She's So Offbeat

Video of the Day: John Legend & The Roots - "I Can't Write Left Handed"

2010-09-01T18:39:00.003-05:00

Hey guys!!! I'm currently in the process of making the She's So Offbeat brand bigger and more bad ass than ever, but in the meantime enjoy this new song from John Legend & The Roots titled "I Can't Write Left Handed".

Cover It!: Tamia - "Love Me In A Special Way"

2010-06-08T11:07:00.002-05:00

Some of you might call me blasphemous for saying this, but I don't care and I'll say this anyway: Tamia's version of "Love Me In A Special Way" is light years ahead of the DeBarge original. Yes, Tamia's cover is a million times better than El DeBarge's falsetto wielding original. Don't believe me? Listen for yourself.

Tamia - "Love Me In A Special Way"

Albums I Listen To When I'm Alone: S Club 7 - S Club

2010-06-08T11:00:00.001-05:00

Since I went through a pretty heavy pop phase as a teen, I can't be the only person who remembers S Club 7, and I'm DEFINITELY not the only person who used to watch their tv on Saturday mornings. But I'm cool with probably being the only person who liked their debut album, S Club.

Their songs were poppy, upbeat, and bouncy enough to suck me in, and truthfully, one of the reasons why I still listen to this album from time-to-time is because it reminds me of being a teenager and how much fun I had back then (Ahhhh memories). Plus the album really isn't that bad. Clearly they were popular enough to have the show renewed for a few more seasons and release more albums so I guess I'm somewhat justified in liking this album, right?....Right?

My 3 Favorite Tracks Are...

Track 3: "Two In A Million" - This song is so sweet and sappy, and in the episode it was featured, it was accompanied by cheesy dance moves.

Track 4: "S Club Party" - There ain't no party like an S Club partaaaaay hooooooo! Don't judge me.

Track 6: "Viva La Fiesta" - This is an upbeat salsa and pop track that's just simply fun.

Album Review: Jamie Cullum - The Pursuit

2010-06-06T10:32:00.004-05:00

I've always been fascinated by Jamie Cullum's refreshing take on the jazz genre as a whole, but the work on his latest album, The Pursuit, has easily increased his musical allure.

One thing I love about Cullum's music is his sense of imagination, and through his songs, it's very easy to tell that he uses his imagination while never losing the formality and structure of the music. Just as he can perform classic standards, Cullum can turn around on another track and do a loud and thrashing song that forces you to pay attention. That sense of organized playfulness is especially traceable on The Pursuit simply because of the wide variety of subject matter and genres that wouldn't be traditionally covered by a jazz musician. I will elucidate more on those later via my favorite tracks on the album, but Cullum's The Pursuit is definitely an album worth delving into no matter what mood or state of mind you're in.

My 3 Favorite Tracks Are...

Track 1: "Just One of Those Things" - This tune is structured in a swinging jazz style with Cullum's prominent piano and a big brass accompaniment, but my favorite part of the song is how the formality of the song kinda contradicts with the lyrics...especially since the song is talking about a one night stand.

Track 6: "Don't Stop The Music" - If there's anything that Cullum stands out on, it's contemporary covers. He's covered Pharrell and Jimi Hendrix before, and now he's covering Rhianna. Actually, I like Cullum's version waaaaaay better than Rhianna's original.

Track 7: "Love Ain't Gonna Let You Down" - This is my favorite song on The Pursuit because of the melody and smoothness of the song. Also, the romantic in me feels the lyrics along with Cullum's assuring tone.

That's My SHIT!: Madcon - "Glow"

2010-06-05T09:18:00.004-05:00

So I was watching Eurovision (a massive competition in which European countries choose an artist and a song to represent them) last Saturday, and towards the end of the show, Norwegian duo, Madcon performed their single "Glow". What I did not know was that prior to the competition, their had been a series of videos showing choreography to "Glow" that would later involve participation from some of the countries and it would become a part of a huge flashmob. I was not only fascinated by all of these different European states doing the same choreography, but I also fell in love with the song. Check out the song and the video of the performance below.

Madcon - "Glow"

On The Watch: Tenisha Rochelle

2010-06-01T23:22:00.005-05:00

I might be a little biased on this post because a) this is about a really good friend of mine that I grew up with, and therefore b) I've always known that she's talented beyond belief. Ladies and gents, I'd like to introduce my dear friend, Tenisha Rochelle.

Tenisha is an immensely talented up-and-coming singer/songwriter/guitarist based out of Nashville, and I suggest you get to know her NOW! Here's a track (co-written by another one of our talented friends and amazing producer, Marcus Onaghinor) titled "Undo".

Video of the Day: G.o.D. Jewels - "All Things Go"

2010-05-03T15:03:00.003-05:00

I know I've been away loves, but school has been kicking my ass. I do solemnly swear I'll be back with more posts after graduation.

Now that that's outta the way, I had to come out of hiding to show off the homie G.o.D. Jewel's new video "All Things Go" in honor of his new project Greatness Opens Doors dropping TODAY! I told y'all before and I'm only gonna tell y'all one more time: Jewels is DEFINITELYon the move. Check out the video and be sure to download the mixtape HERE.

Video of the Day: J*Davey - "Get Together"

2010-03-15T22:34:00.002-05:00

Oh J*Davey...how I stan for thee.

On the Watch: teresajenee

2010-03-12T11:15:00.003-06:00

When I first listened to teresajenee, I played her album about 3 times in a row. Needless to say, teresajenee is truly in a class of her own and definitely an artist to watch. Her sound is a blend of multiple genres that she can carry while her voice is structured, but free at the same time. teresajenee's music reflects a genuinely eclectic style and drive that is unmatched and comes from her heart. Check out her album, The Ecklectic, and preview her track "Sunday" below.

teresajenee - "Sunday"

That's A Banger!: Just Brittany

2010-03-02T14:19:00.005-06:00

Noticing that I've only put the artist's name in the title of this post, I know many of you are wondering why. Well it's simple, Just Brittany, an up and coming entertainer from Texas, has come out with 2 bangers before the release of her debut album.

Her first single, "Call Me 4 Dat Good", has been a staple on Houston radio for the past couple of months, and with it's catchy hook and heavy 808, it's easy to see why it's been a radio hit. Her upcoming 2nd single, "Mercedez Boy" is an equally catchy remake of the Pebbles classic, but reworked with major bass and a hot verse from fellow Texan, Kutta.

Peep them both!

Call Me 4 Dat Good

Mercedez Boy

Album Review: Chester Gregory - In Search of High Love

2010-03-02T12:24:00.005-06:00

Some discoveries are better late than never, and thus is the case in my discovery of Chester Gregory's soulful debut, In Search of High Love.

As a seasoned Broadway performer, Gregory's voice is already trained and honed for clarity, and all of that training alongside natural talent definitely proves to be a major advantage in the musicality shown on this album. Obviously, the theme of the album is love, and the songs beautifully create a story of love's highs and lows, but with an organically soulful tone. With a natural flow and clean production, listening to In Search of High Love will easily take you to a different state of mind.

My 3 favorite tracks are...

Track 2: "Search In" - Immediately following the intro, "Search In" is a great starter track. I specifically love how strikingly the chorus deviates away from the verse and gives the song a completely different feel.

Track 10: "Clouds to the Ground" - I love how jazzy this song is. It has a distinct flow and relaxed feeling that switches halfway through the track.

Track 11: "High Love" - The musicality of this song draws me in. Well, that and the seductive nature of it too.

Free.99 Deal of the Week: Sivad Ink Presents...CP Time

2010-02-24T17:26:00.002-06:00

I had to hip y'all to my homie, Jason Davis (a.k.a. Sivad Ink)'s project entitled CP Time. Hailing from the Chi, he's an all-around artist and blogger who has put together a dope collective of music that is definitely worthy of repeat spins. Definitely add this FREE mixtape to your collection.

Download Sivad Ink Presents...CP Time

That's A Banger!: Johnny Polygon - "Unfortunate Fame"

2010-02-24T17:14:00.002-06:00

Not much to say about this DOPE track coming from Johnny Polygon's mixtape Rebel Without Applause. All I have to say is...I dare you not to bump or move to this. I dare you.

Johnny Polygon - "Unfortunate Fame"

Behind the Beat: Living Colour - "Cult of Personality"

2010-02-17T22:39:00.004-06:00

Being eclectic runs through my blood. My dad is the Black kid who played bass and drums in a garage band with his best friends growing up, and my mom is the soulful chick whose essence flows with gospel and R&B. Inherently, their musical tastes passed on to me through many tracks of a wide variety, but one of the songs I can remember being struck by as a young child was Living Colour's "Cult of Personality".

At the time of it's 1988 release, Living Colour's "Cult of Personality" set a precedent for changing the face of metal music . Living Colour was considered the first successful Black metal band and "Cult of Personality" is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all-time. I personally love it because it not only sends a political message, but the musicality of the song is beyond amazing. Hearing elements of funk, jazz, and pop fused into a metal track justifies "Cult of Personality"'s right as a true rock classic.

Go ahead and start headbanging:

Living Colour - Cult of Personality

Cover It!: Fol Chen - The Beautiful Ones (Prince Cover)

2010-02-15T12:28:00.003-06:00

As a Prince stan, I have 2 things I wanna say about doing a Prince cover:

1. Don't think your version will top his original (I'm talking to you Mariah Carey and Dru Hill).

2. Don't fuck it up (Again, I'm talking to you Mariah Carey and Dru Hill).

Now thankfully artists like Foo Fighters (with their cover of "Darling Nikki") and Fol Chen have done a great job handling a Prince song with care, and since I've never profiled Fol Chen before, why not commend them now for making an amazing Prince cover.

Fol Chen is an L.A. based collective chock full of talent and their cover of Prince's "The Beautiful Ones" is nothing short of brilliant. It gives it a modern yet playful electro feel with heavy percussion that doesn't overpower the track and leaves with a different perspective of the song.

Peep it here:

Fol Chen - "The Beautiful Ones (Prince Cover)"

Video of the Day: Corneille - "A Man of this World"

2010-01-25T19:16:00.004-06:00

He might be new to some of you, but international artist Corneille has definitely made an indelible mark on the worldwide music scene. With a unique blend of acoustic soul that's genuine and heartfelt, Corneille makes you feel his music. Check out this live performance of "A Man of This World" from his album, The Birth of Cornelius.

That's My SHIT!: Drake - "Zone"

2010-01-13T15:46:00.002-06:00

It looks like Canadian rappers are having the best week ever here on She's So Offbeat. Check out this hot new track produced by one of my favorite production groups, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, titled "Zone".

Drake - "Zone"

That's My SHIT!: Classified - "Quit While You're Ahead"

2010-01-11T09:54:00.002-06:00

With a crazy sample and a classic hip-hop feel, Canadian rapper/producer Classified definitely did his thing on this track from his 2009 release, Self-Explanatory. Dope piece indeed.

Classified - "Quit While You're Ahead"

Cover It! Pixie Lott - "When Love Takes Over (David Guetta & Kelly Rowland Cover)"

2010-01-07T15:50:00.004-06:00

I LITERALLY just found this about 5 minutes ago and all I can say is WOOOOOOOOOW! The original was a huge hit last year, but Pixie Lott easily took it to another level. Also the musicianship and how the instrumentals had a Coldplay feel...just...watch the damn video. I'm so amazed right now.

Album Review: Mambo Sauce - The Recipe

2010-01-07T14:38:00.004-06:00

Here's a little known fact about me: Even though I'm a born and bred Southern girl, I love love LOVE DC GoGo music. I love the heavy percussion and live beats that give the music life and vibrance. Thus is the reason for me falling head over heels in love with The Recipe from GoGo's come-up kids, Mambo Sauce.

Admittingly, I'm hella late in writing this review, but I think it's never too late to discover great music. Now with that said, this isn't your traditional GoGo album. The Recipe not only embraces the traditions of GoGo, but it also encompasses other forms of music. I can hear an eclectic blend of rock, R&B, and techno intelligently included into the music, and vocally Black and JC play off the band's instrumentation perfectly. This album is definitely something to pick up if you're looking for an all out variety of sound.

My 3 Favorite Tracks Are...

Track 2 - "Welcome To DC" - This was the single that did it for me. This track made me feel like I was from DC the way it made me rock.

Track 5 - "Work" - This song is not only relatable, but it is also musically surprising as well. I can de identify with the lyrics, but the instrumentation and musical transitions make me feel this track more and more everytime I listen to it.

Track 6 - "No Sleep" - I play this right before I go to work and when I'm working out. The meshing of techno, rock, and gogo may seem like a lot, but it'll definitely get you hype.

On the Watch: Tess Henley

2009-12-28T10:16:00.002-06:00

I'm sorry that I've semi-abandoned you, but while I was away, I found a litany of talent...one of them being Tess Henley.

She's a talented singer/songwriter/pianist/basketball player who's still in college, and how she found time to release her EP Easy To Love I don't know, but I do know that it is the shit. When I heard "Pompi's Song" (which is a tribute to her late grandfather), I got chills and immediately copped the entire EP based on that one song. If you don't believe me, here's the intro to the album/intro to Pompi's song, and I dare you not to be moved by Henley's talent.

Download:

Tess Henley - Intro to Pompi's Song

That's My SHIT!: Abs - "What You Got"

2009-11-16T10:09:00.003-06:00

This track is hella old...well 2002 old, but the fact that I can still play it and want to share with you all says a lot. I was on my boyband kick recently, and I flashbacked to my favorite boyband, 5ive (you know... "When The Lights Go Out"). Well after they broke up, one of the members, Abs, released a solo album called Abstract Theory that strayed completely away from the boyband norm and was full of hot R&B, reggae, and pop-tinged tracks. Here's my favorite gem from that album, "What You Got".

Abs - "What You Got"

Free.99 Deal of the Week: Zo! - ...Just Visiting Too

2009-11-11T11:57:00.005-06:00

From the producer of my FAVORITE EP of last year ("Zo! and Tigallo Love The 80s") as well as his work with The Foreign Exchange, Zo! brings the heat with his latest project ...Just Visiting Too

With such clean production and skilled musicianship combined with dope features from the Foreign Exchange family, I'm truthfully amazed that this project is actually free. Seriously, you NEED this in your collection ASAP. Get this EP now!!!!

Download
Zo! - ...Just Visiting Too

Video of the Day: Cherri V ft. Wiley - "Skool Daze"

2009-10-28T10:09:00.005-05:00

I already told you about up-and-coming chanteuse, Cherri V a while back, but now she's back with another hot single and teamed up with fellow UK star, Wiley for her new hit, "Skool Daze". Check it out!

Cover It!: Pride & Glory - "Come Together (The Beatles Cover)"

2009-10-21T10:21:00.003-05:00

Pride & Glory are a Southern rock band fronted by Ozzy Osbourne guitarist, Zakk Wylde who also sings. Maybe it's my Southern roots that attracted me to this unexpected cover, but it's still hot no matter where you're from. With a piano-heavy melody and Wylde's rocky/soulful vocal, this cover can't lose.

Pride & Glory - "Come Together (The Beatles Cover)"