Over the past several weeks my morning routine has been to awake and catch an episode of Soul Train. I’m roughly the age of Soul Train so those episodes in the early days of the show (mainly before 1974) I don’t have much of a recollection of if any. When I began this new routine, the re-airings happened to be in the mid-80′s which is an era of the show that I know very, very well. But somehow… somehow at certain parts of the show I felt that I had amnesia. Literally. Yes, I knew (most of) the acts, a majority of the songs, but there were some songs and groups that just were not memorable at all. To be blunt, they weren’t memorable because they weren’t very good which is the impetus for this blog title.

Birth of A Music, A Movement[Repeat] All musical movements have their initial gestation period, usually as a response to or outgrowth of another movement, then a period of insurgency where it grapples the dominant musical force, then it becomes the musical force moving the culture, followed by a period of sophistication and widespread adaptation followed by a decline whereby it takes up residence in the museum as opposed to the street. In this country in particular every single genre of music that you can name began as folk music, music of the folks in the street as it were long before it became co-opted and a commodity. At this point I would like to pause and point out that I’m not necessarily deeming that all commercialization of music is bad, quite to the contrary artists have to eat, I’m merely pointing out that the vibrancy of a musical movement is usually at its apex when the suits arrive, because they are always late to the party.

I Hear Ya!

Even though I was born in the 70′s I didn’t get my ears until the 80′s and those ears probably weren’t refined until sometime in the 90′s. Growing up I heard a lot of music but I don’t know how much I really listened to. Now, of course we can revisit everything and this Soul Train ritual has been great in that respect. Having made it through the 80′s episodes and 90′s episodes I must say that at a point in the mid-90′s some of the shows became unbearable to watch, partly due to Don Cornelius taking a back seat on his hosting duties and some of the train-wreck “celebrity” hosts, but the main reason: the music. Sure, there were exceptions (an episode where Mint Condition was featured comes to mind) but for every one or two tunes that were featured the rest left you scratching your head as to why this song or group gained any notoriety? Then you realize it was because of the times, just like a KJ/MJ debate you have to consider the times. (more…)

I know you’ve been hitting me up on the side regarding Mint Condition’s new album and when will they give up the goods on the new single. Forgive your girl for slippin’ while on the hustle but here is the new single, “Believe in Us” from the upcoming album, “Music @ the Speed of Light”. I’ve been looking forward to this piece of goodness every since our intimate interview in June!

BIG shout out to Atlanta’s V-103′s Frank Ski for the “lounge love” in the video!!!

Stokley of Mint Condtion

I had the wonderful opportunity to sit and talk with Grammy nominated group, Mint Condition during their show here in Atlanta. We conversed on everything from the new album, Music at the Speed of Life coming out September 25th, their life changing experience with the U.S. troops, and fans that wanted them to sign more than their CD. While we dearly wanted the inclusion of Stokley for this group occasion, we always respect artists committed to their preparation before hitting the stage. Also, special shout out to Rick for dousing down the CVS severe cough medicine and giving 100% during the show. So without further delay, here is our GFM conversation with Mint Condition.

Oh and stay tuned for their new single release, “Believe In Us” on  July 9th!!! (more…)

I have to say I’m really a lover of Mint Condition so when I heard the news that a new album would be released, I poured myself a glass of wine and toasted to the occasion. Anytime you have true musicians giving you real music like “Caught My Eye” and  “Not My Daddy” then “Walk On” to open for Prince aka The Purple Bandit for his “Welcome 2 America” tour, you need to break out your best china for this event. It’s like Linus awaiting the Great Pumpkin in the Charlie Brown Halloween special.

Their new CD, Music At the Speed of Life, scheduled for release September 25, 2012 will  include the funky head nodder “Girl of My Life,” which describes one of the band members’ experience as the odd man out in the search for love as he witnessed the rest of the band settling down. The track features DJ Jazzy Jeff and a riveting drum solo by Stokley. The unforgettable ballad “Completely” is a ballad about finally finding and accepting your place in life. “It speaks to how we’ve synched up both in our respective personal lives and as a working band,” explains Mint Condition. The inviting and free flowing “649 Changes” is another stand out and features Brother Ali and the M-Factory Horns lead by former Prince and Maceo Parker saxophonist Eric Leeds.

So if you’re a Mint Condition fan, join me as we raise a glass September 25th for the arrival of Music At the Speed of Life!!! 

And remember…….say thirsty, my friends! LOL!

Check out these equally wonderful R&B songs from the ’90s called “Someone To Love”.

Jon B. featuring Babyface (1995)

Mint Condition: “Someone to Love” (1993)

At precisely 7pm on Tuesday February 14th, 2012 dinner should be on the table, two favorite beverages of choice chilling on deck and then you reach over to your audio apparatus of choice and press play on this joint from M-I-N-T. At precisely 7:05pm hit me up and let me know how it’s going thus far… remember this is the pre-game warmup so the name of the game is taking your time. You can repeat this selection after our initial consult if necessary.

Stay tuned for more Love Man PSA’s leading up to the big day.

#dontletthecadycoatedtastefoolyou

Stokley Williams of Mint Condition

As a music blogger, I get the opportunity to see a number of shows. Some of them are great and others make you question is it really a “live show” if an artist lip syncs to an autotuned vocal? Like seriously…should I be applauding this because I didn’t get the memo?!?!? But regardless of the debatable things I’ve witnessed, there are others that totally create a moment. For instance, I can think back to I my freshman year in high school, listening to the radio on my Panasonic boom box – yes….I did say my Panasonic boom box . After the DJ said something I can barely remember, I recall hearing these dramatic chords began by a 6 piece band with one lead singer subtlety whispering, “Pretty…..brown…….eyes”. The moment I heard Breaking My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes) , I knew Mint Condition not only played a chord in my ear but they left an imprint in my love for music. Not that it wasn’t enough that this band was under the direction of my favorite music producers, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, but I hadn’t heard a sound like that since precociously rummaging in my mother’s  old funk band albums.  (more…)

Sometimes love just doesn’t work out so you gotta “Walk On” . Check out the new video from one of our favorites, Mint Condition. The video is directed by G. Visuals and stars Carl Payne of Martin fame, and Jessica Castro.