Mar. 20, 2013
Doing retro soul isn't as easy as one might think. You can't just put on a suit, hire a horn section and wing it! You need to get deep down into the passion and grit that makes soul music the transcendent style it can be when done by people who know what they are doing. Veteran R&B singers Terri Walker and Nicole Wray know exactly what they are doing -- so do producers Leon Michels and Jeff Silverman. The four of them made Lady's debut album a powerful slice of modern soul that's filtered through the past (think Stax, Atlantic and Hi...think Aretha, Al Green and Curtis Mayfield) but isn't mired in it. I could go on and on (check my review for more palaver) but how about we watch a video then get right to Terri and Nicole's Poplist picks....
Terri's picks:
Bette Davis in All About Eve
I am the biggest Bette Davis fan. I've seen nearly all her movies but my all time fave is All about Eve. Every role she plays she plays with precision. Classy and vulnerable, yet stern. The story line is also something that could be echoed today.
Ping Pong (Dim Sum)
This is one of my absolute favourite places to eat in London. You get great teas, raw juices and fabulous cocktails. The dim sum selection is very varied and fresh and fills you up just right every time. It's also reasonably priced.
Norah Jones - Come Away with Me
I haven't listened to this album in a while, but when I did it was on repeat from beginning to end. It just took me to a place where I could drift off and find peace, especially if I was anxious about something. Absolute classic for me and deserves all the sales and accolades it received.
Bill Withers documentary Still Bill
This man to me is just an inspiration all round. He started his musical journey pretty late, but with such force. I love that he doesn't hold back his emotions and always speaks on it. He just wants to find peace of mind. His music is raw and to the point and after watching the documentary, I understood him so much more.
The Chamberlayne Pub (Kensal Rise)
I loooooove this place -- they make the best food. It's a steakhouse, but my special there is the fish pie, which you can never finish as the portions are huge. The atmosphere is very easy and comfy. I always leave there with a few too many as the night just dwindles away with great conversation and food. The steaks are pretty awesome there too!
Nicole's picks:
Tim Burton - Big Fish
I love Tim Burton's cleverness, color and exciting point of view. Big Fish is one of my favorite because it’s a story about one’s journey never to give up and overcoming obstacles and knowing your final destination in life while having fun doing it and meeting interesting people along the way.
Spondivits Seafood and Grill
I am so crazy about seafood and this place steals my heart it’s in Atlanta Georgia where I reside. My favorite is the Alaskan King Crab Legs with garlic butter, fried lobster tail with a Long Island iced tea. So refreshing.
Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
This album is the truth, it raises me in the music. She is the best teacher I have ever had.
2Pac - All Eyez on Me
Hands down he has paved the way for our sisters and brothers to be able to speak their minds, to be yourself without allowing the industry to change your character. 2Pac was not only a brilliant rapper, he was very poetic. People understood his point of view in music and his life struggles.
Popeyes Chicken
It’s just DAMN GOOD!
Terri's picks:
Bette Davis in All About Eve
I am the biggest Bette Davis fan. I've seen nearly all her movies but my all time fave is All about Eve. Every role she plays she plays with precision. Classy and vulnerable, yet stern. The story line is also something that could be echoed today.
Ping Pong (Dim Sum)
This is one of my absolute favourite places to eat in London. You get great teas, raw juices and fabulous cocktails. The dim sum selection is very varied and fresh and fills you up just right every time. It's also reasonably priced.
Norah Jones - Come Away with Me
I haven't listened to this album in a while, but when I did it was on repeat from beginning to end. It just took me to a place where I could drift off and find peace, especially if I was anxious about something. Absolute classic for me and deserves all the sales and accolades it received.
Bill Withers documentary Still Bill
This man to me is just an inspiration all round. He started his musical journey pretty late, but with such force. I love that he doesn't hold back his emotions and always speaks on it. He just wants to find peace of mind. His music is raw and to the point and after watching the documentary, I understood him so much more.
The Chamberlayne Pub (Kensal Rise)
I loooooove this place -- they make the best food. It's a steakhouse, but my special there is the fish pie, which you can never finish as the portions are huge. The atmosphere is very easy and comfy. I always leave there with a few too many as the night just dwindles away with great conversation and food. The steaks are pretty awesome there too!
Nicole's picks:
Tim Burton - Big Fish
I love Tim Burton's cleverness, color and exciting point of view. Big Fish is one of my favorite because it’s a story about one’s journey never to give up and overcoming obstacles and knowing your final destination in life while having fun doing it and meeting interesting people along the way.
Spondivits Seafood and Grill
I am so crazy about seafood and this place steals my heart it’s in Atlanta Georgia where I reside. My favorite is the Alaskan King Crab Legs with garlic butter, fried lobster tail with a Long Island iced tea. So refreshing.
Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
This album is the truth, it raises me in the music. She is the best teacher I have ever had.
2Pac - All Eyez on Me
Hands down he has paved the way for our sisters and brothers to be able to speak their minds, to be yourself without allowing the industry to change your character. 2Pac was not only a brilliant rapper, he was very poetic. People understood his point of view in music and his life struggles.
Popeyes Chicken
It’s just DAMN GOOD!