Second Listen Sunday : Marvin Gaye, I Want You
The year was 1976, and Marvin Gaye was on top of the world. Three years earlier, he solidified his place as an R&B lover man with his groundbreaking album “Let’s Get It On .”For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to revisit Marvin’s follow-up, “I Want You.” The album “I Want You” marked a notable shift in Marvin Gaye’s musical direction, inspired by his relationship with Jan Hunter. Gaye’s music moved from his traditional Motown and doo-wop-influenced sound towards a more funky and light-disco soul. Despite this change, the album continued to explore the sexual themes in Gaye’s previous work, expanding on them further.
Slow Jam Saturday: The Whispers, “I’m Gonna Make You My Wife”
Yesterday was the sixteenth anniversary of my marital union. In honor of this occasion, I have selected a song for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday that celebrates the sanctity of marriage. While I considered several options, such as Robin Thicke’s “Angels,” Luther Vandross’ “So Amazing,” or Myron’s “Give My All to You,” all of which played a significant role in my wedding, I ultimately decided on The Whispers’ “I’m Gonna Make You My Wife” due to its particular resonance with me.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare mixes action and comedy
Acclaimed director Guy Ritchie continues churning content as his latest film, “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” from Lionsgate, hits theaters. Ritchie, along with Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson, and Arash Amel, co-writes the screenplay, which is an adaptation of Damien Lewis’ book “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: How Churchill’s Secret Warriors Set Europe Ablaze and Gave Birth to Modern Black Ops.”
The Upshaws return for an engaging fifth season
Season 5 of Netflix’s “The Upshaws” has arrived, welcoming back the patriarch, Bennie Upshaw (played by Mike Epps), and his family as they navigate life in the Hoosier state. The series continues to follow the lives of a Black working-class family living in Indianapolis. Bennie is a charming and well-intentioned mechanic who wants to provide for his family. Still, his tendency to overthink the simplest of situations and chaos often leads to humorous situations. The Upshaw family includes Bennie’s wife Regina (played by Kim Fields), their two young daughters Aaliyah (portrayed by Khali Daniya-Renee Spraggins) and Maya (played by Journey Christine), and their firstborn son Bernard (played by Jermelle Simon). Also living with them is Kelvin (Diamond Lyons), Bennie’s son, from another woman (Gabrielle Dennis).
Sunset Sasquatch is a quirky family dramedy
The Zellner brothers have created a new film named “Sasquatch Sunset,” which explores the world of Sasquatches. The film is produced by Bleeker Street and is set in North America’s misty forests. It follows the journey of a family of Sasquatches – Riley Keough, Jesse Eisenberg, Christophe Zajac-Denek, and Nathan Zellner – possibly the last of their kind. Over one year, they embark on an absurd, epic, hilarious, and ultimately poignant journey, fighting for survival as they collide with the ever-changing world. These hairy and noble giants will make you laugh, cry, and root for their survival as they adjust to the changing world.
Sugar is enjoyable throwback style mystery
Academy Award Nominee Colin Farrell returns his talents to the small screen in “Sugar” from Apple TV. Iconic screenwriter Mark Protosevich served as showrunner and wrote four episodes. Fernando Meirelles directs all episodes of the series. John Sugar (Farrell), an American private investigator, is investigating the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel (Sydney Chandler).
Second Listen Sunday: B5, Don’t Talk Just Listen
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I took a trip back to 2007 and revisited “Don’t Talk Just Listen” from the group B5. Hailing from the Peach State, B5 comprised the Breeding Brothers, Bryan, Carnell, Dustin, Kelly, and Patrick. Initially finding success two years earlier with their cover of The Jackson 5’s “All I Do,” their debut did just enough with their preteen fans to warrant a second album.
Slow Jam Saturday: Jagged Edge, Whole Town’s Laughing At Me
With the exception of a few cases, R&B groups experienced a period of stagnation in 2007. While some groups continued to tour and perform their renowned classics, releasing new music was infrequent. To commemorate this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I would like to acknowledge a notable piece from Jagged Edge’s sixth album, “Baby Makin Project,” titled “Whole Town’s Laughing At Me.”
Monkey Man swings high as a combo of action and drama
Academy Award Nominee Dev Patel leaps to the action genre for his directorial debut in “Monkey Man” from Universal Pictures. Oscar Winner Jordan Peele serves as executive producer, while Patel co-writes the screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee. The film takes inspiration from the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage.
The First Omen breathes new in life into a spooky franchise
The renowned horror franchise Omen has recently received a prequel titled “The First Omen” from 20th Century Studios. The film is directed by Arkasha Stevenson, who co-wrote the script with Tim Smith and Keith Thomas, and is based on a story by Ben Jacoby. In the sixth installment of the franchise, the plot revolves around Margaret Daino, portrayed by Nell Tiger Free, an American woman sent to work at an orphanage in Rome, where she discovers a sinister plot to bring forth the birth of the Antichrist. Margaret develops close relationships with Luz Valez, played by Maria Caballero, and young orphan Carlita Scianna, played by Nicole Scarce. However, when Father Brennan, portrayed by Ralph Ineson, warns Margaret of a conspiracy within the church, she begins to experience unsettling events, testing her faith and sanity.
Sting spins up an impressive horror debut
Writer & director Kiah Roache-Turner delivers a solid feature debut with “Sting” from Well Go USA. During a stormy evening in New York City, a mysterious object descends from the sky and shatters the window of a dilapidated apartment building. The object, an egg, contains within it a peculiar little spider.
Second Listen Sunday: Ready For The World
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, we are taking a trip to the Great Lake State and showing some love to R&B Band Ready for The World and their self-titled debut album. Arriving in stores on May 14, 1985, via MCA Records, the album on which the band produced their first single was “Tonight.”