A Dynamic Change in Direction!
927350
In 1949, French writer Simone de Beauvoir published Le Deuxime Sexe (The Second Sex), a controversial treatise on feminist philosophy.  Now, in 2014, cantora Brasileira Vanessa Bumagny interprets de Beauvoir with O Segundo Sexo.  In doing so, Vanessa takes her art to a whole new level.

Vanessa writes or co-writes all her material, which not many of my cantoras can say.  She considers her lyrics the strongest element of her music.  With most of her songs in Portuguese, I largely miss out on this.  Nor have I read de Beauvoir, so that aspect of O Segundo Sexo is absent for me as well.

But!  For me, listening to Brazilian music is a holistic experience; I savor the whole of the music and the Portuguese language voices.  And thus I can declare that O Segundo Sexo represents a remarkable departure for Vanessa.

Vanessas first album, De Papel (2003), is a cornucopia of delights; some songs are uptempo, others are down, but the album reveals a cantora whose exquisite voice, songwriting, and style set her apart from all others.  Ptala por Ptala (2009) is a departure of sorts, in that nearly all the songs sound introspective and melancholy.  Both albums are highly recommended.

But O Segundo Sexo is a MUCH different animal.  Uptempo and dance-floor sounds prevail, with the title song easily the liveliest and most free-spirited piece that Vanessa has yet recorded.  (Longtime collaborator Zeca Baleiro even adds a rap here!)  Really, even without the de Beauvoir angle, this whole album sounds like Vanessa decided Hey!  Im ready to amp things up!  And it is sensational!

(To get a taste of the de Beauvoir theme, seek out online videos of Vanessas performances of O Segundo Sexo numbers.  You will see a beautiful cantora whose music is strong, her voice potent, her stage presence powerful, and her outfits and moves  .  .  .  SEXY!  And she reads passages from Le Deuxime Sexe between songs.  Certainly, a brilliant overall concept.)

Its interesting to note that the eleven songs that comprise O Segundo Sexo are scattered among four different producers, with rico Theobaldo handling the majority.  His presence accounts for much of the electronic underpinning of the album, as he contributes synthesizer and programming of the electronic percussion.

At this time, O Segundo Sexo as a CD is distributed privately in Brazil.  But the MP3 downloads are available right here on Amazon.

Bottom line:  if you are already a Vanessa Bumagny fan, you will be stunned  and delighted  with O Segundo Sexo.  If you are new to Vanessa, start right here!
1953414
The average human being walks this planet in a daze, unaware that there is much more to this world than meets the eye. Still, that a change of direction is greatly needed is obvious to most. Our socio-economic system is failing.
In her book, Ms. Frighetti is making us aware that 2012 is a pivotal year: it marks the beginning of the era of the Fifth Sun (to the Mayans), which portends a change of consciousness in humanity, evolution. She also makes us aware of other cultures with similar prophesies. And, she is also trying to make us understand that to change our direction, our effort is required: "The choices we make now will help to write the next chapter in humanity's story." Indeed!
Ms Frighetti also tries to make us aware that everything is energy in flow. I enjoyed her visit to the Montana vortex and the House of Mystery, where the energy of the vortex affected her perception, and altered the growth of plants and trees around. Interesting pictures!
This book is delivering a timely message.
322235
I enjoyed the book because it had a twist at the end and went in a different direction then expected!
3318764
I never thought about one person being able to shift into more than one animal. But here, it happened. Hold onto your seat and get ready for a wild and crazy ride!
629428
I have not read this cover to cover, but changed a few things (bed to a different walk, etc) and the vibe in my apartment really has seemed to improve! Go figure! ;)
1264633
A short read with many easy and small changes to change the way you spend your hard earned cash.
I'm choosing my new reality!!
2974413
One Declaration at a time, one week at a time. This book helps you to focus in on areas to change to live a better life! If you haven't gotten all out of this world that you feel you should have by now, Brendon demonstrates the way! With new skills such as how to activate and be present in every day and each moment, or to love more openly, and to go all in (with not so reckless) abandon, these are things that would be life and world changing if only the majority would adopt their principles. The script could and should be read over and over again to develop new habits that will benefit its readers now and for the rest of their lives. I enjoyed this one so much that I had to start reading 'The Golden Ticket' too (awesome, so far!) and I will follow that with 'The Charge'. Thank you, Mr. Burchard!
494776
It took a few chapters for the pace to step up in this book, but it was a welcome change after the hard-hitter Changes was.

SO worth buying!
3894565
While 14 Shades of Grey is considered to be not quite as "hard" as their previous releases ("Dysfunction" and "Break The Cycle") it shows quite a bit of growth for the band........ Not only for Lead Singer Aaron Lewis but for Staind as a whole. The album shows how far the band has come since 1996 and their ability to adapt, while not afraid to try new things.
14 Shades Of Grey is a much more "down-beat" yet I give the album 4 stars as it shows Staind has Matured along the way on the raod of success!
1070584
Love the directional change in this series.  Beloved characters remain, but all new characters are introduced.  A next generation story line that promises more in the series.
3612220
Their revision of "Full On Night" is hopefully indicitave of a new direction.  To me it's like a combination of previous Rachel's material as well as a more edgy Godspeed You Black Emperor (Slow Riot...) feel,  while still also incorporating more of a free-fusion jazz element (think of  the Jaco Pastorius, Bruce Ditmas, Pat Metheny and Paul Bley collaboration).  As for the Matmos material--reminds me slightly of Autechre's EP7 but with  more of the typical DAT tape frittery associated with "glitch"  groups... nothing special but obviously worth a listen!  Anyway this disc  is worth picking up just for "Full On Night"!
4488572
Wow!  If you would like a change in pace from hiphop or rock and want to be transported back in time, check out these guys! This group creates a wonderful mix of New Orleans jazz, swing, and modern story lyrics.  I only wish we could have some clubs open up in our downtowns with this sound.  This group will make you move and you'll be "swinging" before you notice what's happening.
2397528
This book went in a completely different direction than I expected it to.  I wasn't sure I liked it at first, and the... unexpected setting... is admittedly pretty dismal.  But it is supposed to be, and although it dragged in a few places, I thought the story overall was well done and brought some fresh new plot twists to the series.  The ending was good, and I look forward to the next book.

If it helps:  I loved the first two books in this series!  Book 3 was also fairly good.  I can't say I enjoyed Blackveil as much as the previous three, but it was likely on a similar level to Mirror Sight.
735100
I have been listening to 311 for years. All there albums have a similiar sense, except this one... This album has completly gone into a new direction much like transistor, but totally different. Now older, the album deals with a mixure of happiness and pain with the harsh reality of our world.  Evolver has a lot of acoustic sounds and feelings. The raps are mostly SA and Nick is sticking to the singing. The single "creatures for a while" is the hardest track on the album. From there it goes calmly into a melodic symphony of sound. "Crack the code" is just amazing  entangling you into alien way of composing music. By far "Beyond the Gray sky" is a true break through of sound and emotion by 311. One of my favorite songs on the album. It packs a punch with such a slow tempo its unfathomable. Overall 311 has changed or "evolved" and sometimes folks can dig the change or not, but all in all 311 has moved foward into a new direction. The message is still there though...stay positive and love your life
4820714
There are some journeys you just cant wait to get off of. Rest assured this isn't one of them!!!!

This journey isn't one that has a set itinerary the twists and turns keep it exciting. Tad is becoming more at ease with his feelings and desires, even if he is still trying to figure it all out.

So far throughout this journey Scott has been in the drivers seat. I think this is one of the reasons Tad is questioning the direction of his travels. He is more of a spectator involved as someone just along for the ride. That is all about to change. *wicked evil grin*

One part of this story is about to come full circle. There is a new bet on the table and Tad is fully informed this time and he is also determined not to lose. Or is he? Sometimes the victor misses out on the best spoils of the battle and the battle is hot as hades!!!

Get comfy and have a tall cold beverage handy! I will let you know this journey isn't over yet. There are still choices to be made and each will have its own consequence. We also get the added twist of a new character that brings a new feeling into play. I do hope we get to find out more about him. *wink*

Keep your eyes on Kora Knight and check out her other stories while you wait for the next leg in Tads journey. *rubs hands together in anticipation*
To see other fun stuff that goes with this review check out Books'n Cozy Spots here *wink* http://talon-ps.com/books-n-cozy-spots-book-reviews-prized-possession-by-kora-knight/
2585413
Love it!!  Don't buy this album if you expect every track to feel like the first.. or the second.  Each track has it's own unique tone & feel.  Once you get to the last third of the album, it's totally different.  I like complicated 'thinking' music, you won't be dancing to this one.  Put it in the car on a short trip and experience it the way the artist clearly intended.. as a journey.
3132702
Interesting how decisions will alter our tomorrow.