U send me swang-in’. Oh you send me swang-in’…

I remember the first time I heard these words back in 1993 – the unmistakable intro to the first single from Mint Condition’s sophomore album, From the Mint Factory. And it was that first song that had me hooked. A new Minthead was born!

When I’m with you, I fall deeper in love. This feeling is the one thing my heart is sure of…

Here is a perfect example of why I am a Minthead – it’s always about lyrics, which usually get my attention first.  Mint Condition has all the elements of music that attract my listening ears – lyrics, arrangements and musicianship. They ARE the “Definition of a Band.” I remember talking with a good friend about Mint Condition back in the day. She was the one who pointed out to me that they were a BAND, something that in the 90’s was pretty hard to come by in R&B (and is STILL hard to come by). Back then I think Mint Condition and Tony! Toni! Toné! were the only newer R&B bands around (aside from already established bands like The Time, Earth, Wind and Fire, etc.). Please…someone feel free to correct me!

Seeing them live last year at BB King’s in New York City was a real turning point for this Minthead. As with any live performance, you hear music very differently than you would “on wax.” But even more so with Mint Condition…WAOW!!! Their live show is AMAZING!! Why? First of all, their energy is off the chain! And because they are a BAND, there were no house musicians, tracks, DJs or any other external accoutrements – it was just THE BAND and their instruments. This clip, posted by a fellow YouTuber, is from that same BB King’s show and is a perfect example of Mint’s musical versatility. Listen and watch for yourself!