all aspects of the styling/choreography/band selection and rehearsals, is working around the clock to ensure this is the show to end all shows!

Kenny Ortega, Michael’s directorial partner and creative collaborator said, “After directing the Dangerous and HIStory tours, I know what the fans expect and myself and the team want to deliver a flawless production. We apologise to all disappointed Michael Jackson fans and remain extremely dedicated and focused on creating an exceptional live music experience.”

AEG Live stressed that anybody who cannot make the rescheduled dates for any reason will get a full refund of the ticket and booking fee.   Fans can log on www.MichaelJacksonLive.com for further information and call the 24hr hotline 0844 277 9982 or email MichaelJackson@ticketmaster.co.uk.

Any ticket holder that has purchased tickets from viagogo will receive details of its policy directly from viagogo.

All tickets will be issued with the new date printed on them.

Continue reading for the full list of dates

…Listen to Maxwell’s new album BLACKsummers’night over at Sony BMG HQ. So, peep back here later tonight for a full run down. Also, hoping they llow’ me my iPhone, I shall be tweeting the low-down as it happens. So yea, make sure you’re locked in!

Maxwell’s first album in 8 years? Excited? Er…Yuh!

Peace, Love & Maxwell

Speeakz

This track leaked a couple days ago and has been sitting pon my inbox since then. Stupid.

Santigold – “Your Voice”

Some next level, laid back, reggae, dub steeeeeze! You know I got crazy love for Santi White, her debut album was nicely rinsed and deserves another listen soon me thinks. Cannot wait for some new, new material!

Peace, Love & Santigold

Speeakz

Can’t even hate on this…

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.826604&w=425&h=350&fv=]

…Ross came hard this time round. No lie, I was shocked.

Peace, Love & Cigar Music

Speeakz

…Continuing from the last post.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdcytuKhVQo&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Ftoyas%2Dworld%2Enet%2F&feature=player_embedded]

Peace, Love & Michael Jackson

Speeakz

Just received these really exciting pictures, video AND news on the rehearsals & dancer auditions for Michael Jackson’s 50 date show in London. I can only imagine what dancing for MJ means to a dancer. Man! Anyways, I’m gonna let the press release do the talking…

500 Dancers Fly to Los Angeles for Extraordinary Auditions.

Amazing Innovations in Staging and Set – New Benchmark for Live Entertainment

Rehearsals for the Michael Jackson shows are well underway and already the King of Pop is hard at work preparing his concerts with show director Kenny Ortega and contributing choreographer and dancer from the Dangerous and HIStory tours, Travis Payne.

Shrouded in secrecy and the subject of much speculation as to their content, the shows have created a level of excitement never witnessed before. Fittingly, for such an out of this world show, rehearsals are taking place south of Silicone Valley, west of the NASA Space Center!

One of the highlights of rehearsals has been the dance auditions. With over 5,000 applications received, the number was narrowed down to 500 potential candidates, flying into California from all over America, and as far away as Australia, Canada, Japan, Europe, UK, and South America. They are some of the greatest dancers the world has to offer, and they were there for one reason – Michael! His influence inspired many of them to become dancers in the first place.

The competition was intense during the 3 days of auditioning at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles. Michael Jackson was present along with Kenny and Travis to make the final selections. The challenge to secure a place in the show became a reality for fewer and fewer as the level of competition increased. Dancers were tested on their strength, skill, style, creativity, fitness, commitment and execution.

Continue reading…

London, it’s that time again! Last week our excitment was shattered with the news that the Madlib/J.Rocc gig at Fabric was cancelled, but this time, this time it’s all systems a-go! Tonight is the night! Deviation @ Fabric featuring the LEGENDS that are Madlib & J.Rocc. Oh. My. Daze!

…Tonight we shall worship. And rave.

Tickets still available on the door – GET THERE EARLY to avoid disappointment!

Peace, Love & Deviation

Speeakz

This track dropped earlier today. If I’m being honest, I don’t jump around when a new BEP joint drops. They don’t really do it for me, but yea, finally got round to posting it up…

Black Eyed Peas – “Imma Be”

Er…More fool me! This joint is fu*king crazy!!! Much, much, much better than “Boom Boom Pow”. These dudes go in hard? That production? Will.I.Am killed it. Wow. I’m…Very, very impressed. This is big.

Peace, Love & Black Eyed Peas

Speeakz