Raphael Saadiq... and the way I see it.

So, I'm a huge fan on Raphael Saadiq. He's unique, creative, talented and I love his signature vintage sound. He's definitely one of those special artists that make real music- and not just money-making commercial music that caters to the drones of the world who like that kind of thing. And because of that- his work is often overlooked.

Songs like "Still Ray" and "Be There" are among my favorite songs of all time. And even a few of his old Tony! Toni! Toné! songs are still in rotation on the Ipod.

With all of that said, though, I just can't totally get into his new album- "The Way I See It".

I really want to love it. I definitely want to support Raphael in his work. And the album seems perfectly suited to me- since I am such a fan of his and of 60's Motown/soul music. Seems like a perfect combination...

Okay, so don't get me wrong. I do like some songs- I'm just disappointed that I wasn't enamored with the whole album (the way I was with Kanye's latest album, or Santogold's, or Lykke Li's- all my latest obsessions in the music world.) Here are my favorite's from the album so far (well, from what I can tell from the 30 second soundbite on Itunes):

100 Yard Dash (I just found out that this will be his new single- which is great. Love the song.)

Let's Take A Walk

Like I said, I love Raphael Saadiq's signature vintage sound. And I LOVE 60's Motown/soul music. (And I love how Raphael looks in the slim-cut suits and thick-rimmed glasses.) But I feel like the new album maybe sounds a little too authentic. And if I want to hear that kind of music, I'll just pop in some Otis Redding or The Commodores...

(Side note: I'm sounding a lot like my boyfriend did when I bought Amy Winehouse's Back To Black album.... He said the same thing about her. And wondered why I would buy her album when I could just listen to Aretha Franklin? But her songs had a new edge, a new take on the classic 60's-soul-Aretha Franklin sound. And after hearing Rehab on the radio- I wanted more. And it was all I wanted to hear in that moment.)

Anyway, I guess I don't have to love everything my favorite artists put out. I actually pride myself on the fact that I make my own decisions about what I like and dislike. I don't just like a song because they play it repetitively on the radio or brainwash us with commercials (Remember the Mike Jones commercials that came on like every 10 minutes before his album came out?), or because it comes from a specific artist.

And I did buy a couple songs this morning though (100 Yard Dash and Lets Take A Walk)...so, the authentic 60's sound and feel of the album may grow on me, and I may end up writing a new post about how I've grown to love the album and it's the most amazing thing ever. I'll keep you updated.

Interview with Raphael talking about the new album:

Still Ray (My favorite song from him- ever.)

Some more good ones: Be Here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0xrEjfz6qQ Big Easy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJgCJKqJ1cw Tony Toni Toné - Let's Get Down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7lXPlh7qHw