On Fantasia

by Casey Newton

I wrote about Fantasia Barrino's new album and her long, hard decade after winning American Idol:

"Side Effects of You arrived in April with little fanfare from the Pitchfork set but much to recommend it. This is an album of lush, immaculately produced R&B with pulsing undercurrents of funk and soul. It’s highly listenable from start to finish, but I adore it primarily for 'Get It Right,' which Fantasia was born to sing. Her bright, high voice navigates the tight curves of the melody with ease; and when the song pauses for some call-and-response, she is a magnificent emcee. 'I said give the mothafuckin’ drumma some!' she howls at one point, campy as ever, irresistible."

Square sets its sights on check-ins: 'We can do something better'

by Casey Newton

Today I broke the news that Square will use payments data to make local recommendations a la Foursquare Explore:

"'We can tell you that people who like X might also like Y — and it's a true representation of what you've bought,' said Ajit Varma, who Square brought on last year as its first 'Director of Discovery.' Lots of apps and web services make recommendations for places to eat, drink, and shop, but Square is betting its payment data will give it a decisive edge. 'I think we can do something a lot better,' Varma said."