Virgin Suicides and a Walk to Remember

The last Virgin Megastore in existence — located in Union Square in New York City —  shut it doors today. I was one of the fortunate few who made it in to see the surreal sight of the once packed retailer reduced to a few bins, racks and shelves stocked with the leftovers of previous price reductions. There wasn’t much left but junk, yet I still managed to leave with four vinyl bags and a T-shirt reading “Virgin Orlando” … all for $2.15. I haven’t been this sad since they closed Tower Records and Circuit City. Shopping for music online isn’t as fun as going to a record store, but that, like so many other experiences, seems to be fading in favor of living a life looking at a computer screen. (Yet here I am blogging rather than placing calls to my readers. I catch the irony.)

On the plus side, I had a very “New York” day. I sat on the steps at Union Square and people-watched; ate a hearty meal at the Cozy Soup ‘n’ Burger; walked around the SoHo and NoHo districts; stumbled upon the World Science Festival at Washington Square Park; and,  since today was the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade, saw some of the most creative wearings of the Puerto Rican flag I’ve ever seen, including a flag being secured to the hood of a car and its owner rocking a Hawaiian-style  shirt showcasing its colors. My feet hurt from the walking, but considering what I ate today and the company I was keeping, the walking was well worth it.

Playlist – That’s My Jam Mix June 2009

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Sound Off – Robin Thicke: Something Else

The latest albums making noise

A few traits define Robin Thicke’s brand of blue-eyed soul. Listeners will find themselves transported to the breezy tropics with his melodies, be romanticized in every possible way with his lyrics and will be soothed by the upper range of his voice, which is prevalent on the songs compiled for his third disc, Something Else.

Thicke effortlessly accomplishes all three on the set’s opener, “You’re My Baby.” Here, his voice is appropriately delicate as he assures his lover he’ll scare away the “monsters in the closet” and provide her the security of a “blankie.”

More lyrically aggressive and forcefully delivered is “Sidestep,” which manages to both plea and command with the recurring “c’mon nows” delivered throughout his trademark “ooh-hoos.”

Continuing where S.O.S. Band’s “Take Your Time (Do It Right)” leaves off, “Something Else” is funk on the verge of disco with guitar riffs that would do the former proud. Depending on the interpretation, “something else” can be sexual in nature or a simple longing for a change of pace and scenery, but both achieve a happy ending on this jam.

Duality is present on another offering on Something Else, specifically “Shadow of Doubt.” Though full of “do-do-dos” and lines like “I wanna dance like I’m James Brown,” one can’t help but wonder if Thicke is speaking about his place as one of R&B’s few prominent white performers, and the internal and external struggles he’s faced because of it. (Remember that VIBE controversy from last year, when Thicke claimed that he was denied the cover because of his race? That month’s issue instead featured another controversy: a naked Ciara.)

Thicke is more overt on “Dreamworld,” a moody combination of piano and a lone drumbeat whose lines list the characteristics of his utopia. Especially important among them are things such as respect for his wife, actress Paula Patton, who is black, and the couple’s freedom to “walk in Mississippi” without staring eyes. The fading end of the song again commands listeners and attempts to convince them to “dream on, let’s dream.”

Though upbeat in sections, Something Else is mostly mellow slow jams. It’s relaxing, at times thought provoking, but engaging and entertaining. Tracks such as “Magic” and “The Sweetest Love” have had their fair share of radio play, and rightfully so, and the only questionable inclusion on the album is Thicke’s duet with Lil Wayne, “Tie My Hands.” Something Else is the perfect mood-setter for romantic occasions, but would be required listening on a smooth jazz kind of Sunday.

That’s My Jam’s Rating:
5. Get It Now
4. Get It On Sale
3. Get It As a Gift
2. Get It To a CD Exchange Store
1. Don’t Get It At All

Track List:
1. “You’re My Baby”
2. “Sidestep”
3. “Magic”
4. “Ms. Harmony”
5. “Dreamworld”
6. “Loverman”
7. “Hard On My Love”
8. “The Sweetest Love”
9. “Something Else”
10. “Shadow of Doubt”
11. “Cry No More”
12. “Tie My Hands” with Lil Wayne

That’s My Jam Pop Chart – June 2009

Click song titles to see videos or hear audio. Click here to view this chart’s video playlist.

1. Black Eyed Peas – “Boom Boom Pow” (2)
2. Lady GaGa – “Poker Face” (1)
3. Beyoncé – “Halo” (3)
4. Lady GaGa – “LoveGame” (-)
5. Kelly Clarkson – “My Life Would Suck Without You” (4)
6. Miley Cyrus – “The Climb” (8)
7. Britney Spears – “If U Seek Amy” (5)
8. Kelly Clarkson – “I Do Not Hook Up” (7)
9. Katy Perry – “Waking Up in Vegas” (-)
10. Keri Hilson featuring Kanye West & Ne-Yo – “Knock You Down” (-)

*Charts are based on a predetermined set of listings that rank songs by airplay, streams, sales, requests and/or audience reaction. Information for this chart was accessed on Friday, June 5, 2009. Click here for more information on That’s My Jam’s Charts.

Playlist – R&B Mix June 2009

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iTune-Up – Michael vs. Justin

There have been comparisons between Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake, but how do they compete? Their dancing, their sounds, their subject matter, that’s for you to decide in this playlist matchup between the two pop powerhouses. Twenty performances in a variety of categories and one together. Who do you think comes out on top?

Click here for the playlist

The Categories

Aggressive Love
Michael Jackson – “In the Closet” vs.
Justin Timberlake – “SexyBack”

For the Disco
Michael Jackson – “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough”
vs. Justin Timberlake – “Rock Your Body”

A Song of the Same Name
Jackson 5 – “I Want You Back”
vs. NSYNC – “I Want You Back”

With Janet…Ms. Jackson if you’re nasty!
Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson – “Scream” vs.
Justin Timberlake featuring Janet Jackson – “(And She Said) Take Me Now”

In a Group Setting
Jackson 5 – “ABC” vs.
NSYNC – “Bye, Bye, Bye”

Pure Funk
Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” vs.
Justin Timberlake featuring T.I. – “My Love”

Often Imitated, Never Duplicated
Michael Jackson – “Smooth Criminal”
vs. Justin Timberlake – “Like I Love You”

Those Darn Women
Michael Jackson – “Dirty Diana” vs.
Justin Timberlake – “Cry Me a River”

So the Drama
Michael Jackson – “Thriller” vs.
Justin Timberlake – “What Goes Around (Comes Around)”

Power Ballads
Michael Jackson – “She’s Out of My Life”
vs. NSYNC – “Gone”

Together!
NSYNC featuring Michael Jackson – “Pop” (Live from the 2001 MTV VMAs)

Throwback Thursday – Dan Hartman

Surely you remember his mega hit, “I Can Dream About You, but do you remember Dan Hartman‘s 1984 pseudo-freestyle hit, “The Name of the Game”?

Click here!

Should-Be Singles? – Beyoncé featuring Missy Elliott: "Signs"

An in-depth discussion about why some songs should have received air time

THAT’S MY JAM: The nominee for our next Should-Be Single? is none other than Beyoncé’s “Signs” from 2003’s Dangerously in Love.
SU ZEE: “I was in love with a Sagittarius.” The opening lyrics for Beyoncé’s Dangerously in Love song “Signs” were, at the time, as close as an admission anyone was going get from B that she was involved with a famous Sagittarian ― one she later went on to marry ― in secret of course. It’s part of the reason why I enjoyed this song when I first heard it on Dangerously in Love. On her debut solo album, the notoriously private superstar was finally giving fans a little insight on the star she was reportedly romantically aligned with, then threw in her thoughts on the rest of the astrological chart just to keep things interesting, inclusive and, perhaps, deliberately evasive.

Evasive is what she seems to do best. But on this cut, she went directly into the catchy, smooth melody that’s at times ― and appropriately ― cosmic. I admit the only reason I can recite the zodiac signs in any kind of order is because of this song. And I have to say that her descriptions of each sign are dead-on. I think these qualities help make it a radio-ready track that would fare well on pop and R&B stations, and I can just imagine the treatment this would have received in the dance clubs.
Musically, “Signs’” melody plays out a little unevenly, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but not immediately catchy or memorable. Missy Elliott gets “featuring” credits, but she’s hardly noticeable on the track save for a lyrical “rewind” in the midst of a refrain in which Beyoncé wishes her lyrical lover was a Virgo ― the same sign as she. But she also gives shout-outs to Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus and “every sign from coast to coast.” Beyoncé’s need to appease begins to run thin, much like her vocals on the track. Unlike some of the album’s singles, “Crazy In Love,” “Naughty Girl” and even the title track sequel, “Dangerously In Love 2,” “Signs” seems to lack the passion and commitment Beyoncé so often delivers in her songs.

I think it’s great that Missy didn’t dominate the track. Not that there’s anything wrong with Missy, but sometimes, her appearances on cuts tend to overtake the featured artist. But when it comes to “Signs,” it has so many engaging elements. There’s the Creole chants during the bridge; the intriguing chorus that lists the different signs; and its overall memorable nature. It’s definitely a standout and easily recognizable for those who have the album. I think radio audiences would have appreciated hearing this on the airwaves. I can hear B’s hypnotic vocals now on all the quiet storm radio shows.
Overall, I think “Signs” is a good “filler” for the album, and I’m glad it made the cut. But like Beyoncé’s indecisiveness about her astrological preferences, this critiquing Virgo is also undecided on whether this song was radio-friendly enough to be released as a single. That said, the “signs” are pointing me to push pause on this track as a “Should-Be Single?” but I may hit “rewind” when I listen to it on the album again.

The Rating Scale:
►– Push Play
|| – Push Pause
■ – Push Stop

The Verdict:
Su Zee gives “Signs” a || while That’s My Jam gives it a ►.

Janet Jackson’s Best Dance Videos/Routines – Part 10 of 10

That’s My Jam dares to do the impossible: rank Janet Jackson‘s best dance videos/routines. Did your favorite make the list? Did we get right? Let us know. Click here to view the entire countdown.

1. “If”
2. “The Pleasure Principle”
3. “Miss You Much”
4. “All Nite (Don’t Stop)”
5. “Rock With U”
6. “Rhythm Nation”
7. “All for You”
8. “So Excited”
9. “Alright”
10. “Nasty”

That’s My Jam Dance Chart – June 2009

Click song titles to see videos or hear audio. Click here to view this chart’s video playlist.

1. Lady GaGa – “Poker Face” (1)
2. David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland – “When Love Takes Over” (-)
3. Lady GaGa – “Just Dance” (2)
4. Kid Cudi – “Day ’N‘ Nite” (3)
5. Guru Josh Project – “Infinity 2008” (5)
6. Pitbull – “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” (9)
7. Lady GaGa – “LoveGame” (-)
8. Deborah Cox – “Beautiful U R” (7)
9. Ercola featuring Daniella – “Every Word” (-)
10. Lily Allen – “The Fear” (6)

*Charts are based on a predetermined set of listings that rank songs by airplay, streams, sales, requests and/or audience reaction. Information for this chart was accessed on Friday, May 29, 2009. Click here for more information on That’s My Jam’s Charts.