Meshell Ndegeocello comes on with the force of a comet – and delivers one of her boldest records in years – a crackling set of cosmic soul tunes that have all the power of the singer in her early years! Meshell's definitely absorbed some of the headier elements of her varied projects over the past decade or so – including some stronger jazz elements, a respect for older roots, and even a complicated sense of rhythms – but she also moves forward with a focus and presence that we haven't heard this strongly in years – proud, righteous, mature, and very much her own self throughout the course of this wonderful album! Titles include "Friends", "Shopping For Jazz", "Conviction", "Folie A Deux", "Choices", "Modern Time", "American Rhapsody", "Tom", "Good Day Bad", and "Comet Come To Me". CD

It's been a decade since the last entry in this really wonderful series – and it's clear that there's been plenty going on in the Detroit scene as well – a continuation of that old school underground that has the spirit of classic soul alive and well in the Motor City! These cuts are contemporary, but they recall the heyday of indie label 45s that were issued in the shadow of Motown – really top-shelf work that soars with a spirit that shows that in Detroit, classic soul is alive and well – even after decades of other sounds from the city! Some cuts here have a 70s vibe, some a bit of an 80s soul touch, but they're all unified through a sense of personal care and commitment to old school modes – on titles that include "Anytime You Need Love" and "So Close" by Jose Hamilton, "Singing That Song Once Again" by The Carmichael Movement, "Portuguese Love" by Ping Spells, "I Won't Let You Go" by Faschone, "More Than A Notion" by Jammie Nelson, "Sweet Summer Evenings" and "This Time Love's For Real" by JazShop, and the cuts "He's Mine", "I Get Emotional", "Give It What Cha Got", and "Bring On The Night" by The Funk Factor. (Soul, Neo Soul) CD