LET LOVE REIGN

There are many musicians who have made an impact in pop culture.  Artists that were game changers in their respective genres like – Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Billie Holiday, The Supremes, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Mary J. Blige and Sade.  Today, not many artists have the same impact but have made stood considering today’s music is very generic.  In an era where hip/hop and rap rules, there have been leaders and followers.  Some of the artists making an impact today include – Rihanna, Beyoncé, Eminem, Lady Gaga and Drake.  But what of those artists that somehow fly under the radar and that have contributed brilliant music?  Such artists like – Faithless, Joi Cardwell, Billie Ray Martin, Roisin Murphy, The Knife, Deee-Lite, Oh Land, Robyn, Royksopp and Bjork.

Kristine Weitz – known as Kristine W, has been an active artist – mainly in the dance/club scene in North America.  Her first commercially released single, “Feel What You Want” was a success in Europe and became her first of 8 consecutive Billboard Club Play #1 hits.  Saying this, let’s take a look at her body of work.  As mentioned, Kristine’s first number one hit on a Billboard Chart, was “Feel What You Want”.  Since then, Kristine W has tallied 16 number one singles on Billboards Club Play Chart.  As of April 2015, Kristine W is currently in the top 5 artists with most number one’s on this chart.  Here is the current ranking of most number 1’s on Billboard’s Club Play

1. Madonna (44)
2. Beyoncé and Rihanna (22)
3. Janet Jackson (19) 
4. Mariah Carey and Donna Summer (17)
5. Kristine W and Jennifer Lopez (16)

For an artist who hasn’t had much airplay on commercial/pop radio, it’s pretty amazing to be in a ranking with such high-profile artist such as Beyoncé, Rihanna and the Queen of Pop – Madonna.  As a matter of fact, Kristine W was named Billboard’s # 3 artist of the 2000’s only behind Beyoncé and Madonna. 

In my opinion, Kristine W, has released one of the best pop/dance/electronic albums – Land of the Living.  This album is a perfect amalgamation of pop/jazz/club and electronic music.  Land of the Living is a powerful and passionate album that comes from the heart and a place of love.  It’s an album that has a message about perseverance, determination and becoming independent.  Land of the Living reinforces that the dance community is not only about beats, fun and drugs but that it cares about social issues and is as legitimate as the other genres in pop culture.

Here is a bit of background surrounding Kristine W’s releases:

• She has released 8 full-length albums:  Perfect Beat (1986, re-released in 1994), Land of the Living (1996), Stronger (2000), Fly Again (2003), The Power of Music (2009), Straight Up With A Twist (2010), New and Number Ones (2012), New and Number Ones Club Hits Part One (2013), New and Number Ones Club Hits Part Two (2014). 
• Has officially released 20 singles.
• All of her commercially released singles were # 1 singles on the Billboard Club Play Chart except, “I’ll Be Your Light” (2), “So Close To Me” (2), “Everything That I Got” (4) and “Love Come Home” (4).  “Love Come Home” war originally released in 1994 and did not chart.
• Her most successful charted single was, “One More Try” which hit Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and peaked at # 78.
• Her album “Straight Up With A Twist” includes jazz and chill out reinterpretations of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven”, Donna Summer’s “On The Radio” and Eagles “Take It To The Limit”.  It also includes reinterpretations of her own classic hits, “Wonder of It All”, “Stronger”, “Some Lovin”, and “Feel What You Want”.

I have had the opportunity of seeing Kristine W each time she has come to the Toronto, Ontario Canada region and even met her on several occasions.  She really does give everything she’s got when performing and greeting her fans.  I am inspired of how hard she works to get her music out to her fans especially without the backing of a major record label. 

I continue to have much of her music on repeat on my phone, computer, home stereo and record player!  Yes, I revisit and play vinyl as often as I can – the music is so crisp and clear on vinyl.  It also provides that comforting ‘old school’ feeling of when the purchase of music was just as exciting as listening to it.  I have many favorite singles from all of her albums.  It’s hard to pick one song that is the best but, there is always one song I always go back to when I need motivation, inspiration and a reminder that LOVE can conquer anything.  That song is “Let Love Reign”.  Hope it inspires you as much as it inspired me.  Here are the lyrics, YouTube audio follows:

Let Love Reign  

There’s a kingdom that lives
Maybe it’s only in my mind
Where love reigns all the time
Do you believe? I still believe

Our brother’s sleeping all alone in the park
His head is resting on a pillow of hope
Then he says dance for me, he gives me smiles for free
He trades a joke for mine and the world is fine

And we let love reign
We reach out, don’t be afraid
Everything you do
It will be coming back to you
Let love reign

A rich man’s sitting on his velvet couch
His kingdom rains until he’s drowned in my dreams
And then he says sing for me, give me your song for free
I’d trade his soul for mine if I could only make him kind

And he would let love reign
We reach out, don’t be afraid
Everything you do
It’s coming back to you

There’s a kingdom of kindness where love is
And a rainbow will come with the rain’s kiss
And love remains when love reigns

Let love reign
We reach out, don’t be afraid
And everything you do
It will be coming back to you

‘Cause only love reigns
With my love reigns
Everything you do
Is coming back to you

I do believe that love remains
I do believe that love reigns
I do believe that love remains
I do believe that love reigns

I do believe that love remains
I do believe that love reigns
I do believe that love remains
I do believe that love reigns

I do believe
I do believe
I do believe
Let our love reign

 

This song is from Kristine W’s 3rd official release, Stronger (2000).  It also includes the hits, “Stronger”, “Clubland”, “Lovin’ You” and “All That Glitters”.  You can purchase all of Kristine W’s music by visiting her official site:  www.kristinew.com or via the iTunes store.   

 

We are all responsible for spreading love and positive energy into the world ensuring that LOVE will reign.

 

 

Top Images – Covers of Kristine W’s first album (Land of the Living) and second album (Stronger)

Bottom Images – NoH8 campaign photo and the cover of her latest single, 2014’s “Love Come Home” remixes all available via Kristine W’s website, www.kristinew.biz

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

 

 

MASS DESTRUCTION – FAITHLESS

The words are like poetry and the song is a call to stand up for a better world because ‘Inaction is a weapon of mass destruction’.

Here are the lyrics:

MASS DESTRUCTION

Whether long-range weapon or suicide bomber
Wicked mind is a weapon of mass destruction
Whether soaraway Sun or BBC 1
Misinformation is a weapon of mass destruct
You coulda Caucasian or a poor Asian
Racism is a weapon of mass destruction
Whether inflation or globalization
Fear is a weapon of mass destruction

My dad came into my room holding his hat
I knew he was leaving,
He sat on my bed told me some facts.
Son, I have a duty, calling on me
You and your sister be brave my little soldier
And don’t forget all I told ya
You’re the mister of the house now remember this
And when you wake up in the morning give ya momma a kiss
Then I had to say goodbye
In the morning woke momma with a kiss on each eyelid,
Even though I’m only a kid
Certain things can’t be hid
Momma grabbed me
Held me like I was made of gold
But left her inner stories untold
I said, momma it will be alright
When daddy comes home, tonight

Whether Halliburton, Enron or anyone
Greed is a weapon of mass destruction

We need to find courage, overcome
Inaction is a weapon of mass destruction (x3)

The skin under my chin is exploding again.
I’m getting stress from some other children
I’m holding it in.
We taking sides like a politician
And if I get friction we get to fighting.
I’ll defend my dad he’s the best of all men
and whatever he’s doing he’s doing the right thing.
It’s frightening, but it makes me mad,
Why do all of these people seem to hate my dad?
And if that ain’t enough now I get these spots.
I go to sleep every night with my stomach in knots
And what’s more, I can hear momma next door
Explore the radio for reports of war.
And all we ever seem to do is hide the tears.
Seems like daddy been gone for years.
But he was right, now i’m geared up for the fight
and he would be proud of me,
If my daddy came home tonight.

Whether Halliburton, Enron or anyone
Greed is a weapon of mass destruction

We need to find courage, overcome
Inaction is a weapon of mass destruction (x3)

My story stops here, let’s be clear,
This scenario is happening everywhere.
And you ain’t going to nirvana or far-vana,
you’re coming right back here to live out your karma.
With even more drama than previously, seriously.
Just how many centuries have we been
waiting for someone else to make us free?
And we refuse to see
that people overseas suffer just like we:
Bad leadership and ego’s unfettered and free
Who feed on the people they’re supposed to lead
I don’t need good people to pray and wait
For the lord to make it all straight.
There’s only now, do it right.
‘Cos I don’t want your daddy, leaving home tonight

Whether Halliburton Enron or anyone
Greed is a weapon of mass destruction

We need to find courage, overcome
Inaction is a weapon of mass destruction (x3)

 

 

Faithless has sold over 15 million records worldwide and began their career in 1995 with their number 1 US Dance hit “Salva Mea”.  They have gone on to release 6 studio albums – their final studion album is called: The Dance Never Ends released in 2010 .  Faithless is no longer together as a group as of April 2011but you can purchase all their music via iTunes!  Thanks to Rollo Armstrong, Sister Bliss and Maxi Jazz for creating some of the most thought-provoking dance/electronica music of my generation.

MUSIC INSPIRES ME….SOME OF MY FAVOURITES

Do you remember what song played during your first kiss or your first break-up?  Do you remember your the first song played at your wedding reception?  (Mine was “Hung Up” by Madonna).  Music was pivotal to the soundtrack of my life.  My tastes crossed all genres but I preffered to listen to Electronic/Dance.  Thinking about your life, what music was pivotal in helping you during the tough and not so tough moments in your life?

Here are 25 cds/albums that I would definitely need or have with me should I be stranded on island:

25:  THE HUMAN LEAGUE – Hysteria (1984)

24:  NEW ORDER – Substance (1987)

23:  GEORGE MICHAEL – Listen Without Prejudice Volume 1 (1990)

22:  ULTRA NATE – Grime, Silk, & Thunder (2007)

21:  UB40 – Labour of Love (1983)

20:  DIDO – No Angel (1999)

19:  TRICKY – Maxinquaye (1995)

18:  JAMES BLAKE – James Blake (2011)

17:  BILLIE RAY MARTIN – Deadline For My Memories (1995)

16:  FLAVORS OF ENTANGLEMENT – ALANIS MORISSETTE (2008)

15:  DAVE GAHAN – Hourglass (2007)

14:  EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL – Temperamental (1999)

13:  MASSIVE ATTACK – Protection (1994)

12:  PEACHES – I Feel Cream (2009)

11:  MISTRESS BARBARA – I’m No Human (2009)

10:  DEEE-LITE – Dewdrops In The Garden (1994)

9:  ERASURE – Erasure (1995)

8:  DEPECHE MODE – Black Celebration (1986) and Violator (1990)

7:  FAITHLESS – Outrospective (2001)

6:  BJORK – Vespertine (2001)

5:  SINEAD O’CONNOR – Faith & Courage (2000)

4:  ERASURE – I Say, I Say, I Say (1994)

3:  KRISTINE W – Land of the Living (1996)

2:  MADONNA – American Life (2003)

1:  MADONNA – Ray of Light (1998)

As Madonna once sang:  “Music makes the people come together, yeah”

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

IDLE NO MORE

Social media is a great avenue to attain first-hand information about current advocacy groups and movements.  Whether it is your friends posting information about petitions to sign or sharing information about certain peaceful demonstrations like; the “Occupy Movement” or “Idle No More”…..but do people really understand what these movements or petitions are all about?  Do we really take the time to educate ourselves on whatever movement you stand behind?  Do we blindly sign petitions that friends send to us via Facebook or do we actually read the context of whatever petition it is that you are signing?

Personally – I like to educate myself on the topics that are of importance to me and I will make an effort to sign petitions or send letters to my member of parliament on environmental issues, the humane and ethical treatment of animals and issues relating to gay and lesbian rights.  Needless-to-say, this does not mean the I will close myself off to any other petition or movement that perpetuates the mis-treatment of another group/people.

So what are the motives of some of the movements that are happening as we speak – let’s take a look:

THE OCCUPY MOVEMENT

***this information can be found on the official ‘Occupy’ website:  http://www.occupytogether.org/aboutoccupy/#background

The occupy movement is an international movement driven by individuals like you.  All of us have many different backgrounds and political beliefs but feel that, since we can no longer trust our elected officials to represent anyone other than their wealthiest donors, we need real people to create real change from the bottom up.  Organized in over 100 cities in the United States, occupy aims to fight back against the system that has allowed the rich to get richer and the poor to get poorer.  We no longer want the wealthiest to hold all the power, to write the rules governing an unbalanced and inequitable global economy, and thus foreclosing on our future.

HOW DID OCCUPY START?

The occupy movement, originally initiated by a call from Adbusters to “Occupy Wall Street,” was inspired by several international protests, most notably, the Arab Spring protests.  Thousands answered the call and arrived in Zuccotti Park, at the heart of New York City’s financial district, to protest the damaging influence of corporations on politics as well as social and economic inequality.  Hundreds stayed every night for two months and created an encampment in the park, a model that was adopted by people all over the country as the movement spread to well over 500 cities.

TUNISIA (December 17, 2010) – Twenty-six-year old produce vendor Mohammed Bouazizi sets himself on fire in response to years of petty police harassment in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia.  His self-immolation sparks a wave of protests against the decades-long autocratic rule of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali.  After four weeks, Ben Ali is forced to dissolve parliament and flees to Saudi Arabia.

EGYPT & THE ARAB SPRING (January 25, 2011) – Using door-to-door canvassing and social networking, the people of Cairo organize a mass protest on Police Day demanding an end to harassment, repression and torture.  What follows is an 18-day uprising against President Hosni Mubarak’s dictatorship.  Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians stream into Tahrir Square after the regime blocks internet traffic and send thugs to attack protestors, swinging world opinion against Mubarak.  On February 11, the regime falls, inspiring an Arab Spring of pro-democracy activism from Yemen to Bahrain to Syria.

WISCONSIN & OHIO (February 17, 2011) – More than 20,000 Wisconsinites protest Gov. Scott Walker’s austerity budget and his attack on collective bargaining carrying signs and Egyptian flags, protests draw a parallel between their struggles.  In the weeks long rebellion, hundreds of thousands occupy the state capitol in Madison; hundreds of students are arrested.  In Columbus, Ohio, nearly 4,000 protest against similar attacks on the public sector and worker’s rights.

SPAIN (May 15, 2011) – Protests against austerity and unemployment erupt in 58 Spanish cities, beginning the 15 M Movement.  More than 1,000 indignados, occupy the central square, Puerta del Sol; in the weeks that follow, hundreds of thousands gather in public spaces, holding mass assemblies and peaceful sit-ins to demand greater say in the political process.  Embracing participatory democracy, they reject traditional parties and the rule of finance that imploded the country’s economy.

GREECE (May 25, 2011) – Tens of thousands gather in Athens after plans are announced to dramatically cut public spending and raise taxes in exchange for a €110 billion bailout.  Sustained strike and demonstrations many of them organized on Facebook, rage across the country.  The aganaktismenoi, or indignants, are met with tear gas and police violence.

OCCUPY WALL STREET (September 17, 2011) –  Occupy Wall Street begins as 2,000 people respond to the Canadian magazine Adbusters’ call for an end to corporate influence in the political process.  After police block them from Wall Street, then One Chase Manhattan Plaza, a few dozen occupiers regroup at Zuccotti Park several blocks north of the New York Stock Exchange.  The rename it Liberty Square as an homage to the Egyptian uprising that began in Tahrir Square in January.

For more information about the Occupy Movement – please visit their website:  http://www.occupytogether.org/aboutoccupy/#background

IDLE NO MORE

***this information can be found on the official ‘Occupy’ website:  http://idlenomore.ca/index.php/about-us

Mission and Plan of Action

Written by Devon Meekis

Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution which honors and fulfills Indigenous sovereignty which protects the land and water. Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous rights and damage to the land and water. We must repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, and protect Mother Earth.

On December 10th, Indigenous people and allies stood in solidarity across Canada to assert Indigenous sovereignty and begin the work towards sustainable, renewable development. All people will be affected by the continued damage to the land and water and we welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to join in creating healthy sustainable communities. We encourage youth to become engaged in this movement as you are the leaders of our future. There have always been individuals and groups who have been working towards these goals – Idle No More seeks to create solidarity and further support these goals. We recognize that there may be backlash, and encourage people to stay strong and united in spirit.

Press Release: January 10, 2013 for immediate release

Written by Devon Meekis

Idle No More grassroots founders and organizers from across Canada, in solidarity with Common Causes—a new initiative bringing together social justice, environmental, labour and other activist groups—are planning a national and worldwide day of action on January 28th, 2013. This day of action will peacefully protest attacks on democracy, Indigenous sovereignty, human rights and environmental protections when Canadian MPs return to the House of Commons on January 28th. As a grassroots movement, clearly no political organization speaks for INM. This movement is of the people for the people.

The vision of INM revolves around Indigenous ways of knowing rooted in Indigenous sovereignty to protect water, air, land and all creation for future generations. The Conservative government bills beginning with Bill C-45 threaten Treaties and this Indigenous vision of sovereignty. The goal of the movement is education and to revitalize Indigenous peoples through awareness and empowerment. INM has successfully encouraged knowledge sharing of Indigenous sovereignty and environmental protections. This message has been heard around the world and the world is watching how Canada responds to the message sent by many INM supporters.

INM urges the government of Canada to repeal all legislation which violates Treaties, Indigenous sovereignty and subsequently environmental protections of land and water. INM is grateful to many leaders who have supported this vision and the movement of the grassroots people. “The Treaties are the last line of defense to protect water and lands from destruction,” stated Oren Lyons, Faithkeeper Turtle Clan, Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs.

For more information about the Occupy Movement – please visit their website:  http://idlenomore.ca/

In order for change to happen – we must demand it.  We can’t be conduits for change without being active – as one of my favourite groups sang once:  “Inaction is a weapon of mass destruction”……

MASS DESTRUCTION by Faithless

Whether long-range weapon or suicide bomber
Wicked mind is a weapon of mass destruction
Whether soaraway Sun or BBC 1
Misinformation is a weapon of mass destruct
You coulda Caucasian or a poor Asian
Racism is a weapon of mass destruction
Whether inflation or globalization
Fear is a weapon of mass destruction

My dad came into my room holding his hat
I knew he was leaving,
He sat on my bed told me some facts.
Son, I have a duty, calling on me
You and your sister be brave my little soldier
And don’t forget all I told ya
You’re the mister of the house now remember this
And when you wake up in the morning give ya momma a kiss
Then I had to say goodbye
In the morning woke momma with a kiss on each eyelid,
Even though I’m only a kid
Certain things can’t be hid
Momma grabbed me
Held me like I was made of gold
But left her inner stories untold
I said, momma it will be alright
When daddy comes home, tonight

Whether Halliburton, Enron or anyone
Greed is a weapon of mass destruction

We need to find courage, overcome
Inaction is a weapon of mass destruction

The skin under my chin is exploding again.
I’m getting stress from some other children
I’m holding it in.
We taking sides like a politician
And if I get friction we get to fighting.
I’ll defend my dad he’s the best of all men
and whatever he’s doing he’s doing the right thing.
It’s frightening, but it makes me mad,
Why do all of these people seem to hate my dad?
And if that ain’t enough now I get these spots.
I go to sleep every night with my stomach in knots
And what’s more, I can hear momma next door
Explore the radio for reports of war.
And all we ever seem to do is hide the tears.
Seems like daddy been gone for years.
But he was right, now i’m geared up for the fight
and he would be proud of me,
If my daddy came home tonight.

Whether Halliburton, Enron or anyone
Greed is a weapon of mass destruction

We need to find courage, overcome
Inaction is a weapon of mass destruction

My story stops here, let’s be clear,
This scenario is happening everywhere.
And you ain’t going to nirvana or far-vana,
you’re coming right back here to live out your karma.
With even more drama than previously, seriously.
Just how many centuries have we been
waiting for someone else to make us free?
And we refuse to see
that people overseas suffer just like we:
Bad leadership and ego’s unfettered and free
Who feed on the people they’re supposed to lead
I don’t need good people to pray and wait
For the lord to make it all straight.
There’s only now, do it right.
‘Cos I don’t want your daddy, leaving home tonight

Whether Halliburton Enron or anyone
Greed is a weapon of mass destruction

We need to find courage, overcome
Inaction is a weapon of mass destruction

 

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

SONG OF THE WEEK

My choice for ‘song of the week’ this week is by the electronic band – FAITHLESS.  Faithless consists of Maxi Jazz, Sister Bliss and Rollo Armstrong.  They have released 6 albums and over 20 singles, 3 of which topped the US Dance Charts (“Salva Mea”,”Insomnia” and “God Is A DJ”).   They have amassed worldwide sales of 15 million records.  The band officially split up in April after their spectacular live concert – Passing The Baton at Brixton Academy. 

The song I chose is a collaboration between Faithless and guest vocalist Dido – best know for her singles; “Thank You“, “Here With Me” and “White Flag“.  “One Step Too Far” was released in 2002 and peaked on the UK charts at No. 6 and No. 4 on the US Dance Charts.  It is from their critically acclaimed album – Outrospective.

I was shocked when Faithless announced that they split as a band but am comforted in knowing that their music, their legacy and their genius is FOREVER!  Thank you FAITHLESS for all the music – truly inspiring!

ONE STEP TOO FAR (featuring DIDO)

[Dido]
You can sleep forever, but still you will be tired
You can stay as cold as stone, but still you won’t find peace
With you I feel I’m the meek leading the blind
With you I feel I’m just spending wasted time

I’ve been waiting
I’m still waiting
I’ve been waiting
I’ve been waiting
I’ve been waiting
I’m still waiting
But with you (with you)
It’s always one step too far

One step too far

You can whine to the bone but still you won’t be full
You can look down on the world but still you won’t find love
You won’t find love

[Maxi Jazz]
Only with mellow
Are you thin enough to slide through.
If the sun or the moon should give way to doubt,
They would immediately go out.
One swallow don’t make a summer,
But tomorrow has to start somewhere.
Only with mellow
Are you thin enough to slide through.
Only with mellow
Are you thin enough to slide through.
Don’t Let nothing ride you
Only with mellow
Are you thin enough to slide through.
Don’t Let nothing ride you
One swallow don’t make a summer.

[Dido]
I’ve been waiting
I’m still waiting
But with you
It’s always one step too far
One step too far

I’ve been waiting

I’ve been waiting
I’m still waiting
I’ve been waiting
I’ve been waiting
I’ve been waiting
I’m still waiting
But with you
It’s always one step too far
One step too far

Audio

Video

Remix (Audio)

For the Faithless discography and to purchase any of their music – please visit their website:  http://www.faithless.co.uk/