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Rice dishes out tasty treats

Energetic, infectious, smooth, and kinetic are some of the words that come to mind as I listened to the debut album from Raistalla [no label yet]. That she has talent is obvious, and someone has invested much into producing this polished product that is notable as much for its versatility of material as for the vocal talents on display. She says of her status," I am currently independent, but seeking a label contract."


The more I listened to her, the more magical the experience became. The album leaves you wanting more, as in, "is that all?" One reason is the moving and mellifluous material she performs; another reason is in the mix of the CD which is divided into two "Acts" and an "Epilogue," with most of the cuts in Act I blending without the usual pause between them. The result is only eleven songs in all. From the frisky first phases of the opening number, "Long Way," to the specific "Speed Racer," her music is positively uplifting. Back in the day we'd say, "She's movin' and groovin!" "Long Way" is a testament to great song positioning as it is an ideal selection to lead-off her world premiere. Mixing seamlessly into the refrain, "I wanna get my chance with you "Tonight," track two's lyrics are wonderfully conversational.

If you've ever fallen behind on a bill payment because of a change in employment, then track three, "Pressure," is for you. Identify and feel the repetitious refrain, "I don't need this pressure..." again and again in your brain; possibly to help ease the pain.

This song is my "pick hit."

The catchy "Feels So Good" sounds like the workout theme music for the aerobics segment of one of those a body-shaping TV shows. Just keep... in... step! Raistalla seems to be an energetic soul; I can tell just by looking at her photos on the CD insert! The moves jumped right out at me.

It ain't hard to tell that she's been garnering awards in places like London and Tokyo, and I still don't understand why here in the US we are often so damned late on the great stuff, while the mediocre copycats get immediate play more often than not. Raistalla - you go girl! ? is "just a girl who wants atten-shun" by the time we get to track five, and no sooner do you get used to that concept, then she is "Clownin' Out" with a bit of Hip-Hop flava to wrap-up the first act as my sure-shot selection.

When asked about her name she said, "HA-HA! NO, I'M SURE NO ONE HAS HEARD THE NAME "RAISTALLA" BEFORE. THERE'S A BIT OF A STORY BEHIND IT BUT IT IS BASICALLY THE MEANING OF WHAT I AM--- "A WORK IN PROGRESS, A RACING STAR." I guess she means that, as in the last track, "Speed Racer."

Raistalla's energy is infectious; I looked at the CD cover picture and immediately felt her movement; I knew that I had seen her before in video productions. So when I asked her about having been in the TV awards show company of so many stars, she replied, "YES, I HAVE PERFORMED ON THE GRAMMYS, THE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS, TRL, SNL, JAY LENO, ON THE WAYNE BRADY SHOW WITH OUTKAST, AND ON MAD TV WITH MISSY ELLIOTT, AS WELL AS IN HER "WORK IT" AND "GOSSIP FOLKS" VIDEOS. I APPEARED AT THE 2005 BET AWARDS WITH STEVIE WONDER, AS WELL AS IN HIS VIDEO "WHAT'S THE FUZZ."

When I asked my favorite question of my subjects, "Can you think of any funny or amusing vignette that happened during the production and/or creation of this album that our readers might find interesting?

She had none. That is cool, since she is a newcomer, and I guess the best is yet to come. So, Rice-A-Stalla gets four stars as a tasty Miami treat ? four because next time I want more, and she is good.

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