All good

by SCOTT C

As you might have already read in this week’s paper, Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson and I had no problem talking about more important things this time around, and before we said goodbye, I made sure I got the skinny on D’Angelo’s missing LP. ?uestlove was instrumental in the creation of tracks included in the upcoming project, and is sometimes the only source of info on the status of D’Angelo’s low-key soul genius. ?uestlove was responsible for leaking a track called “Really Love” back in April of this year, that was supposedly off of D’s missing album, tentatively titled James River, but little else is known about the project.

When I asked, he seemed hopeful, but unsure. “I don’t know, man, it’s kind of cold now. It’s been an on-and-off thing for seven years, and I know he has a new label now, but I forgot who he talked to. Seeing as there are only three labels left, it’s either Warner, Sony or Universal. I know it’s definitely not EMI. He’s in good spirits and anxious to get back, and it looks like his dark period is over. When he’s ready to get back to work, I’ll be there when he calls.”

And if you were wondering, ?uestlove is slated to play some records after the Roots’ show at a brand new stop on the Main called Coda Club, at 4119 St-Laurent. After last year, we’re definitely not sharing the decks, but in a hilarious chain of events, I will be opening for the Roots at Metropolis. Go figure. Congrats, and good luck to Mike D, who presents volume two of the grand opening of his new night spot.

Big congratulations go out to Montrealers David Ryshpan and Sarah Lahey, who were chosen from thousands of international applicants to participate in this year’s Red Bull Music Academy, from Sept. 23 to Oct. 26 in Toronto. A jury in Germany pored over applications from every corner of the globe, looking for candidates to travel to this year’s Canadian host city. They’ll spend two weeks getting to know fellow musicians, while attending music workshops, lectures and recording sessions with a stellar collection of keynote speakers and musical heavyweights from every corner of the music industry. Only three Canadian applicants were accepted this year, and it’s only natural that two of them are from Montreal.

Montreal hip hop head DJ Manzo celebrates his birthday this Friday, Sept. 7, with a party over at Inspecteur Epingle (4051 St-Hubert). Don’t expect your average Friday night with the Good Vibes crew, but do expect the best in underground hip hop.

Seven reasons Prince material is worth revisiting:
1. Prince “Partyup” (Warner)
2. The Arab Summit Fear of an Arab Planet (CDR)
3. D’Angelo “Really Love” (CDR)
4. Heavy “Countdown” (BBE)
5. Marvel No Streets (Just the World) (Mumbles)
6. Artist of the Year Glauque Vol. 1 (CDR)
7. Scrimshire ft. Jessica Lauren “You Will Save Me” Spiritual South remix (WahWah 45s)

Do you get enough? fathead@videotron.ca