quio: she likes to jump at people.

QUIO popped up on some random 16 year-old hipster kid's myspace page one day. Considering I don't usually take musical cues from teenagers who are trying too hard (very few teenagers aren't trying too hard, let's be honest), the strangest thing made me find her appealing. I'd ask you not to judge me for this, but the sole reason I was on the random 16 year-old's myspace was to judge him. Karma, I guess. So judge all you want.

Okay. So while I'm listening to "Gazon Gasolina", I swore that an element of the instrumental was taken from The Neptunes' instrumental for "Caught Out There" by Kelis. It's one single noise, and I may be crazy for noticing this, but it made a difference. I love, like, AND respect Kelis no matter what anyone else says. She's absolutely crazy. Crazy amazing. If you don't agree, perhaps you should read her cover story in VIBE Vixen, a magazine that was apparently created for women of color...and, um, me. So, in this article, Kelis talks about her relationship with her hubby Nas (which sounds like the healthiest show business relationship in the universe), her music, her family, and more. No, this isn't an advertisement for VIBE Vixen bitches. Admittedly, I read the article in Hudson News while waiting for my train back to the jerz at Penn Station. But seriously, Kelis is the real deal. Read that shit up in the Super Stop & Shop if you have to. She's the shit. <-- This video is further evidence. "BITCH...where'd you get that bag?"

Sorry, had to get that out of my system. Now back to Quio.

The first thing you should know about Quio is that she should not be taken seriously. In fact, she is violently against being taken seriously-- "She likes to...break up what supposedly makes sense. In misunderstandings she sees both the chance to have performer and listener create something new, and to put into question the perception of understanding something the wrong or right way. Quio is against seriousness when it is used as a tool of dominance, in the way that seriousness gives weight, means truth, means realness. Never wanting to impose meaning. She writes against preconceptions and boxing people in, especially women into premade schemes." Crazy. Crazy amazing.

If that doesn't convince you, perhaps you will be swayed by lyrics such as, "I spread my vibes like an orca in ultrasonic." Orcas aren't mentioned quite mentioned enough in pop music, and I salute Quio for attempting to address this issue.

Quio doesn't quite fit into a mold. On "Gazon Gasolina", she sounds like a nonsensical version of Lady Sovereign over some random-ass experimental electro track. On another side, "So Dazed" is just as non-sensical, yet it's mellow vibe is more suitable for a fan (or former fan) of The Postal Service. You can watch the trippy video for the latter song here.

Some final things you should know: I'm super late in discovering Quio. Over a year. On the other hand, I'm not sure if I can agree with radio babylon's assessment that, "this is perfect for anyone who loves M.I.A. but doesn't think she's grime enough." I guess everyone will have different things to say about Quio due to her genre-fucking tendencies. And, oh...by the way, her name is pronounced "oooh!" Yes, that doesn't make sense. At all.

DOWNLOAD: QUIO- So Dazed
DOWNLOAD: QUIO- Gazon Gasolina
DOWNLOAD: QUIO f/ LISE- Mom + Wife

BUY Like Oooh!

BLOGWATCH: Said the gramophone, my older brother when it comes to blogging, brings us new tunes and a great write-up about Basia Bulat, who I interviewed way back in Febz. Blogs are for dogs leads us to a new track by Air "One Hell of a Party", featuring guest vocals by Jarvis Cocker. You Ain't No Picasso pays tribute to his favorite band Bishop Allen with a post featuring songs from the final two EPs of their twelve month project.

the cagle family: never get enough love.

THE CAGLE FAMILY brings you the best family music you've heard since The Jackson 5, with less abusive father and more cuteness.

In fact, the Cagle Family excel beyond cute. Their goal is to spread love through the world-- "love to be concerned and aware of what is going on the world today, to want to make a difference in our communities, cities, countries and continents." This family of 12 travels the world doing volunteer work and hope to make the world a better place.

Recently, I was lucky enough to catch the family performing in Penn Station while I was waiting for a train on the LIRR. Normally I ignore performers at the station, but I was drawn in by their sound and the crowd of people watching. The father, Monte Cagle, spouted out announcements in at least 4 of the 6 languages he knows. Of course, little Pocahontas Cagle was certainly a highlight, as she bounced around on stage and sang her tiny heart out with an energy that rivals Animal from the Muppets. Because of their charismatic nature, I stayed until the end of their show, nearly missing my train as I bought a CD from the fam.

Their CD is just as cute as the live performance. Sure, their sound may get a little Sesame Street at times, but when you got an 8 year old on vocals that can happen. Overall, their fusion of the pop, latin, R&B, reggae, gospel and hip-hop genres is irresistable. Don't act like you're too cool for love. Because you're not.

DOWNLOAD: THE CAGLE FAMILY- I Got a Feeling
DOWNLOAD: THE CAGLE FAMILY- I Believe in Love

BUY their music, support their cause

BLOGWATCH: Popbytes leaked a track with Beyonce not letting the haters stop her from doin' her thang on the Dreamgirls soundtrack, as well as a remix. It's totally going to be a gay anthem...I mean, it already has a club mix! Discobelle has a nice remix of Cassie's "Me & U" as well as an unmastered version of her next single "Long Way 2 Go". Palms Out Sounds has some hot remixes including Lily Allen, The Knife, Ratatat, Rick Ross, The Streets, Young Jeezy, M.I.A., and more.