a very badu birthday gift

It's my birthday today and I'll tell ya straight up, I love it. Truth is, I love anything that celebrates life, especially when it has a party in tow. It's cool to be here another year; to look back and to look forward and be grateful for the moment that's happening right now -- it's a gift.And speaking of gifts, I've got one to pass on to all of you. A heads up more than anything else, but a good heads up. It's time sensitive, though -- today only (kind of like a birthday) -- so if you're interested ya need to act quickly. I'm giving you a late start, I know, and I apologize -- I only just discovered it myself.Amazon's MP3 Album of the Day is the latest release from Erykah Badu, New Amerykah: Part One (4th World War), and at $2.99 it's quite the deal (I paid $8.99 yesterday).It's been eight years since her last studio album and the time off seems to have stimulated something interesting within her. It's a challenging album, to be sure. Not perfect, but inspired and never dull. Equal parts 60s style psychedelic funk, neo-soul, modern hip-hop and political commentary, it's an album -- after only one listen -- that'll probably be in my top 10 at the end of the year.If you think contemporary R&B has gotten a little stale and formulaic, then check this out -- you won't be disappointed. And if you don't know anything about Miss Badu's music but are feeling a little experimental, then for $2.99 here's your chance to funk up your iPod playlist and impress your friends with how hip you are the next time you make them a mix CD.Oh, and if you happen to be reading this after midnight the 23rd, the album is still worth it at $8.99. Let me know what you think.