SoundNexx

SOUNDSPOT: MARIE "TWEEK"

There is no denying the fact that soul music's sound has changed tremendously compared to the sounds of the 70s & 80s timeframe. While most new schoolers could careless about it, plenty of old schoolers feel that during this transition the artistic value and originality has been lost. What's left is a hollow form of rehashed sounds that has stagnated the music as a whole, which will ultimately be its demise if nothing changes? Not only has sampling removed the idealism of original instrumentation for most producers, but these days the vocalists that have taken center stage are subpar at best in several cases. No need to name them because they are not difficult to spot. Some even feel that the United States as a whole has forgotten what the true essence of soul music really is, while the artists of locations like the United Kingdom have remained loyal to the genre's blueprint? Personally, I have been a big fan of the soulful U.K. sound for years! Actually, one of my favorite soul groups is Loose Ends. Talk about classic material! The track "Hanging On A String" is still my shyt, but anyway lets move on to another great voice Marie a.k.a Tweek from the soulful house group The Rurals. BTW, The Rurals are the real deal when it comes to quality house music, and that's all I have to say about that.

Tweek has been the voice for The Rurals sound for approximately 9 albums, but she's finally making her move as a solo artist in 2007. Tweek has taken the independent approach to releasing her debut album "Like This" to the masses. As a solo act she's definitely slowing things way down with a mellow vibe that definitely reveals her talent a soulful balladeer. Tweek hasn't totally abandoned the Rurals house vibe totally on this project though, so your head will be bobbin' as well! Good stuff no matter how you slice it, but one of my favorite tracks is definitely "We Can Help" just on the funky vibe of soulful chill feel that it has as Tweek croons oh so gently! Overall this is solid release, but due to initial limited independent distribution through their web site, it will probably go unheard by the masses? On July 7th the new project will have wider distribution, so keep your ears open.

Checkout these links for more info and snippets from her album:

www.myspace.com/marietweek

Tweek album info here