There are some outstanding reads out there this week!

First – renowned Op-ed columnist and fellow blogger, Rod McCullom [Rod 2.0 Beta] has authored a highly informative piece – "'Multiple Choice Mitt'" – discussing GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney's dodge-it/change-it (and homophobic) posturing on gay issues. Rod's column is posted at  The New York Blade online publication.

Next – songwriter and blogger, Chris Anderson, has made an interesting post: My Take On The Music Industry   discussing the modern music industry;  the corporate acquisition of radio stations – niche musical marketing –  and popular music's eventual decline. You can read the piece at Anderson's blog, Critical Juncture.

Lastly, John Furie Zacharias of Thunderstorms in the Imajica posted an interesting rant on the current state of America – its presence in other parts of the world and its weakening by partisan politics – dubbed Flag Day 2007.

All of the above are essential reads!

Categories: Mitt Romney; blogging; music industry; American politics

Singer Ultra Naté returns with Grime, Silk and Thunder – her fifth full-length proper. An elegant release that pairs her with many of dance music's greatest [see here], 'Grime finds the ever-experimental  Naté pioneering new ground, while also referencing her own innovative past. 

On Grime, Silk & Thunder,  Ultra experiments with various electronic styles. Tracks like "Freak On" and "Automatic" – a cover of the Pointer Sisters' classic – are given a sleek electro treatment – as is "Love's the Only Drug", an obvious (yet appealing) nod to the seminal Grace Jones classic, "Love Is The Drug". Naté revisits her two of her own classic songs as well; producer Craig C. adds a decidedly deeper (and harder) edge to the Ultra Naté classic, "Scandal", while Ultra and Quentin Harris respins her other signature tune –  "It's Over Now" – as a mesmerizing after-hours deep house track; both never sounded fresher. And Naté's time with her trademark house sound isn't limited to nostalgia; songs like "Feel Love", "Lethal Shot" and (most spectucularly) "Getaway" – which pairs the singer with fellow house diva, Dajae – fully reaffirm Naté's status as one of house music's most enduring artists. Another standout track – "This House" – simmers with broken beat sensuality.

Grime, Silk & Thunder takes its rightful place within Ultra Naté's already formidable full-length catalogue. An essential release for any dance music aficionado, 'Grime fully affirms why – nearly 17 years after she debuted with Blue Notes in the Basement – Ultra's albums remain highly anticipated events.

Related: Mervin's 11+ Questions with Ultra Naté

Categories:Ultra Naté; Ultra Nate; Quentin Harris; Craig C.; Dajae; house music; broken beat; electro