If you think Erykah is Weird…
You ain’t heard nothin’by j. brotherlove
I usually chuckle when I hear people say how “weird” Erykah Badu is because I don’t view her or her work in that way at all. Then again, I’ve been called “weird” plenty of times. Sure she takes some liberties with popular, black music (thank goddess somebody does). But her inspirations and diversions seem fairly clear to me and others who aren’t slaves to the radio.
That is, until now. Her latest album, New Amerykah: Part One (4th World War), may be a tough one for folks to get into. It feels a bit unfinished to me. Then again, it’s one part of a multi-part concept so maybe that’s what I’m feeling. I need more time with it. Don’t consider this a review.
BTW, Happy Birthday, Babygirl; Pisces in house!
Speaking of weird, Undercover Black Man put out a call for “any recommendations of the most eccentric, off-the-wallest, out-to-lunchest black music you know about.” He kicked off the list with gems like “I Whipped Batman’s Ass” by Wesley Willis, “Feast Of The Mau-Mau” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and the hilarious “Cousin Mosquito #2” by Congress-Woman Malinda Jackson Parker.
Recommendations have included Chicago’s Sharkula and Thoth. I’d probably add “He Was A Big Freak” by Betty Davis and extreme selections by Fishbone or Nicolette for starters. But again, these are rather tame on the weirdness meter. I’m calling out George and JW Richard for assistance.
I’ve been looking forward to Badu’s CD for weeks now. Can’t wait to pick it up.
I posted a little something at the original post, though it’s wild because I try listen more by genre than ethnicity. Check it out.
Weirdo.
As an overall production, her album seems a little sloppy to me. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Erykah; but that doesn’t mean I have to like everything she puts out. There is a difference between being artistic and being under produced. Is her new album “weird”? In conventional terms, yes. But I like a ton of “weird” music… This album just happens to not be one of them. I’ll try again in the summer though… cause, like I said, I love me some Erykah!
I can’t decide where I’m at with this album yet. I’ve played it once … I thought it was OK. I just think it’s typical Badu - either people love it or they hate it.
Well, EB is weird, so why are people in such a tizzy? But, sometimes too much of something is just as tough as a favorite girl group once sang. Either way, at least she is making people think & talk.-QH
i love Ms. Badu like cheese eggs, but i had the unfortunate experience of listening to SA-RA’s ‘The Hollywood Recordings’ and being roundly underwhelmed. and they are the principal musicians she worked with to helm the record.
as such i thought i wouldn’t be impressed. and i wasn’t. it just seems all over the place. the music is just…messy? i’ll still go check her out in concert and cop any albums because she’s a true artist.
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