Guess who got up at 6am and ran through the streets of Philly like I was a broke version of Rocky? Yup your girl!
So I am on a runner’s high, fueled by a grande starbucks coffee and my new running theme music. If you don’t own this remix….you ain’t living!
Happy Friday…..
I was in the car last night and the radio was on. I just want to let you guys know how I feel about people remaking songs. If you can’t do the song justice, or make it better…then DON’T DO IT.
The king of making remakes was indeed the late Luther Vandross. He took “Superstar” by The Carpenters and turned it out. He took “If This World Were Mine” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell and made the song cry. He took “Anyone Who Had a Heart” by Dionne Warwick and made it heartbreaking. Luther was no joke.
I started thinking about my favorite remakes. My alltime favorite is “All I do is Think of You” Say what you want about those jeri curl wearing boys but Troop did that remake justice and you know it’s near impossible to sing an MJ song.
My other favorite is Tevin Campbell’s version of Knocks Me Off My Feet. If you can do Stevie justice…you are all right by me.
And hell, it wouldn’t be me without Maxwell’s version of Al Green live on BET…even Al Green was thrilled.
What are some of your favorite remakes?
As I expected, I walked into utter chaos back in the office today. No time for blog hopping.
Let me share a few things running through my head.
The MJ funeral was extremely classy and a perfect mix of reflection and celebration. My heart goes out to his family, especially his mother and his children.
The Steve McNair situation….wow just wow. While details are still spilling out and we are not sure if this young lady was indeed the shooter, let me just say this. When you start a relationship with someone, recognize that individuals have feelings and some people can only be lied to or pushed so far before they snap. Be totally up front with your stuff. If that person is strictly physical…tell them that. Stop LYING and playing house with people that you do not plan on having a future with. Be honest. I am so hoping his wife and children didn’t have to learn about this woman like we all did. *sigh*
And yeah, yeah…here is a Maxwell interview for those of you that care. Not to mention, that cd is sold out EVERYWHERE. My girlfriend and I went walking last night and afterwards she wanted to swing by Target and get the cd….she was informed that they had sold out by 11am that day. LMAO! All over Facebook, people are saying the cd was sold out in their state. Love it!!! If you don’t have it, I am recommending it highly. Every song is perfection and when is the last time you bought a cd that you could just hit play on and walk away? If you have it…please know that he probably was dreaming of me when he wrote “Stop the World”……. don’t hate. Seriously, it’s HOT.
Lastly, my Mets absolutely SUCK. There, I said it.
Currently on itunes….the album Black Summers Night will be released on July 7th. You already know. LOL
Click HERE to listen. This song is hot to death.
That 90 degrees is simply too damned hot to have a wig or a weave on your head. I know you might look cute but that ish is HOT. The sweat pouring down your face while you jog in the morning wearing a full on wig AND a baseball cap in hot azz weather is not cute at all. *blank stare*
That everything is not for everybody. Those latex shiny leggings are not for everybody. Unless your bootie and legs are on point……JUST SAY NO. (And past a certain age, you need to just not buy them…PERIOD)
That no one better not (yes, I am aware of the double negative) call my house with any foolishness tonight during the 100th episode of LOST.
That your kid is not “spirited”…..he’s BAD. He needs his azz whooped. You know how I know? I have two of them.
That just because I say my hours are 8am to 6pm doesn’t mean you can just show up unscheduled for a tour of the hotel at 5:45pm. Rude azz.
That saying all Asian people look the same at an office meeting with Hotel leadership is career suicide….*Blink*
That I take my Wolverine obsession seriously…..Tali 1 and I already have our tickets for Saturday afternoon…pictures to follow.
That it is never okay to have a loud azz argument with your man Raekwon on the train on your cellphone. (On a side note….you are dead azz wrong Raekwon…..you should have called her when you were supposed to so she could have gotten a ride home. Hmpmh.)
That I am a Maxwell stalker. I will not even entertain a discussion with anyone about him being 1) wack 2) crazy looking 3) a hot mess 4) gay, etc….. This is my blog and it’s not about you. LOL. I love his music….Period. Your hate is not swaying me over to share your opinion in the least. Do I come to your blog and tell you who to like? Did I ask…what is your opinion on Maxwell, please share it with me? What type of person would know that someone loves something and still feel the need to just delight in telling that person how much they hate it or think it sucks? Hmmm…..any guesses? Correct, a hater. You can all take your unsolicited Maxwell hate and miss me with that people. (Other than that, I love you all 
The video for Pretty Wings, Maxwell’s first release in 10,000 years will debut tonight on 106 and Park. Hmm…I may have to leave work early.
I woke up thinking about one thing….FOOTBALL.
I came downstairs at 8am and turned on my tv. VH1 soul played Maxwell “Til the Cops Come Knockin”, Raheem DeVaughn “You” and D’Angelo “How Does it Feel” BACK TO FREAKING BACK. *sigh*
I logged on to my computer and saw THIS video of the Coolest President Elect ever catching some grub fromBen’s Chili Bowl in DC. The best part? When they ask him if he wants change and he says “Nah, we straight.” LMAO!!!! Let me find out Obama used to hang out in Brooklyn.
So my day is starting out on the right foot.
Now all I need is for my Giants to come through.
As the year wraps up, most people start thinking about what they accomplished or failed to accomplish in the course of the last year.
In 2008, I ran my first 5K. I watched both of my sons grow another year older at two fabulous parties. I wrote the GREATEST POST EVER. as we mourned one of our dear family members. Mr. 1969 and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary and we wrapped up the year with a wonderful Holiday season.
I watched my NY Football Giants surpass insurmountable odds to beat the undefeated Patriots and win the Superbowl. One of the greatest moments in sports I have ever witnessed. I watched and was a part of my beloved sorority celebrating it’s 100th Birthday, another milestone I am so proud to have witnessed. After six years, I watched my favorite singer return triumphantly to Radio City Music Hall and got to see him in concert with my Best Friend. I also watched a black man successfully win the Presidency of the United States of America and was able to share that historical event with my sons. One of the single greatest moments of my life.
As I start 2009, I will also be starting a new job. While admittedly not my dream job, I am so thankful for A JOB period. I am so thankful that I am not taking a hit in my salary. I am looking forward to making the most of this opportunity no matter what. I am certain that big things are in store for me on the work front in the upcoming year.
On a personal note, I turn 40 in 2009. I still wake up thinking I am 16 every single day so imagine my disbelief and shock that 40 is actually here. I plan on bringing in this milestone in great health, in shape and mentally and spirituallystrong.
I have made so many lifestyle changes to get me to this year. Eating healthier, exercising….it’s all been a part of a renewed committment to myself. A promise to take care of me. After taking care of a family and countless other people in my daily life…..I plan on doing just that. I am about to knock that number40 on it’s azz with the best 1969 anyone has ever seen!
Reflect on 2008 and then close the door. What’s done is done. All you can do is learn, grow, celebrate and get ready for the next big thing.
2009 is on it’s way.
Be safe tonight! Cheers to new beginnings.
I truly am coming off the best week ever.
I saw Maxwell in concert and got to hang out with my best friend.
I got to see Senator Obama up close and personal in Philly on Saturday.
Penn State won.
The Redskins and Cowboys LOST!
Tr.ue Blo.od and Dex.ter were both on last night and both shows ROCK.
The Giants play tonight.
I woke up to learn that Obama is leading McSame by 14 points in Pennsylvania.
If this isn’t a great week….I don’t know what is.
Some of my Obama pics:
I arrived in Manhattan, checked in to my hotel, changed and waited for my best friend C to arrive so we could head out to the concert.
We were thrilled to be going to the concert but even more thrilled to hang out like we used to. We were celebrating C’s birthday and the opportunity for both of us to leave our Wonder Woman/Super Mommy capes at home. The night was strictly about us being girls and having fun.
When I got in the car, I had this look on my face….
Cheesing! Straight Cheesing!
We rushed over to get there in the hopes of scoring a visit with the man himself but our contact failed to come through. *sigh*
It didn’t stop the two of us from being excited. The crowd was full of gorgeous women. They were everywhere. I mean everywhere. If you are a single brother, you could have met Miss Right (or Miss Right now) last night.
The concert review?
Maxwell was great. To think that he hasn’t released any new music in six years and that he could just come out and sing like THAT? Yup, that’s talent.
Having seen him five times, this is a different Maxwell. He brought his GROWN MAN SEXINESS to the stage last night. Max wore a gray suit. His band wore suits. His backup singer wore a gorgoeous white gown. Very sophisticated and elegant.
Max has evolved into a man. A confident, sexy man. He brought all of his swagger last night and he did it with humbleness and sincerity. His appeal is not an act, it’s who he is. Naturally sexy. He was sooo channeling a young Marvin Gaye. HOT!!!
He had the ladies falling out at Radio City. LITERALLY. It felt like the front row of the five heartbeats when Eddie Kane Jr. is on the stage.
Not only that, but he gave shout outs to BROOKLYN his hometown. Gotta love that.
C and I had a few of these:
and commenced to screaming and carrying on like all of the other ladies present.
The high point of the night? Having *ahem* inside info on all things Maxwell, he had sent out word that he wanted some panties thrown on the stage when he comes to town. Well, a few of us got him these:
So we all signed them….someone may have put their phone number next to their name…AHEM….and when he was singing Til The Cops Come Knockin….
He stopped the song and said….”I’m working hard up here. Where are the panties?” Well all you could see was a big white cloud land right near him onstage.
He picked them up…..held them up and they spead from one of his shoulders to the next.
All he could say was “Damn! Somebody got some serious JUNK IN DA TRUNK!…..but that’s okay though! I ain’t scared.”
And he proceeded to lay the panties across his neck and sing. LMAO!
I love that man.
All in all….a great concert. His voice sounds like it always has….GREAT. His band? FABULOUS.
And when he sings Al Green’s Simply Beautiful? Stellar. He’s back and he’s still the Maxwell I love.
***sidebar***
My hubby picked me up and as soon as I got in the car, I gave him a hug.
He side eyed me and said…”Hmph. You smell like Maxwell.”
“I wish honey. I wish.”
