things and time will tell.

Lauryn Hill – Doo Wop (That Thing) Ruffhouse Records – 78868-S1 Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, US, 1998 info The big single from Lauryn Hill’s first solo album, served up here on a 7” that I picked up back in 1998. It's funny how some music brings you back to a moment… I remember being excited for  The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill to come out- and it wound up being an  exciting record. I expected her post-Fugees solo set to be good, but Ms. Hill handed us a damn near perfect, classic album. Listening for the first time in a while recently, it's sounds pretty timeless to me, holding up even after almost 25(?!?) years. A side,  Doo Wop (That Thing),  highlights that even with hit singles like this, Miseducation  was not a crossover pop turn. She could sing, rap, write and had plenty to say that wasn't designed to sell records or score easy radio play. This cut's tales of the darker motives, posturing and desperate moves made in the name of love showed off how effortlessly she...

Aaliyah ‎– Rock The Boat Label: Blackground Entertainment ‎– 72438-38814-7-5, EMI-Capitol Music Special Markets Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, US, 2001 Info DJ Still Life ‎– Try Otra Vez BSTRD Boots ‎– BJX7:10 Vinyl, 7", US, 2011 Info A friend recently mentioned Aaliyah holding a special place in her heart, so I was very happy when I actually managed to hunt these down as I sorted through a stack of singles the next day. First up, two of her hits on a 45, helpfully labeled "FOR JUKEBOXES ONLY!" (I don't remember real jukeboxes that played vinyl still being much of a thing by 2001. What diner was playing the latest by Aaliyah if you popped in a quarter? And what would they be playing if we went there for lunch this weekend?) Rock The Boat  is a great track, but it's More Than A Woman on the flip that really gets me. Aaliyah is pretty much at her best with a killer hook, pounding drums, the squelchy synth bass and strings... Some of Timbaland's sci-fi funk fo...