Working hard to update curlysoul.com to a bit fresher format… might mean that you see changes on the site every now and then, but hey… everything betta than all the dust that it used to collect.

Will need some input though… what’s fresh peeps? Myself, am listening to – of course – the latest of Dwele (W.W.W.), Distant Relatives Nas & Damian Marley, Talib Kweli & Hi Tek, some sweet “how I got over” of The Roots and this bootlegged “Power” of Kanye West…

What is there that I better have beating on my eardrum?

9 years… 9 long years. The fact that I – like so many people – have counted the years says enough.

2 years ago I had the same experience. After a long long wait I finally read the news that Maxwell would tour again and release the first part of his trilogy A Black Summer’s Night. I was lucky that his second tour-date was in Amsterdam… and I saw him.

And now. This is – as Maxwell would say – “The Highest of the High”. Well, not just the news… She is. Sade.
This is news that makes me quiver, excites me, warms me and makes me impatient. And I am a very patient person. But the need for information, news, the album and above all: Tour dates, it’s like “I’ve a bug in my head… and a jumping heart”.

First released track, Soldier of Love (the title track) is hitting you gently… with the definite sound of Sade. I am amazed how good Sade looks at the age of 50… check for yourself: Soldier of Love video on Amazon

Beginning next month we’ll be able to listen the whole album and I really hope that already before that moment, tour dates will become available.

It’s been a long wait, but I trust it was worth it and I hope and pray that seeing Sade perform live will become reality.

Just a list… with some great albums that fill my head with great sounds at the moment.

Just a few quick notes:

Kanye West – Graduation

You can say what you want, but this guy knows how to make an album… Ever since The College Dropout, he has been able to tell a story. Whether you like it or not, these albums are complete.

Kanye West – 808′s and Heartbreak

At the second track, I was like “Enough with the voice transformer!”. At the last track, I was totally amazed by how strong this album is… darn good!

John Legend – Evolver

Damnnn! An instant classic with some grrrreat songs. “Goodmorning” has replace my alarm clock already and “If you’re out there” was and is indeed a great statement of support for Obama. The bonus Teddy Riley remix of “It’s over” is totally sweet.

Raphael Saadiq – The Way I See It

Unexpected and genius. This album has the amazing gift of capturing the period in which some of the best music in history was made. How this album is produced and how well it all fits that period, perfectly shows the genius and possibilities of the great Raphael Saadiq. Total respect.

Q-Tip – The Renaissance

What can i say… the man has an addictive voice… Simply cannot get enough of it.

Dwele – Sketches of a Man

Hmmm… hard to say. I think I need to hear the album a few times more. For now I have the feeling that it is too much of the same, without any tracks that really excel. Am a bit disappointed I must say.

Rather than bringing the whole story of the concert earlier mentioned, I wrote a review over at Last.fm…

His voice was… well, it was still Maxwell’s. From first to last song and encore, his voice was a smooth and slick as we know it, and where possible he did show off his great reach from Maxwell high to Barry White low.

You can read the whole review here.

Further to explain his absence, the following video interview does give most details.

He’s touring the States now… anybody been to his concerts? What do you think?

You have no idea how excited I am!

October 5th of 2008, second day after the kick-off of his Live 08 Tour, I will see Maxwell perform live in the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam, Holland.

Whoooooooooohooooooooooooooooo!

Who’s gonna see him where? Here is the whole tour schedule:

Seeing that he only visits Amsterdam in Europe, I really really feel fortunate… wow!

Hope he brings the Roots with him… please?

Pre-listen here @ Curlysoul the new album of Dwele:

A growing music community with nothing but oldskool music that you can listen to freely.

Close to 800 songs with artist such as New Edition (Candy Girl, Cool It Now, etc.), Isley Brothers (For the Love of You, etc.), Cameo (Candy), Timex Social Club (Thinking About You), EU (Taste of Your Love) and many many others.

Throwback Songs

Nice initiative and very tempting to have on all day… nothing but sweet memories with most of these oldies. On the other hand you notice there is always new old music to discover…

Feel free to stop by and see what it’s all about.