Let's enjoy some Contemporary R&B from 1988-2000s

[HorseTears]

Posted: 3/15/14 at 3:28am

So, I saw some blurb about Toni Braxton and Babyface joining 'After Midnight' next weeks and it got me reminsicing for some modern/contemporary r&b stylings from the late 80s to the present. Join me, won't you? Post some of your favorite contemporary r&b jams from the past 25 yrs or so. And when I say contemporary r&b, I'm casting a wide net -- bring your NuSoul, your AltSoul, urban r&b, urban contemporary, etc.. Just maybe avoid something that's ubiquitous -- you know, like Beyonce.

I'll start us off. Here's Res with "Golden Boys" her (somewhat) successful first single from her 2001 debut album How I Do. Unfortunately for Res, her hybrid of r&b, /indie/alt rock/reggae/soul/pop was a bit ahead of its time and she never was able to replicate the modest success of this first album. Before Solange, before Santigold, there was Res.

RES - "Golden Boys"

[ArtMan]

Posted: 3/15/14 at 11:27am

HorseTears, I'm impressed that you know this cd. I actually did some marketing for the cd, (in Florida). My friend, who owned his own label and distribution center was a Billboard reporter. I assisted (MCA, I think that was the label) with mail outs,etc. I thought every song on the cd was exceptional. Many wouldn't give it a listen, because she was an unknown. Shame, she didn't go further. Do you think it was a moderate success? If I remember, after Golden Boy, (that didn't do well in the South), the cd fizzled. Let me know, I still maybe able to get you a used copy, if you are in need of one.

[HorseTears]

Posted: 3/15/14 at 3:05pm

Hey ArtMan, how cool! Yeah, I remember Res having a little bit of buzz in the beginning, but she was a bit too "arty" for the mainstream and I guess a bit too poppy for the alt scene. No doubt, gender/racial politics and the boxes we liked(d?) to put artists in had something to do with that--that and the terrible state the industry was in at the time. I imagine that if she was debuting today she would have done much better. I could be wrong, but as I recall her second single, "They Say Vision", actually did a bit better, but it never translated to album sales or greater success. I don't think it's a flawless album, but it was awfully good and showed enormous potential. I've still got my copy, but thank you for the offer. Do you still work in music marketing?

Speaking of moderate successes, whatever happened to Nikka Costa? Other than the success of "Like a Feather", she never could land. I wonder if her funk/r&b/soul references were too literal for people. All I know is, that woman put on the most amazing live show I've seen. The voice soared into the stratosphere, the band was so dynamically funky and the energy was just insane. I hope she hasn't permanently retired.


Nikka Costa - "Stuck To You" from 2008

[ArtMan]

Posted: 3/15/14 at 5:31pm

HorseTears, music marketing was never my real job. Like I mentioned, my friend was a Billboard reporter and had his own independent store, rap label and one stop (distribution). So I would help out for the "perks". I would get free tickets to concerts and meet and greets for a lot of the shows. This was the heyday of Backstreet Boys, Nsync, Britney and 98 Degrees. Of course, I would take my niece with me, as my excuse. She of course wanted to see them, but so did I. I got to meet a lot of artists in late 90's - mid 2000's. And since it was the "Dirty South", a lot of rap for in-store appearances. Yes, I got a promo at the time for Nikka. I remember at the time, liking it, but not as much as Res. I have probably over 3000 cds. But my friend's store and one stop went out of business like a lot of non-chains, so those perks are long gone.

[HorseTears]

Posted: 3/17/14 at 1:05am

One of my first jobs as a teen was working a in record store. Remember "The Wherehouse" chain? We actually got a few big name in store performances as well considering we were a small San Diegan suburb.

And, in a last ditch effort to save this thread, here's the brilliant Neneh Cherry's deconstruction of "I've Got You Under My Skin" from the Red Hot + Blue album. The effortlessly stylish video directed by Jean Baptiste Mondino.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29J2B2FIgt0