What makes a track soulful?  What is it that touches you about one song over another? Soul music itself can be a rather abstract concept, once you get out of the realm of what soul music was in the historical sense.  I am constantly reading or writing about music that we claim to be “soulful,” but as I sat trying to write down a description of what it is that makes a track soulful, I came up short.  Definitions are overrated.

Anyway, if there is a way to define what modern soul is, this track by Stereotyp with vocals by Lauryn Hill comes close.  It has elements of the past, a 12 bar blues chord progressions, and gospel stylings.  It is a song about struggle, heartache, love, and joy.  However, it was recorded with modern production techniques and equipment, e-drums, and a downtempo electronic feel.  A perfect production, a perfect synthesis of classic soul and modern music.  Stereotyp feat Lauryn Hill- Keepin Me

Another late night of reading, working, relaxing, reflecting, unwinding… fighting the sudden energy that seems to come around midnight, when I am doing my best to make it an early night.

At times like this, I always go back to the classics- tonight I am enjoying some early Miles Davis to ease myself into bed…  before I settle in, I wanted to share this gem with you all- Miles covering Getz/Gilberto’s  “Corcovado.”

It is short, but it is so sweet….   Miles Davis-Corcovado

Boston’s Soul Clap are some of our favorite tech/disco/deep house producers this side of the Atlantic.  Their recent 9am WMC performance at Sunday School for Degenerates has already become the stuff of legend in Miami.  As a special treat for those who follow this blog, here is a link to stream their set right here.

Word is that Soul Clap will be back in Miami at the Electric Pickle for a backyard BBQ on Sunday, May 23rd.  And now, here is the goods….

“Indulge in a ‘Beautiful Thang’, a free download to mark the launch of Double Standard records is a new collaboration from Gadi Mizrahi & Soul Clap.”

“Beautiful Thang was written at the same time as the rest of the Joint Custody EP at Gadi Mizrahi’s Beach Club studios just north of Miami.  The track was fueled by an afternoon of soaking in hot tubs, drinking Arizona Iced Tea’s, listening to slap bass and feeling extraordinarily fly.  This is also the first track that features Cnyce on vocals!” Soul Clap, April 2010

“Double Standard Records, the next chapter for Gadi Mizrahi (founder and one half of the visionary Wolf + Lamb project), is a vinyl only odyssey into revolutionary body-moving music.”

“Wolf + Lamb is the label, production & DJ partnership and series of events that has lately become the eye of the storm of the underground dance music scene. This year the W+L duo will release their debut artist album and then be taking a break to focus on new adventures. While Zev (wolf) takes some time in far corners of the world, Gadi Mizrahi (lamb) has been concocting some captivating solo material – check his Spectral Sound and Simple releases out now – and is proud to announce his own Double Standard Records, a vinyl only imprint exploring new horizons of dancefloor music, pushing forward in quality and pursuing greater attention to detail.”  Download the beautiful thang right here.

Freedom, sunshine, rhythm, soul… Soul Jazz Records has put together an amazing collection of Reggae compilations which have been perfect for getting my summer started.  Wanted to give you guys a link to buy their excellent 200% Dynamite Compilation, and drop you guys a free mp3 below.

Bongo Herman- Chairman Of The Board

Soul Jazz Records started 15 years ago. We are a record label, record store, sound system, publisher and radio broadcaster. As well as our main label, Soul Jazz Records, we have affiliated labels such as Studio One Records, Universal Sound, Yoruba Records and more.

“Carrying on perfectly from 100% Dynamite, this new compilation simply features more funk – soul – rocksteady – jazz – dub and ska tracks tracing the history of Jamaican Reggae and the influence of American styles such as Funk and Jazz had on this music. 200% Dynamite features some serious Funk and Rocksteady from the likes of The Upsetters and Toots and The Maytals thought to long out-of-print cult club classics such as Tenor Saw’s mighty “Ring The Alarm” and the Skatalites much in demand funk classic “Candlelight”, through to Jamaican Jazz from masters such as Tommy McCook and Byron Lee as well as some serious dub from the likes of Augustus Pablo and Jackie Mittoo. Whereas 100% Dynamite took tracks mainly from Studio One, 200% Dynamite delves further into Jamaica’s classic labels such as Treasure Isle, Techniques and the Upsetter label. Taking music primarily from the Sixties and Seventies, 200% Dynamite takes you further into Jamaica’s music such as Ska, Rocksteady, Dub etc, showing at the same time how the proximity to the USA meant that Jamaican musicians were still being influenced by US styles such as Funk, Jazz and Soul.”

Enjoy this track from one of my favorite voices in music- Natalia Clavier, who is best known for her work with Thievery Corporation and Federico Abuele.  Natalia was born in Buenos Aires, and her life’s journey and travels have revolved around music and sharing her aching, beautiful vocal talents.  In 2008 her demo came into the hands of Eric Hilton of ESL Music, and she became their first female artist, releasing her debut album later that year.  Check this track and read her words about her process as a songwriter.

Natalia Clavier- Azul

“My songwriting is honest and simple.  I don’t want to write complex poetry or crazy intellectual stuff.  I write about simple human things.  Ordinary days, life, love.  Any theme can be a song.  Songs are in the air and I just pluck them out.  Sometimes I’ll get the melody first and sometimes the lyrics.  Most times it comes to me all at once” says Natalia of her song writing process.  Armed with this light hearted humility and an angelic voice, Natalia has recorded her debut full length album, titled Nectar, with Eric Hilton at the production controls.  The album is built on sensual rhythms and Latin flourishes; featuring the steady thump of  “El Arbol,” the soaring majesty of “Azul,” the sly tango of “Ay De Mi,” and the languid beauty of title track “Nectar.”

This Saturday from 10am-10pm Radio-Active Records on Sunrise Blvd will be hosting a day long party in honor of Record Store Day, the international day of recognition for independent record stores worldwide.  Artists from across all genres offer up limited edition albums, singles, and EP’s to support our local record stores.  Check the radio-active blogspot for a full list of releases, and email info@radio-active-records.com to reserve your records.

We are especially excited, thrilled, floored, and overjoyed that our very own Dj Esoteric will be performing alongside Djs Kems, Sensitive Side, and the Urodub Sound System, as well as bands The Axe and The Oak, The Shakers, Gray Girls, and Sloane Peterson.  You can find us all day Saturday at 1930 East Sunrise, in the Gateway Shopping Plaza.  Come on out.

New compilation from French indie/electro label Kitsune Maison will be released at the end of the month. In the meantime, check this link for a free album minimix, and follow the link below for a brand new Holy Ghost track.

Holy Ghost- “Say My Name”

My current obsession this week: Memory Tapes, one man project from Dayve Hawke- whose newest album is an infectious, genius level piece of indie/chillwave/lo-fi goodness, in the vein of Passion Pit, MCMT, and Panda Bear.  Take a listen to my favorite track below, and follow Pitchfork’s link for a special treat from the Memory Tapes.  Memory Tapes- Bicycle