Mcgraw Blog
Just another love blog, about love and web chat
Express With Body Jewelry
Posted by xrstzj in Nov 22, 2011, under Singles
For quite a long time, body jewelry was considered a taboo and many people looked down upon it as something that’s not respectable and generally not approved of. Nowadays it’s a completely different story though – piercing one’s body has become more or less accepted in most rings of society, both among men and women. Sure, you can’t expect to go to some extremities like completely covering your face with rings and get a white-collar job, but you can still do plenty with your body without limiting your potential in any way.
Piercing the lower lip is particularly common today – rings worn there are known as “labret” and come in various shapes and sizes, mostly suitable for any attire and style of clothing. If you’re subtle enough with your labret, you should be able to incorporate it into your looks without offending anyone and actually improving people‘s interest towards you.
Also, you should try doing something with your nose – a small ring on one side of it (such as a sparkly gem to complement the color of your blouse) can be a very stylish addition to your looks and definitely something that will sparkle a conversation on a few occasions.
While we’re still at the face, the eyebrows are also a popular spot for modifications for many people, and there’s certainly a lot you can do there in terms of piercing – not only can you choose a different location along the line of your eyebrows, but there are also a large number of styles of rings available for you to pick from, making this one of the most convenient accessories for constantly altering your looks.
If you’re a girl, you can also use a navel ring. This is a very versatile accessory, as it’s the perfect thing to wear to a party and liven up your looks, while also being extremely easy to conceal in an official environment, making it one of the easiest types of body piercing to incorporate into your everyday clothing style.
The nipples have also gained popularity as a choice of piercing in recent times, though statistics show that men are more inclined towards this than women. Still, it’s suitable for both genders and depends entirely on one’s own preferences. Of course, women should take care to perform it at a professional, in order to prevent harming their ability to feed their baby at a later point.
Last but not least, try to throw in some variety in your looks – sure, having an odd body piercing can sparkle people’s interest in you, but if you want to maintain that, you should try out different styles and accessories, and perhaps even different locations – don’t limit yourself to the style that worked for you in the beginning, try to constantly alter yourself and get the most out of your body – only this way you can develop your full visual potential and become the truly captivating person you can be!
The Soul Of The New Music Artist
Posted by xrstzj in Nov 22, 2011, under Reconnecting
You are the perfect picture of what it takes to be a music artist today. Did you just let out a big ol’ sigh? Did you just wonder if you have what it takes? How can you possibly do it all?
Because it’s true, there is so much now that falls heavily into the laps of the artist – gone are the days of Bob Dylan and Joni just being’ discovered in coffeehouses… but…
The good news is…
The music industry is tumbling down and because of that, the power is truly now in your hands.
Are you ready to walk through that door? Perhaps never before has the artist been so much in the driver’s seat and while that is good news on an artistic front.. the bad news is.. Now that you are out there alone and on your own – it could be your downfall and just what drives you into the ground and nails the coffin.
I talk to artists every day who are overwhelmed – and I totally relate and understand that completely. How on earth can you get it all done AND know that your efforts are going to the right places? This is the new music business, and what you do now is what is going to separate those that do and those that don’t. We all KNOW that.
So – how do you benefit from this newfound artistic freedom without having to sell out -and at the same time get a leg up without burning out and stripping yourself of your reserves? Now that you are responsible for it all – artist, manager, promoter, booker, web-designer, social media expert, and even record label – how can you possibly keep the wheels turning without burning out your reserves and consuming every freakin’ moment of your life?
Years ago when I was pursuing stardom, I read the Artist’s Way (by Julia Cameron), scribbled the morning pages religiously, scheduled my artist’s visits once a week (I always wondered if they really helped), but none-the-less was relentless in my artistry. I worked hard at my music – harder on my music than on my career – but the Artist’s Way didn’t mention career – at all.
It sent the message that all you had to do was to be a great artist and your success would surely come.
And we’re all still living on that message!!!
But the days of being discovered performing in the subway or even singing at Carnegie Hall are over.
Today, artists need a new outlook, and a seriously revised approach. There are new laws and new rules and it’s time to get on board. Business and music are now intertwined in a way that is integral to the path – one that is here to stay.
So the question I want to ask you is: What is it in you – in us – which we need – inside of us – to usher in this new frontier? What can end the divide between creativity and business (old structure) and what will give us strength and purpose in this new paradigm? I always look inside before I look outside – that’s just me – so I say to myself: What resides within me that could unify and smooth the gap between these worlds? What if I perceive these two worlds as one – instead of thinking they are separate?
My solution is best encapsulated in a word – and that word is: SOUL.
Webster’s dictionary says Soul is your spirit, essence, core, character, heart, psyche, and person. It seems to me that Soul is all of it – You. Your creativity, purpose, and your ability to manifest. What then if this Soul is the one thing that brings it all together – that unifies the separation? What if your Soul, the force behind you – a backdrop so to speak that is ever present – is your Ally – and your Best Friend – on this new journey? Sounds like a bunch of woo woo?
Not really. Here’s why..You (Soul) are the sum total of your experiences and genetics – your wisdom and desire/s. Within your Soul, you have everything you need to achieve your dreams, whether you know it or not. This Soul is an unadulterated, rich and pure resource and resonance that is You – within You. It is your inner and outer compass. It is the thing that gets you up in the morning and drives you to the stage. It’s what makes you give a sh**t and pushes you to follow your dreams no matter how unimaginable and intangible. It is what makes you look like a fool, even when there isn’t a shred of evidence you will ever make it (whatever that is for you). This is Soul – fierce and unafraid, but grounded in something beyond the reasonable. Follow me so far?
So what am I really talking about? I’m suggesting that you are capable of doing it all, on your own terms (now more than ever before) and can manage it all without losing sleep (well, not too much) by simply shifting how you look at it (and a few other things like how you set up your systems and your business.) But what if you stop resisting that you are an artist and an entrepreneur – and stop insisting that they are separate? What if they are actually integral to each other? What if you wouldn’t be as good with one without the other? Maybe this new paradigm is here to teach us something?
And I know that there are steps to this new paradigm – a system to follow. And it is an approach that meshes craft with business, from a perspective that is for the right-brain oriented mindset. Because lots of you are in the dust on this (I know because I talk to you all the time!..and it’s not your fault – things are changing so quickly). But the truth is that no more can you leave your career up to someone else – it’s you who has to get this thing on the road. In today’s new music business, it’s up to you to master the tug-of-war between art and business – learn to balance – trust your gut, set up your systems and pursue success. Because it’s just not going to pursue you.
There are 3 basic areas that your “Soul” is responsible for in the “new music business”:
1) Your Craft: Artistry, Developing Your Talent, Structure & Discipline
2) Your Career: Aligning Your Purpose – Who You Are and What You Offer That’s Different, Goal Setting, Producing a Product that will Transform your Fans & Your Career, Setting Up the Right Systems to Connect and Capture Your Audience, Branding/Website, and then – Creating a Winning Strategy &Game plan to Get your Music Out There in the Right Way, On Purpose and with Authenticity.
3) You As “Soulful” Entrepreneur: Building a Team That Supports You,Creating and Nurturing Relationships Within the Industry and With Fans, Marketing – Branding – Promoting – and Ultimately Attracting the Exposure You Need to Be Out There In a Big Way and Changing the World with Your Music.
How are you juggling both worlds? How are you Soul-ful?
Which Part of Body Should You Get Pierced?
Posted by xrstzj in Nov 22, 2011, under Post Divorce
Body piercing has increasingly become part of the mainstream culture in our society. However, people who are new to body piercing are often confused and need information about which part of the body should they get pierced.
The most common body piercing parts include: Ear Lobe, Ear cartilage, Eyebrow, Nostril, Nasal septum, Nasal Bridge, Tongue, Lip, Nipple, Navel, Female Genitalia and Male Genitalia. Different area varies in piercing pain and healing time. For example, piercing on eyebrow has the least piercing pain while genital piercing is most painful. Piercing on tongue takes around 4 weeks to heal while nipple piercing takes 3 to 6 months to heal.
Whether you want to pierce your arm, eyes, chest or neck, keep in mind that piercing can virtually be accomplished in any different area of the body. Piercing of one area versus another is no longer reserved for one sex or the other in many instances – and in fact, most piercings are considered to be unisex, with some daring piercings being the exception. So, deciding on the right location for your piercing is half the battle. If you are not sure where exactly to pierce, your best bet is first considering the consequences, suitability and healing times of different areas.
For example, bold, daring, and increasingly popular genital piercings are an exciting and sexy way to show off your nether regions… BUT — how long will you have to wait for those area to heal? Well, for female genitalia you can expect a healing time of 4 to 10 weeks, but for male genitalia you can expect to wait 4 weeks to a full 6 months, depending on the piercing. So, for some women this may not be as big of a decision as for some men. In some other cases, nipple piercings can damage some of the milk-producing glands in a women‘s breasts, which can cause problems later if the woman decides to breast-feed her baby. Some pierced areas, like, belly button piercings, are more likely to become infected because of irritation from tight clothing.
Does My Ex Really Want to Get Back With Me?
Posted by xrstzj in Nov 22, 2011, under Marriage
There is hope that you can get your ex back if they are showing some tell-tale signs that they want to rekindle your relationship. It is important though to not get ahead of yourself, no matter how much you are wondering, “does my ex want to get back with me?” This holds true even if they are showing a lot of interest in you personally, wanting to spend time with you, or possibly even flirting with you.
Those are examples of common types of behavior that would show your ex is feeling the idea of getting back together with you. Make sure though that you do not rush into things with them – no matter how much you want to get your ex back. Usually the best method is to play moderately hard-to-get, because it is the most likely way to get your ex interested in you again. On the other hand, if you rush into things too quickly, then your ex could be feeling pushed away and wanting to avoid you. You can see this in action if you notice your ex showing the common signs mentioned above – chances are you were playing a little hard-to-get, leading them back to you.
Most times when a breakup happens, whether you leave your ex or your ex leaves you, there is a natural feeling of nostalgia and longing to be with each other again. This is almost always the case in long-term relationships that last a year or more. Since you two shared a lot of experiences and moments together, your ex is going to miss them and probably you as a person, as well. Regretting things from the past is another emotion that can come up after a breakup. So if you are questioning if you can get your ex back and if they want the same to happen, chances are it is a possibility.
Maybe your ex seems to be interested in you after your breakup, but it could just be a game they are playing. It’s possible they are trying to get attention from you because they know you still want to rebuild the relationship; however, they may not intend to do the same with you. Your ex could just be resorting to you because they have no other opportunities to be with anyone else at the moment in time, unless they happen to be sincerely interested in being with you. Even worse is the possibility that they are seeking revenge against you for something they feel wronged by. All of these reasons show you that it is important to think before you act and evaluate the circumstances before you go any farther in pursuit of your ex.
When you are wondering how to get your ex back, and if your ex wants to get back together with you or not, it is important to consider all of this advice that is outlined for you. Think before you do anything too quickly. Truth is the best thing to do is to gradually play hard-to-get in order to keep a distance from your ex and prevent hurt feelings in case they do not want to rebuild a relationship with you.
The Symbol Of The Skull: Subculture Or Pop Culture
Posted by xrstzj in Nov 22, 2011, under Friendship
These days, we see the skull symbol emblazoned on everything from toddler socks to nightclub wear. In any American mall, youth specialty store or discount store, one can see it’s image in many forms. Jewelry, jackets, tee-shirts and other apparel sparkling with rhinestone or other artistic depictions. Heads aren’t not just for Halloween, any more!
Why all the interest? Skulls are hardly a sign of rebellion or devil worship, nowadays. Once a powerful symbol of death and intellectualism, the bony remains of the human head are now cliche, maybe even boring. Too mainstream for a true biker and and so ordinary, even in its many artistic depictions, that it doesn’t even satisfy the morbid curiosity of your average grade school student.
Skull imagery has long been associated with death and it’s transcendence; human spirituality, if you will. It is a reminder of our mortality, the transitory nature of life and by its existence after the end of chronological life, the limitations of human knowledge and understanding.
Skulls have also been given magical properties and religious significance throughout mankind’s existence. Skull necklaces have been worn by the people of many cultures to ward off evil deities, or alternatively, by the gods themselves, to communicate wrath and misfortune to those who oppose them. Christians associate skulls with penitent sainthood and the washing away of human sin. Freemasons use the emblem to symbolize their organization’s hierarchy, in addition to the transience of materialism.
Interestingly, the bones of the human head are more often expressed as icons of good luck or resurrection, than bad luck. The misfortune of death is ultimately followed by the possibility of final liberation in native American and Mexican folklore. The Day of the Dead, a popular Mexican tradition, celebrates the passing of ancestors and relatives, by the wearing of skulls in jewelry, as well as cranial consumption in fabulously morbid confections! Along the same lines, skulls may be used as gambling talisman, believed to reverse bad luck and symbolize luck in adversity, similar to black cats and the number seven, in gambling lore.
Most of us know skulls as emblems of danger, as depicted on a bottle of poison; hate as depicted at the entrance to Nazi death camps or fear, as expressed by the apocolyptic iconograpy displayed on tee-shirts. This symbolic artistry no longer inspires horror but can still draw attention to a myriad of social causes or antisocial angst, so wear your skulls proudly and let the rest of us guess at your message!
TechArt Introduces a New Tuning Program for the New Porsche 911
Posted by xrstzj in Nov 22, 2011, under Engagements
For the 2012 model year, Porsche has unveiled a new generation of 911. Called the 991, the new 911 is faster, longer, sleeker, and more powerful than the previous 997-generation models with new 3.4 liter and 3.8 liter engines. Before it has even hit dealership lots and gone on sale, TechArt, the German tuner, has developed a new preliminary upgrade program for the iconic sports car. The kit consists of new Porsche rims, revised aerodynamics, engine upgrades, and interior refinements.
Porsche has introduced two new variants of the 911; the Carrera and Carrera S. The base 911 Carrera is powered by a 3.4 liter horizontally opposed engine that produces 350 horsepower while getting 34 mpg. The 911 Carrera S on the other hand, sends 400 horsepower to each of the rear Porsche rims and achieves a respectable 32 mpg. TechArt plans on upgrading each of the engines by introducing an exhaust system made from stainless steel to reduce backpressure, and new air filters. A software optimization program is also planned to improve power output. The new upgrades will help decrease acceleration times and top speed figures when coupled with revised aerodynamics and forged concave wheels.
To help put the added power to the asphalt and add a touch of style, TechArt is developing new chassis and forged concave wheels for the new 991-generation. The stock Porsche rims will be replaced with lighter and stronger forged concave wheels that create a muscular stance and reduce unsprung mass for improved performance. The suspension will be lowered by new springs and coilovers, leading to sharper handling and a reduced center of gravity.
The exterior will also be upgraded in order to improve aerodynamic efficiency and generate greater amounts of downforce. The aerodynamic kit will include revisions to the front bumper consisting of carbon fiber or painted spoilers, enlarged air intakes, and LED lighting. Side skirts between the front and rear fenders will help to channel air away from the wheels. The rear upgrades will include a modified bumper, diffuser, and spoiler to create improved downforce for added stability at high speeds.
The package will be completed with interior refinement upgrades. Trims along the dashboard, center console, and doors will be available in carbon fiber, wood, or different colors. Three-spoke steering wheels with paddle shifters for 911s equipped with PDK transmissions will be available. All of the seats can be fitted with high quality leather and custom stitching designs in any color.
TechArt’s new upgrades for the 991-generation Porsche 911 will be available at the beginning of 2012. Pricing for the upgrades, wheels, engine power kits, and interior refinements have not been released.
The Importance of Musical Selection in Video and Film
Posted by xrstzj in Nov 22, 2011, under Divorce
In the cutthroat world of web-based sales, advertising is key in attracting and ensuring clientele. Using video and music in the advertising puts businesses at the forefront of effective web-based communication. Video based advertising can come in the form of actual videos on the web page, or simply a voice over to speak directly to the consumer. Videos are appealing because they provide a humanistic touch to, an otherwise, technological market.
When choosing to use video for web-based advertising, the musical selection in the video is very important. In motion pictures, score composers provide the setting for the most memorable films. That is because music can actually evoke emotion in the audience. Music in films helps move the plot, draw audience attention, and shape the plot with tempo, pitch, range, and melody. It also expresses character emotion, heightens drama, established mood, and established setting.
In the past, silent films utilized the use of music to express character development. Sinister music were used to express negative characters while happy, uplifting music was used to identify the protagonist.
Music is also the most basic and effective way to heighten the drama of a film. Film scores can be added to any genre, including advertisements. It is important to choose music that matches the action of the scene, because the music heightens the power and intensity of the scene. Plus, music establishes mood and sets tone. This is especially used in horror films, directors will show an opening scene, and use a creepy melody to foreshadow towards events to come.
Many filmmakers use music to establish time or setting. This is done through selecting a music piece that matches the event or period. For example: a film set in medieval times should have a musical selection of that time period. This way viewers are able to identify that the film is not taking place in present day, and are also able to identify the time period the film is suppose to take place in.
In advertising, music is a very popular way to advance the commercial or plot of the commercial. A musical montage works at condensing a large amount of information into a short scene. The use of a certain song, along with thematically related shots, advances the scene without having to explicitly say what is going on. It works to progress and advance the commercial with little to no exposition. In the world of web-based advertising and video advertising, music is a key way to attract and hold the attention of viewer and making a memorable advertisement.
Street Magicians Give Street Smarts a Whole New Meaning
Posted by xrstzj in Nov 22, 2011, under Cross Cultural
What is street magic, you may ask? It’s exactly what it sounds like. First, you need a city street, then you need a magician, then he needs to have a crowd gathered around him, then he needs to do magic. Now you have a street magician doing street magic. But the city is a busy place and in order for a street magician to truly capture his audience’s attention and keep it, he must perform at a relatively high caliber. Performers such as the UK’s very own Dynamo, David Blaine and America’s Chris Angel are all prime examples of magicians. At least that’s how they got their start. Now they are telly celebs. They will make things appear, disappear, levitate all while playing their own pitch man; some even try to sell their goods to the spellbound crowd. And just like in New York City, coins and paper money tossed into a jar or a box are always welcome. Of course if it’s Dynamo, David Blaine or Chris Angel, they need to be tossin’ some hard cash into my jar, OK?
Street magicians for hire
If you’re trying to hire a street magician for a function, they want you to know that when you’re looking for them, you may find them under ‘close up magicians’ rather than road magicians. David Blaine is actually mostly responsible for the term ‘street magicians’. He made it fashionable in the late 1990s. Where would you want a road magician to perform? They can do balls, weddings, banquets, corporate events, trade shows and more. The draw of street magicians, for one, is their ability to use anything at their disposal to create magic. Things in your pocket, things in their pockets and things in the pocket of the guy that’s across the room that no longer has it in his pocket… much to his surprise!
And this stuff is up close and personal. No fancy mirrors, no big black curtains, no knives sticking through boxes… this is right up in your face. And it is truly amazing. I’ve been around long enough to know some of the secrets of magicians, illusionists, experts in sleight of hand and the lot. I’m not easily fooled and am even harder to amaze. But a good street magician can keep me entertained for hours. A good road magician will probably get a couple of bucks from me as I walk away.
London’s Covent Garden and Southbank were not only popular with the early buskers passing around the hat to tourists after each performance but are still popular with the street magicians of today. The real, close up, no frills classic street magic has been in existence for literally centuries. Smaller magic tricks used to lead to bigger tricks… and the bigger the crowd got, the bigger the tricks got. Several shows a day netted the early street magicians a meager living. These days, with the likes of the previously mentioned professional street magicians; apparently the sky’s the limit.
And I bothered going to college!
Pageant Sponsorships: How to Get Local Businesses to Fund Your Pageant Expenses
Posted by xrstzj in Nov 22, 2011, under Communication
If you are reading this, you are already well aware that competing in pageants takes a lot of time, effort, and commitment. After you have added up all of your expenses for an upcoming pageant, it can be overwhelming. Once you learn the basic tools that you need to start seeking sponsorship, you will be well on your way to never having to pay fully for a pageant again. This technique of gaining sponsors is a gold mine for contestants who are seeking to compete more than once during their pageant career.
Make a List of Potential Sponsors
This is your first step to sponsorship success. Do not limit yourself to your immediate group of friends, family, and businesses — think big! Most businesses have a set aside “sponsoring” fund that they can give out each year. It is important to get on this as early as possible because these funds evaporate quickly and those who wait will not receive them. Also, consider how you can help them. Business are more likely to hand over money if they are getting something in return. I will cover this more in the next point. For now, this is a list of sponsors that have worked for myself and others in the past:
Local Restaurants (Most chain restaurants are owned by local franchisees who are seeking to promote their specific location)
Local Stores (gift shops, nutrition centers, dry cleaners, formal wear shops, clothing boutiques, specialty boutiques, coffee shops)
Business Professionals (dentists, cosmetic dentists, doctors, fitness trainers, spas and salons, weight loss centers, nutritionists, insurance companies, chiropractors, massage therapists, nail salons, tanning salons, and locally owned businesses that can benefit in some way from sponsoring you — get creative!)
Family and Friends
How are you better than an advertisement in the local paper?
Potential sponsors are more likely to give you money to fund your journey if they can see how it is financially beneficial to them. Compose a letter or a phone call dialogue sheet that is focusing on the reasons of why it is helpful to them to sponsor you. For example, if you are vying for the title of Miss Oklahoma and last year you placed 2nd runner-up to the title, that is important information for a sponsor to know. Tell them why it makes sense for them to give you money, think of facts that make sense to share. Did 5,000 program books sell last year at the state pageant? The average cost I have seen for a full page of advertising in a statewide distributed publication is about $1500. Show them how their sponsorship is financially smart.
If you already have a local title and a professional headshot that is worth displaying, let them know! Tell them that if they sponsor you they not only will receive the ad in the program book, but you will bring them a personally signed headshot photo that they can display at their business. At my local McAlister’s Deli, I see this all the time. They have state titleholders with signed photos hanging on the walls. Imagine how many people come in that deli everyday and see those photos and connect that titleholder and organization with that deli — a lot! This type of sponsorship is beneficial to both parties. If you can give viable reasons for a business to give you money, you are more likely to get it. Businesses care less about the fact that you are competing in a pageant, and more about how their sponsorship can benefit their business. Why is it better for them to invest $300 in your efforts than to use that towards advertising somewhere else? Come up with a reason that is specific to you and that business. Have you spent a lot of time developing your platform, volunteering, raising money for a cause, doing well in school and receiving awards? Make them feel secure in their investment.
Connect and Follow-Up
Have you ever heard the saying “in order to get what nobody else is getting, you have to do what nobody else is doing?” This is where most pageant contestants lose potential sponsors. Developing a sponsorship letter with a stamped return envelope is a great way to guarantee sponsors, however you have to consider how much mail these businesses or people receive daily. Most businesses receive twenty or more pieces of mail a day; you are likely to get lost in the mix. Make your request personal. Follow-up with a phone call, or even better show up at their business and speak to them in person. What better way to say, “I can help you if you will help me” than to show up and show off your polished look and interpersonal skills. I recently heard a statistic that in the wedding business industry, most bookings most often happen after the 10th follow-up, but most businesses stop trying after the 2nd follow-up. Those who are giving up after the second follow-up are leaving a huge percentage of sales to those who are persistent, the same applies to you with your sponsors. Most people will recognize that your letter was not just sent to them. Think of ways that you can build a relationship with these businesses without having to call each of them every single week: create a blog, facebook page, twitter account, or emailing list. When people feel connected to something or someone, they will feel compelled to give sponsorship support.
Develop a Plan and Execute It!
I have created a bullet pointed flow chart for you to follow when developing your pageant funding strategy.
Make a list of potential sponsors and their contact information (type it and print it for you to keep)
Brainstorm ways that those sponsors can benefit from funding your pageant goals
Create a sponsorship letter that you can use as a template
Pack your sponsorship letters with a letter and a stamped, already addressed return envelope
Assemble all of your materials in a binder so that you can see who you have sent letters to, check off sponsors who have given to you, and know who you need to follow-up with.
Follow-up with your sponsors in one of the ways listed above — make sure that at least one of those times you are following up in a way that is personal. (phone call or personal visit).
Write Thank You notes, if someone gives you money or helps you with your pageant goals write them a personal thank you note. This not only expresses gratitude in a sincere way, but you are setting yourself up to potentially have a continued sponsor next time you do a pageant.
This is the basic way to get your pageant efforts completely funded. You can be highly successful in receiving all that you need for your pageant if you will connect with people, build relationships, be organized, and stay persistent with your sponsorship goals.
Album Review: Stone Rollin’ By Raphael Saadiq
Posted by xrstzj in Nov 22, 2011, under Anniversaries
5/5 STARS!
If you were locked in a vault since the late 70′s and found your way out on March 25, 2011, with this disc spinning, you would feel as if nothing had changed. It encompasses both funk and the production is completed with an updated 60′s groove. Saadiq has been nominated so often it can be said they just put his name on every ballet thinking that eventually he will get his day at the podium. Stone Rollin ‘ is the most well-rounded release of 2011 with refreshing R&B/soul that cruises along as if the 80′s, 90′s even the first decade of 00′s never happened.
The guitar on the opening riff of “Heart Attack” makes the listener think that James Brown is in the house. He could possibly have been throwing vibes at Raphael during the writing of this music. He did not leave one ounce of pop music untested from start to finish. Sometimes you want to dance, others you want to rock your head to the beat and let your body get sucked into the void. During “Over You”, he seems to be channeling Jimi Hendrix, as his guitar cannot help but draw you in. With the slight distortion to his vocals, it’s bonafide.
By the time the listener gets to “Stone Rollin’” they are hooked, but Saadiq does not stop taking you on a musical journey with lyrics and sound that are unmistakably his signature style. He peppers this disc with influences from The Temptations, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, Sly & The Family Stone, The Isley Brothers and the backing sounds of Gladys Knight & The Pips. His time spent producing other artists has given him ample opportunity to tweak his own style while giving an edge to their writing.
Saadiq even takes a country guitar riff in “Day Dreams” and puts a funk spin on the layers underneath that bring back some of the Elvis Presley style from the late 60′s to early 70′s. No other artist would attempt a risky track like this one. His vocals are so smooth that as the song plays out, you can almost get so lost you will no longer know who the artist is. Any listener will know that one trip around this disc is unacceptable.
Track 7, “Movin’ Down The Line” is true dedication to Smokey Robinson & The Miracles with the subtle guitar and the shakin’ sound as the bass just puts the tempo into perspective. Saadiq has the ability to bring all his influences into each track without letting it overpower his own unique style. Just when you can’t take anymore, he drives you through three more tracks that are the icing on the cake with strong drum lines and the symbol sound that most producers often let become buried in the mixes today. Saadiq brings them to the surface and lets them add to the real musical experience.
RUSTYSCAGE.COM/MUSIC
