NEO-SOUL COMPILATION CONFIRMS OUR GUESS

And because we live for confirmations of the insightful, thought-provoking observations that sometimes blossom between our thoughts of the back nine and Krispy Kreme doughnuts, we’re pleased to report that Epic Records and new label Red Star Records will release a "neo-soul" compilation CD, featuring some of the biggest names of the emerging subgenre, including India.Arie, Erykah Badu, Macy Gray and Jill Scott.

The set, titled "Red Star Sounds Volume I: Soul Searchin’," will be the first in a series of joint projects from Epic and Red Star, which was created by the non-profit Heineken Foundation, and is scheduled to be released October 9. Proceeds from the series will benefit VH1’s "Save The Music" education program.

The announcement comes fast on the heels of our forward-thinking piece on the neo-soul explosion. Does this mean we’ve become credible prognosticators? Could we even use the word "prognosticators" without a thesaurus?

In any event, it could mean there is substance to the theory that neo-soul’s popularity could counteract any waning teenpop sales.

Inspired by the spirit of the benefit, we’ll be donating several bottles of Heineken to our editorial staff in lieu of pay.