Music for the Heart and Soul

I fell in love with Corinne Bailey Rae the first time I saw her video for Just Like a Star from her album "Put Your Records On" on VH1 Soul.

Her deep, sensual, and bluesy voice was refreshing and as a lover of soul and R&B, I couldn't but help fall head over heels with her music. She was another black female artist that I could appreciate from my generation. She was another Jill Scott/Floetry/ Les Nubians for me; and it was just what I needed, especially as the other music of the time (2006/7) was sorely lacking in creativity and talent. I remember distinctly how excited I was after buying her album (a true feat as I do not tend to buy CDs). I also recall just when my mother began to jokingly complain that she would go crazy if she heard that CD played one more time. I even forced my poor mother to sit through a Corinne Bailey Rae music marathon just so I could try to make her understand just how amazing Corinne was.

I was extremely sadden when I heard of her husband's tragic death and I prayed, albeit selfishly, that this wouldn't end her career and that she would come out stronger than ever. She was the music I craved after a long day to soothe my soul. She had given me the hope that soulful music could hit it mainstream and that more black artists from all over the world could make it to the limelight. Therefore, I was extremely excited when I received that email from her website declaring her return. And she has not disappointed me or her legions of other faithful fans.
I'm not here to review her latest album "The Sea", but I will say that any fears I had regarding a lousy return where shattered upon listening to this masterful display of talent.

If I was to pick a favorite track it would probably be "Are You Here", track 1 on the album. But that will probably change when I listen to the album further. Another fantastic track (they all are really...) is "I'd Do It All Again":

Corinne Bailey Rae "I'd Do It All Again" - Watch more Music Videos at Vodpod.

If you haven't listened to Corinne Bailey Rae previously or haven't checked out her latest album, definitely give a listen. It's very much worth it and the appreciation of good music and talented artists is very much needed this day and age.

Welcome Back A.I.

Sooo excited to have The Answer (Allen Iverson) come back to Philly. I had always hoped he would end his career here with us. Welcome back A.I.
Enjoy this video:

Bohemian Rhapsody- Muppets Style

I love the muppets and this is why:



Need I say more?

Out and About: Rittenhouse Square

When I go out for a night on the town in Philly I intend to have a lot of fun, as most people do. It has been difficult to do so in the past because downtown isn't that party friendly to those under 21. It also doesn't help that everything closes around 2 and that Septa (arguably one of the worst transit systems in America) shuts down before that. But as soon as I turned 21 I let loose! I am now free to hang out at bars and clubs closed off from me before and I feel comfortable taking public transit downtown and catching a cab back, because I know that the time spent in Philly will be well worth it. My journey last night reaffirmed that fact. It was my first time hanging out after hours in and around Rittenhouse Square and I must say that I was not disappointed. The first stop of the night with my lovely friends was Alfa Lounge on 17th and Walnut. It is a two floor spot with a charming and cute bouncer at the door for the 1st floor and a really nice hostess at the door for the 2nd floor. We decided to first check out the first floor lounge as we were waiting for one more friend. The place was crowded at the bar, it was a bit difficult to walk around, and you had to search for a spot to order a drink. But, once the drinks were in hand, we felt a bit better about the spot. I would definitely suggest either reserving a table so that you don't have to stand awkwardly in the lounge area or get there a bit earlier than 10 to situate yourself at the bar. The crowd was friendly and laid back and I really enjoyed the atmosphere. And for $8 a drink (good ones at that) you can't go wrong. The upstairs area was what really sealed the deal for me. The music was bumping with fantastic 90s hip hop and r&b. They played artists like Camp Lo and The Fugees and had a little dance area were we grooved. The music was excellent and the other male patrons were friendly and fun, making Alfa a spot my friends and I will definitely return to.

The other destination of the night was The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co. The name in itself sounds nothing like the place it is, which is exactly the point. We walked past it twice searching high and low for where it could possibly be (especially because buildings in that area like to not have address numbers visible). Staring at the door that had a larger 112 on it we were very confused as it led to someone's home. We would have definitely left in confusion if we hadn't noticed the nicely dressed gentlemen standing by a set of steps right next to it. We noticed right away that the steps leading down led to the very unassuming and hidden place that we had been looking for. He politely told us that our party of 4 would have to wait 15 minutes for a seat as they were at capacity and the place is seating only. We waited a bit longer, a good 20-30 minutes, but it was well worth it.
The place is tiny but cozy. You have definitely been sent back in time to the speakeasy era, with the barmen and waitress dressed in 20s finery. It would have made the atmosphere even more authentic if they had mixed their modern music with old classics, but I can't really complain since it didn't detract for the atmosphere all that much. Our patience was well rewarded with fantastic and delicious cocktails. The menu is fantastic and all of our drinks were definitely amazing. I had heard this place has some of the best drinks in Philly and I was definitely not disappointed. If you can brave the wait (if there is one) it is definitely worth it to come. The drinks are priced at $12-13 or so, but the money is well spent. Some drinks I would suggest: Mexican Firing Squad, Conquistadora, Airmail, Carroll Gardens (not for the faint of heart), or the Passyunk Punch.

Cheers!

I Love Sushi!

I happened to be one of those sushi lovers that popped up when sushi became mainstream and popular for yuppies, hipsters, and college students alike. I don't like avocados (gasp the horror!), so I was adverse to sushi for a very long time, until I realized that I could order many of the rolls without it. When I found this out, I quickly made sushi a favorite meal option of mine. That being said, I have found my favorite sushi place in the US, and whenever possible I try to have dinner at this restaurant because the food is oh so worth it. Jade Eatery and Lounge in Forest Hills (Queens), NY has the most delicious sushi and sashimi of any sushi restaurant I've tried, and I've gone to quite a few.

The shrimp tempura roll($9) and the spicy tuna roll($7) are my favorites but I have had many equally delicious rolls and sashimi that are definitely worth the price. The fried rice is also a great choice if you want something hot as a good compliment with the cold dishes. If you like shrimp, definitely get the shrimp tempura roll which is the perfect blend of hot and cold, as well as the most delectable blend of flavors. This is a perfect date, group of friends, or party place. The decor is sophisticated and warm with Asian flare. I would suggest reserving for groups more than 2, especially on the weekend, as it is always full of people enjoying the fantastic food. So if you are in the New York area, definitely stop by Jade for lunch or dinner. You will not be disappointed.

PYT

Northern Liberties is fast becoming my favorite area in downtown Philly and as it continues to evolve and grow, I'm excited to see what great bars, restaurants, and other hot spots pop up. It is a great place to walk around and sightsee, and if you like architecture, as many of my friends do, it's a great place to go for some architectural appreciation.

I recently happened upon a great little burger place, PYT (may have some Michael Jackson connection), in Northern Liberties with my friend. PYT is an example of the good, though somewhat pricey, food the area has to offer. If you are looking for a good burger, come here. It has a very cute and appealing diner-esque feel with a more modernized burger bar twist. Bright green bar chairs line the colorful bar where patrons seem to prefer to sit and enjoy their meal. The place itself isn't that big, so I would suggest not coming in a large group if you want to eat together.

I sat on the inside in a booth with my friend, but it seems that most customers prefer either to sit outside on the Piazza at Schmidts (and with good reason as there is always something going on out there) or at the bar.



The milkshakes are great, though $5 is a bit much to pay for it. Chips come with the burger so there isn't a need to order fries or onion rings unless you are really hungry. And if you do order the fries, I would suggest asking for mayo on the side for dipping (if you like that sort of thing). The burgers at PYT are small but filling. I really enjoyed my PYT Burger and my friend liked his Shroom Burger as well.




Great background music, cute decor, great burgers, great location, overall great place. If you are in Northern Liberties and craving a burger, PYT is the place to go.

Muslim. Hijab. Conservative Garb No Longer?

Taken from The Customized Hijab (linked below).

So I was walking to the Broad Street Line in the 15th street free interchange from the Market Frankfort Line (Septa) yesterday and I came across a sight that definitely confused me. I noticed a black female, approximately between 17-20 wearing a long black Hijab and hot pants.... Now, I never thought these two article of clothing would come into the same sphere. The Hijab is a statement of religious and social values that include conservative dress for females: "In one tradition, the Prophet Muhammad is quoted as saying: '...If the woman reaches the age of puberty, no part of her body should be seen but this --- and he pointed to his face and hands'". (Linked from: Hijab in the Workplace) This conversation encompasses a much grander social, religious, and moral sphere than the small issue I am touching on today, but when I envision a female in a Hijab, I see a statement of either a religious consciousness or a social choice of conservative dress and living. I do not equate it to a showcase of skin or a way to allure interested parties to you, as I would hot pants. Women wear hot pants generally to make a statement, to appeal to the opposite/same sex, and to garner attention (usually of the sexual type). It is a clearly revealing item of clothing and in a world society where the Hijab is majorly connected with a religion that promotes female and male conservative actions and dress, I would think the paring of the two an oxymoron.

But maybe this is a new trend in Islamic religious culture? Is this an example of Muslim women seeking a freer mode of dress? Or this particular female's way of rebelling against her Muslim religion and culture? However, there is also the idea that she was not in fact Muslim, though her Hijab points otherwise from my general experience. But even if she was not Muslim the pairing of the two garments still points to a dramatic cross of style and dress.

I happened upon this piece that illuminates more of what I have touched on: The Customized Hijab.

I suppose the larger question is what has the Hijab evolved into, religiously, socially, culturally, and in the fashion industry? Is it now becoming only a garment meant to showcase a religious connection/belief, no longer a religious lifestyle? And how does one equate a garment equated with such conservatism with the continually more risque/revealing fashion trends of today? Does it even need to be? I have seen Muslim young adults in Philadelphia wearing tight jeans and shirts, which begs the question of whether there is some sort of regional acceptance of a much less conservative dress? As I am not Muslim myself, I cannot judge what is conservatively fitting in Muslim culture, only say my take from what I have read and learned from Muslim friends.

So what's your take? What does the Hijab mean to you in this quickly evolving world?