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(Photos courtesy of Sade, India Arie, Ayo., MySpace page)

YOGA BEATS:

I love how a majority of the time, the music we're listening to at that moment is a reflection of our mood or the influence of external factors including television and friends.

I realize I forget so many artists but a certain event or sound will trigger my memory and remind me how much I enjoy the classic r&b sound which then leads me to classic love songs. (But I'll have to save that for next time.)

There's a certain sound to those classics but right now I'm thinking of Sade, India Arie and Ayo. (correctly spelled with a dot under the 'o'). They have these sensual voices that soothe and relax. With such eclectic backgrounds, each woman has their own story to tell...which we'll discuss next time.

I think this entry was meant to be because on the way to work this morning, a guy set up his keyboard and started singing and playing "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch."

Listen to:

Sade - Lovers Rock

India Arie - Brown Skin

Ayo - These Days

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In May 2008, the Kansas City-based group quietly released their LP titled Keep Color through Chop Shop Records and we are just now hearing about them. The Republic Tigers first release "Buildings and Mountains" is a great song with lots of background vocals and electro-instruments. I like the style of this song but unfortunately I'm not a fan of the other songs playing on their myspace page. But for now, "Buildings and Mountains" is Apple iTunes Free Single of the Week so get it now and enjoy!

On another note, you'll be hearing more about Chop Shop Records as I am a fan. Alexandra Patsavas founded the company whose notable work is found on The O.C., Grey's Anatomy and Gossip Girl.

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Greg Laswell
Update: I was unsure about how the Upstairs at the Square event would unfold but it was unexpectedly entertaining. "The Night of the Gun" author, David Carr, was humorous yet genuine, describing his story/memoir. Greg opened the night by playing "What a Day 2008." Host Kristen Lanpher did a great job interviewing both artists asking poignant questions as well as incorporating humor to keep the hour interesting. Greg played "High and Low" and ended the evening by playing his "happy" song "How the Day Sounds." The event will be available to watch on the website on Friday, Sept 11.

Greg Laswell, an artist based in San Diego, California, is part of the Hotel Cafe Tour 2008 and has been featured on television shows including Grey's Anatomy and The Hills. What really draws me to him is his deep voice, piano accompaniment and subtle use of drums. My favorite song is "Sing, Theresa Says." The song, "What a Day" is more on the melancholy side but I like how the chorus picks up; this song was featured on Grey's Anatomy Season 4, Episode 12 (when Meredith wins the sparkly pager for a contest).

Laswell will be playing at the Union Square Barnes & Noble in New York City on Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m. He'll also be at The Living Room located in the Lower East Side on Thursday, September 11 at 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit his MySpace page.

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Free People dress: Unavailable and sold out now, I love it. The colors, the texture, the silhouette...