Some genius from Perfume Genius

So this guy's doing things backwards and is somehow all the better for it. After moving from New York to Everett, Washington  to live with his Mom in 2008 (usually we do that in the reverse, kiddo) he's been composing....but this is the first i've heard of "Perfume Genius" (nee Mike Hadreas). His first album appeared on Matador in 2010 and his new album, Put Your Back N 2 It, arrived earlier this year. 

 It's startlingly vulnerable and packs quite a punch in 2 short minutes.

 I'm on the fence on the video...decide for yourself.

 Perfume Genius - "Hood"

Another Diva Down

Belita


So it was via Facebook (hat tip to Bill Coleman) that I learned we lost another dynamite vocalist --- Belita Woods of Parliament Funkadelic and Brainstorm passed away at the age 63. Another tragedy after the untimely death of the legendary Donna Summer.

 I didn't know much of Brainstorm until "Lovin Is Really My Game" appeared on the 54 soundtrack and knocked my socks off. Reportedly, Narada Michael Walden was planning to work with Whitney Houston of a cover of that barnburner before she also recently past.

 "Lovin" is undeniable but it was my friend Kenny who turned me on to this album track, apparently sampled in The Conga Squad's "I Lost It", which takes the promise of "Lovin" and turns up the heat exponentially. Just dynamite.

 Brainstorm - "Hot For You"

 Conga Squad - "I Lost It"

 Brainstorm - "Lovin' Is Really My Game"

  Donna Summer - "Heaven Knows"

 

Donna, Tyson Live on the Dancefloor

Tyson


First off -- so very, very sad to lose Donna Summer today.
"Last Dance" may be more obvious but this is my preferred send off.

 Donna Summer - "Heaven Knows"

 The title of this 2012 track may be in bad taste in light of Ms. Summer's recent passing...but it's Giorgio Moroder/Sylvester beat has Donna written all over it.

 Tyson - "Die On The Dancefloor"