Feature: Minneapolis Sound Blowout

Here’s some oldskool Minneapolis-style Jams; Funk, RnB, New-Wave and Rock…can’t beat that with a skillet!

In particular, we gotta give a shout out to Mazarati’s Funk workout ‘She’s Just That Kind of Lady‘ which consists of some exceptional bass guitar and keyboard stylings.

 

Song: She’s Just That Kind of Lady
Album: Mazarati (1986)
Artist: Mazarati

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song: Vacation
Album: A.C. (1985)
Artist: Andre Cymone

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song: Can You Help Me
Album: Jesse Johnson’s Revue (1984)
Artist: Jesse Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song: Fake
Album: Hearsay (1986)
Artist: Alexander O’Neal

Michael Jackson | Money (1997)

Song: Money
Album: Blood On The Dancefloor
Artist: Michael Jackson

Yes, Michael Jackson. And no, not Billy Jean, Smooth Criminal or Remember The Time. We’re talkin Money. More specifically, one of the best tracks off his 1997 remix album ‘Blood On The Dancefloor‘.

Say what you will about MJ as a person, but as an Artist I can’t think of anyone else that can take a thought provoking topic like our lust for money and turn it into a complete Jam with pitch perfect multi-layered harmonized vocals and a chorus that’s sounds like smooth heaven.

Ne-Yo and Chris Brown; take notes..

Listen: Money

Van Hunt | The Lowest 1 Of My Desires (2008)

Song: Lowest 1 Of My Desires
Album: Popular (unreleased)
Artist: Van Hunt

Talented musician Van Hunt saw his third album ‘Popular’ go unreleased at the hands of his twisted record company. Originally scheduled for release in January 2008, Blue Note Records unexpectedly pulled the plug on the album and the Artist himself.

The naughty, bone-dry Funk of ‘Lowest 1 Of My Desires‘ and the laid-back country groove ‘Break Down Ur Door‘ were some of the unfortunate casualties of Blue Note’s decision; enjoy what they didn’t want you to hear..

Listen: Lowest 1 Of My Desires
Listen: Break Down Ur Door

Learn More: Official Site

Andre Cymone | Pretty Wild Girl (1985)

Song: Pretty Wild Girl
Album: A.C. (out-of-print)
Artist: Andre Cymone

A tasty 80′s slow jam by former Prince band mate (and childhood friend) Andre Cymone. Its got that classic LinnDrum beat and plenty of space between sounds. His vocal delivery ain’t the best but it’s a jam none the less; Prince fans should dig it.

Listen: Pretty Wild Girl (MP3)

SoundNews: Tricky is back with Knowle West Boy

Artist: Tricky
Album Knowle West Boy

After a 5 year hiatus from the music scene, eccentric “Trip-Hop” artist Tricky drops his most creative albums to date: Knowle West Boy. Europe has had the album for sometime now, but its just been released in North America on Sept. 9th.

Have a listen to the blues tingled track Puppy Toy below..

Listen: Puppy Toy

Learn More: Official Site

Presence | Future Love (2000)

Song: Future Love
Album: All Systems Gone
Artist: Presence

Fans of deep house, soul and techno should really get a kick out of this one. The whole album is brilliant and I highly recommend seeking it out, but Future Love is the stand out track. When I was living in Seattle I bought this album on a whim and it’s truly a gem.

Listen: Future Love

SolarKid | Keep (2008)

Song: Keep
Album: Chill Out Senses (compilation)
Artist: SolarKid

I found this track on BeatPort.com a while back and damn it’s sweet. Lets call it a down-tempo slash drum & base track with a melodic ambient vibe (or something shorter than that).

It’s short n sweet and perfect for contemplating your next move..

Listen:  Keep

AM | I Want Someone (2007)

Song:  I Want Someone
Album: Soul Variations
Artist: AM

Another resent discovery on iTunes. I can relate to his lyrics and the instrumentation/arrangement is spot on. Here’s a quote on him:

“…AM writes literate, emotionally balanced tunes that are infectious
without being moronic, hip without being oh so, and pop infected
without losing their edge… he is a songwriter ready to be discovered
by a wider audience, an audience interested in smart and sincere songs
that speak to the vastness of the human spirit.”

 Another song to add to the Gallery…

Listen: I Want Someone

Learn More: Official Site

Camera Obscura | If Looks Could Kill (2006)

Song: If Looks Could Kill
Album: Let’s Get Out of This Country
Artist: Camera Obscura

This is a gem of a song….catchy and beautiful…great instrumentation and a classic 60′s Motown vibe that makes me feel GOOD. I recently stumbled across this while searchin for new music in iTunes. Its got a timeless sound to it that makes you feel good and, I love the fact that you don’t find many bands sounding like this anymore.

Yes ladies n gentleman; I jam this song loud in my car. It’s true….and I recommend you do the same. 

Listen:  If Looks Could Kill

Learn More: Official Site