LISTEN: The New Zealand Soul of Ladi6

New Zealand's critically-acclaimed Ladi6 recently released their third album, Automatic, and it's one of the best modern R&B/hip-hop infused albums I've heard all year. With an underlying ethereal chill that's as striking as the snowcapped Alps that rise high into the New Zealand skyline, this trio conjures up the perfect amount of soul to lift their mix of seductive '90s R&B and groove-heavy hip-hop above many of their contemporaries -- and the pop hooks don't hurt either. In the crack between summer heat and winter's bite, you'll find the vibe of Ladi6.

Check out two standout tracks from Automatic below.

LISTEN: Jose James - "It's All Over Your Body"

There've been few artists to truly do the R&B genre justice over the past decade, be they man or woman. Sure, we've had a number of great tracks along the way, but that blend of '80s/early-'90s R&B that was both emotional raw, smooth, and fresh seems harder to come by in this modern age. I'm talking about the kind of R&B that's instilled with a funk level of jazz, the kind that's dangerous to put on in the presence of others. Enter Brooklyn's Jose James, an overlooked star of the neo soul, R&B, and jazz worlds.

He recently released his fourth full-length album, No Beginning No End, his debut for the legendary Blue Note label. Hear a great cut from the record below entitled "It's All Over Your Body."

LISTEN: Funkommunity - "Pass It On"

As I've stated fairly recently, I've struggled to keep my head in the music/music blogging game over the past few months. Whenever I feel a disconnect from this once overwhelming passion in my life, I find that soul music takes me right back into the fold. I've been feeling that disconnect once again, but New Zealand duo Funkommunity (kiwi soul producer extraordinaire Isaac Aesili and singer Rachel Fraser) have roped me back in with their blend of progressive R&B soul, specifically the song "Pass It On."

SEE & HEAR: Allen Stone - "Unaware"

I must have been wearing blinders for the past year, because just last night I came across a singer/songwriter by the name of Allen Stone that, for lack of a better term, blew me away. One look at Stone, and you've probably already guessed incorrectly as to what kind of music he creates. More than that, you've probably underestimated his voice. I'm writing this after only hearing one song, "Unaware," a jazzy-tinged cut of old school soul, so I can't speak to the rest of his catalog. I watched this live performance from his "Mother's Living Room," and felt so compelled to share it, especially for how explosive it becomes as he ushers in the final chorus. Stone's unassuming disposition and approach to soul naturally reveal the complexities of the genre, the inescapable power that grips our hearts with such unadulterated emotion. One look at Stone, and you can tell he's sharing things from within that no one could ever possibly know about.

Do You Want to Take A "Fantastic Voyage" Right Now?

Hey, it's Friday. And if there's one thing you need to get the weekend started off right, it's some Grade A funk. In 1980, Dayton, Ohio funk/R&B band Lakeside released their excellent LP, Fantastic Voyage, featuring their biggest hit of the same name. Some of you might be familiar with "Fantastic Voyage," already, but for those of you who are not, check out the track below. Who doesn't love a funk band with four singers and themed costumes? They also have some of the best album artwork ever.

REVIEW: Charles Bradley - No Time For Dreaming

Charles Bradley - No Time For Dreaming
MMMM1/2

In the past decade, we’ve seen a resurgence of Motown and mid-‘60s to early-‘70s soul in popular music with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Joss Stone, Raphael Saadiq, and, of course, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. Out of that bunch, Jones and The Dap-Kings certainly have the most authenticity and deepest soul roots, truly capturing that old school sound. But 62 year-old Charles Bradley easily tops them all.

It's surprising to learn that, at 62, No Time For Dreaming is Bradley’s debut LP – after a few 7” singles here and there over the past couple of years. Bradley has, for years, strived to make music for a living, but that opportunity didn’t arrive until a few years ago when he was discovered by Daptone Records’ Gabriel Roth while performing his James Brown tribute show under the stage name Black Velvet. On No Time For Dreaming, the influence of James Brown is certainly evident along with hints of Otis Redding and Al Green. But with the life experience that inspires Charles Bradley, he is an utterly unique and empowering voice.

LISTEN: DJ Tommy TNT Presents "Devastating Duets"

MP3: DJ Tommy TNT Presents "Devastating Duets"

While checking into a press release I received, I followed a link over to the Dunham Records official site and came across something best described as a "gold mine." Right smack on the homepage, I noticed a link for an MP3 labeled "Devastating Duets," which I initially thought was just a one-song MP3. I have a thing for old Motown/soul/R&B, so I was already sold on checking it out, and it just so happens that Dunham is a sublabel of Daptone Records -- so I knew I was in a good place. To my surprise, the MP3 was actually a podcast; a mix of great duets from over the years. The man behind the mix and compilation is DJ Tommy TNT, who, I'll admit, I had never heard of before. Tommy TNT is actually Thomas Brenneck, the man behind Dunham Records, the founder of the Menahan Street Band, a member of The Dap-Kings (you know, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings), and a member of The Budos Band. To say the man knows his old school soul/R&B is stating the obvious.

So, hit play and get down. If you're looking for some pure recording gold, you've found it. Great voices, great music, and that aged, warm vinyl sound. See the tracklist for the podcast after the jump.

Cilla K. and Her Alternative Soul

Cilla K., a French West Indian artist based in New York, is what I would best describe as an alternative soul/R & B artist, mixing elements of both genres along with jazz, electronica, modern pop, certain elements of '60s pop, and more. She cites artists from J Dilla to David Bowie as influences and does her best to create something eclectic. Her debut album, Fine Line, was released last month and showcases her mission to create a melting pot of genres. Of the album, she says, "At the beginning, I felt like this album had to be done a long time ago but I kept growing and I always felt like I should incorporate new qualities I had gained with time. Truth is, the timing couldn't be better because it is finally so representative of who I really am."