Harken back to the days of "alternative rock" and you'd see that Disposable Heroes of Hiphopracy were one of the only hip hop acts it was acceptable to like. Nowadays the same hold true for main hero Michael Franti. My real introduction to Franti's amalgam of hip hop, rock, reggae and world music was through my sister-in-law.All Rebel Rockers is the new studio album from Franti and his band Spearhead.
On the new album Franti ventures into more varied musical territory. While the jam band rock is still present, the tend is towards a more processed, less organic sound. In some instances, like the near trip hop of "All I Want Is You" it works. In other instances such as the overly glossy "High Low" it really drains the soul right out of the track.
It's good to hear Franti making more use of styles like dub ska ("Rude Boys Back In Town") and the hip hop disco collage that is "A Little Bit Of Riddim". He even busts out the piano for the chorus of "Hey World (Don't Give Up Version)".
Even though Franti introduced more musical variation into this album there's one thing that never varies: his political slant. I'm used to disagreeing with the political views of pretty much every musician (except uber-libertarian Johnny Ramone). Thankfully, Franti injects his political agenda in a way that still allows one to enjoy his music, even if they don't believe in his message.
All Rebel Rockers can therefore be enjoyed on multiple levels: radical political manifesto or feel good party album. Which should make it appeal to a wide swath.
Best tracks: "Say Hey (I Love You)", "Nobody Right Nobody Wrong"
Michael Franti & Spearhead play Metropolis in Montreal on Nov. 5th and the Kool Haus in Toronto on Nov. 6th.
Track listing for All Rebel Rockers:
- Rude Boys Back In Town
- A Little Bit Of Riddim
- Life In the City
- Hey World (Remote Control Version)
- All I Want Is You
- Say Hey (I Love You)
- I Got Love For You
- Soundsystem
- Hey World (Don't Give Up Version)
- The Future
- Nobody Right Nobody Wrong
- Have a Little Faith
- High Low
7.5
1 praise/complaints:
I'll take that - 7.5. Solid rating. It's not my favourite album of his and you make some top notch points. I don't know how anyone could possibly disagree with this peace lovin' vegetarian's politics but I would agree, his views are not so in your face as to detract from the music.
There are some great tracks on the album for sure and I like the variety in the sound as well. Thanks for the concert tip off. I'll be there!
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