Recently, I've been listening to a lot of Wyclef Jean. I'd known about him as part of the Fugees phenomenon, but didn't think of him as more than a guitar and vocal backdrop to Lauryn's soulful singing. Post Haiti disaster, I kept hearing his name and started checking out his solo work. Suffice it to say, I've been listening for weeks and am really loving it.For one, he is very talented. I love how he can manipulate his voice to suit his needs, whether it is a hip hop number like "Hips Don't Lie" or the reggae-inspired "Perfect Gentleman." I also really like his lyrics, well-written story lines laced with some good social commentary. Most of all, the global eclecticism really appeals to me -- he takes risks, blends melodies, pushes hip hop to meet soul to meet reggae to meet whatever else he is feeling.
Also recently, I've come to be obsessed with the jewelry of Amrita Singh. Her style is a beautiful shout-out to many of the most beautiful sources for decorative motifs. From larger-than-life Bollywood chandelier earrings to the the stunning glitz of the Victorian age, Amrita captures it all.
