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The Futureheads: This Is Not the World
2008-06-07 18:40:00
The Futureheads : This Is Not the World Like clockwork, every two years the Futureheads release an album. Their first album came in the form of a self-titled debut in 2004. That album spawned the hits "Decent Days and Nights" and "Hounds of Love". Their second album, News and Tributes, came in 2006 and contained the college radio hit "Skip to the End". Now its 2008 and the Futureheads release their third album, This is Not the World.The Futureheads dancable post-punk sound is easily comparable to bands like XTC or the Cars. It would be easy for them to be confused with Louis XIV or the Bravery, but the Futureheads' manic energy is what really separate them from their contemporaries.On This is Not the World, the Futureheads seem to embrace their destiny: to write three-minute power-pop gems. The album is so easily digestible its hard to believe this album won't propel the band even further into the mainstream. Every song has the ability to be a single, this may be the best al...
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The Ting Tings: We Started Nothing
2008-06-07 04:34:00
The Ting Tings: We Started NothingEnglish dance-punk duo release their debut album hoping to cash in from their success licensing their song to Apple.Ask CSS or the Fratellis if they think licensing a track to Apple is a step towards success. My guess is they will say yes. The Ting Tings licensed "Shut Up and Let Me Go" from their then unreleased debut album to Apple in April. Two months later their album is released in the US.It makes sense. The Ting Tings are a lot like other bands featured in Apple advertisements, most notably CSS and New Young Pony Club. They are a dancy band with a female vocalist.In an honest way they are hard to decipher from the other bands in their genre. Their music isn't spectacularly different in any way. They have a couple of tracks with a little Go! Team tinge, but that's about it. I enjoy this particular genre of music so I could care less if they differentiate themselves, its still a toe-tapping good time.Rating: 7.3/10MP3: The Ting Tings ...
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The Baskervilles: Twilight
2008-06-05 18:02:00
The Baskervilles: Twilight Harlem-based indie rock quartet, Baskervilles have a sound that is absolutely infectious.Having played Pop Fests all over the country, their indie pop stylings have already garnered them quite a following. Their music reminds me a little of Belle and Sebastian mixed with Mull Historical Society. The guitars have a little bit of a surf-rock quality to them and the addition of glockenspiel or a horn section.While the addition of those instruments don't necessarily differential them from bands like Belle and Sebastian or Boy Least Likely To, the Baskervilles pop sensibility rank up there with similar indie pop acts.The Baskervilles make Twilight a great summer record. It seems like the type of record that you can roll down your windows and sing along to while driving home from work.Rating: 8.0/10MP3: Baskervilles "Smash"Buy: iTunes, Insound

New I Am the Heat "What Would Lou Reed Do"
2008-06-05 16:57:00
Brooklyn trio, I Am the Heat are not like other snooty New York bands. Their fun brand of dancable power pop have made them a Long Island favorite. Last year they released their debut EP entitled Naked EP. Now they are readying their next release, an as-of-yet untitled EP. Even though the EP does not have a name, it does have a lead single. Check out "What Would Lou Reed Do", a fun summer jam perfect for your upcoming pool party. Enjoy!MP3: I Am the Heat "What Would Lou Reed Do"

Weezer: Weezer
2008-06-04 01:21:00
Weezer: WeezerIn the 14 years from Weezer's inception they've been all over the map. With their sixth album and their third self-titled album, Weezer sinks to perhaps their lowest of lows.Since their first two albums Weezer and Pinkerton, Weezer has been on a tail spin. Their second self titled album, referred to "The Green Album", was filled with empty pop tunes. They followed that with Maladroit a poppy arena rock album but ultimately it was disappointing minus a few high points. Their last album was 2005's Make Believe. Many people thought they could get no lower, until now.The Red Album is like watching a lion die. Once a proud beast, Weezer is a shell of their former self. It seems almost impossible that the same man who wrote "My Name is Jonas" and "The Good Life" is now writing songs like "Everybody Get Dangerous".The first song on the Red Album is "Troublemaker". The song has all the makings of an awesome opening track but the big let down is the lyrical content...
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Herbaliser: Same as It Never Was
2008-05-30 04:38:00
Herbaliser: Same as It Never WasBritish jazz/hip-hop duo, Herbaliser return with their sixth album, their first for !K7.The Herbaliser is actually a duo of turntablists like Kid Koala or the X-ecutioners. Herbaliser takes a more live band approach to this record. Their turntablist style mixed with live band elements make for a sound similar to Amy Winehouse or Sharon Jones and the Dap-Dip Kings. The album gets a lot of its character from its guest vocalists. In that way, the album reminds me of Galactic's From the Corner to the Block except with less notable guests.Same as It Never Was features guest vocals from More or Les, Yungun Aka Essa, and many appearances by Jessica Darling. The biggest name guest they have on the album is Jean Grae.Five out of the 12 tracks on the album feature Jessica Darling. Her voice reminds me of a cross between Sharon Jones and Macy Grey. It's soulful but a little gravelly. In a real way, Same as It Never Was feels like her record. Her song...

New Nelly video
2008-05-30 02:41:00
Nelly is readying the follow up to 2004's Sweat/Suit. Brass Knuckles is set for release in August. The first single from the album is a collaboration with Fergie titled "Party People". The single was released April 1st but the video was just released. Enjoy!
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J-Live: Then What Happened?
2008-05-29 05:20:00
J-Live : Then What Happened?New York emcee, J-Live returns with his 5th full length. Then What Happened? is his first full length in three years and the follow up to last year's Reveal The Secret EP.I don't believe any one has ever argued J-Live's vocal abilities. His flow seems so natural and he writes what he knows. While some rappers play dumb to move more records, J-Live doesn't hide the fact that he's a college graduate. His lyrics run the gamut from emotional to humorous.If J-Live's music relied solely on him, he'd be a much more famous rapper. There is however the question of producers. J-Live's last album, The Hear After was hailed by fans as an amazing vocal album but one of the MC's poorest produced. It was such an up rising that an acappella version was released so fans could make their own versions.Then What Happened? teeters on having that problem. Production from such big time producers like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Oddisee, and Nicolay give J-Live fans hope but ...

James Pants: Welcome
2008-05-28 03:27:00
James Pants : WelcomeStone Throw Records' artist, James Pants releases his debut album fulfilling his dreams.James Pants has quite an enchanting story. He approached label head Peanut Butter Wolf at a show in Texas. James was fresh out of his senior high school prom and brought his date to a rave afterwards. James invited Peanut Butter Wolf to go record shopping with him. Peanut Butter Wolf accepted and that started the career of James Pants.Championed by PBW as the next big thing, James Pants' debut is being released to much hype.James is being hyped as a bridge between post-punk disco, electronica, hip hop, and R&B. Something strikes me as odd about that claim as I listen to Welcome. What's odd is that I hear none of that.James Pants' debut is as mundane as it gets. His music sounds like a very boring version of LCD Soundsystem. The beats are unmoving and for the most part undancable.As the CD wore on, finally a track caught my ear. The funk-ladened "Good Things". ...
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Spiritualized: Songs In A&E
2008-05-27 04:54:00
Spiritualized: Songs In A&ESpacemen 3 founder, Jason Pierce is back with his band Spiritualized's sixth studio album. Songs in A&E is the band's first album since 2003's Amazing Grace.The album's title and pathos come from Pierce's near death experience in 2005 after he had contracted advanced periorbital cellulitis with bilateral pneumonia with rapid deterioration requiring intensive care and c-pap for type 1 respiratory failure.[3]. A&E refers to the Accident and Emergency ward not the Arts and Entertainment network.With that said, it's easy to describe the album as morbid. "Death Take Your Fiddle" and "Sitting on Fire" sound like songs recorded from Pierce's death bed. There are breaks in the moroseness like "Yeah Yeah" where Pierce sounds like a deranged Bob Dylan circa Love and Theft.For the few raucous moments in the album, there are many many subdued tracks. The most poignant track is the eerie closer "Goodnight, Goodnight". The track features a brief ...
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Mates of State: Re-Arrange Us
2008-05-25 23:26:00
Mates of State : Re-Arrange UsHusband and wife team, Mates of State are back with their fifth full length. Re-Arrange Us is their second album on Barsuk Records and their first record since 2006's Bring It Back.Mates of State have a couple things going for them. Their keyboard driven indie pop sound is fairly unique. Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel's harmonies often border on annoying but somehow never cross into that territory. Then there is the cuteness factor. Who can resist a couple of love birds getting on stage and singing their cutesy pop songs?The problem I have always had with Mates of State is them in large quantities. I can pick out some amazing songs throughout their catalog but they have never seemed to put it together for a complete cohesive album. Re-Arrange Us seeks to change that. From the getgo the album is on track.The first song on the album is also the albums first single, "Get Better". From that point on the energy never really falters. There are no sl...

New Immortal Technique
2008-05-25 19:04:00
With the 3rd World on the horizon in June, Harlem rapper Immortal Technique has leaked a few new track. The 3rd World is slated to be Immortal's first official release since 2003's Industrial Revolution Vol. 2. The new tracks expand on Immortal Technique 's angry socio-political style, and I could not be more excited for this release. Enjoy!MP3: Immortal Technique "The 3rd World"MP3: Immortal Technique "The Payback"MP3: Immortal Technique "Reverse Pimpology"

Misfortune500: Before This Winter Ends
2008-05-25 06:34:00
Misfortune500: Before This Winter Ends I often find it hard to endorse bands whose names are play on words or familar phrases. BiPolar Bear, Test Icicles, and Cornish Gay Men are all recent examples of this. Misfortune500 is really no different.Misfortune500's debut EP showcases the band eclectic sound without giving a clear definition of exactly which direction it may veer off to in a full length setting.During the first song "Panther Panther" I was sure I had Misfortune500 pegged. They were a power rock band looking to be somewhere between British Sea Power and Muse. Then the second song "Don't Fall" came on. I noted a Killers' influence but still an arena rock tinge. Then "Low Level" followed which sounded like At the Drive In covering U2.The jump in sound definitely disrupts the cohesiveness of the album. Misfortune500 seems poised to show their proficiency in making arena sized rock without actually choosing one genre or style. Some may call me rigid, but this release...

Shy Child: Noise Won't Stop
2008-05-23 16:55:00
Shy Child : Noise Won't Stop Originally released in 2007 in Europe, Shy Child's sophomore album Noise Won't Stop finally finds an American home on the Kill Rock Star label.It's pretty unusual for an artist's album to not be released in their home country but that was the case for Shy Child. The duo met at Wesleyan University in CT before making New York City their home base. They gained popularity internationally after appearing on Later With Jools Holland, Stella McCartney's Fashion Rocks TV, and opening for Bjork at the Sydney Opera House in Australia.It makes sense why Shy Child would be so much more popular internationally than domestically. Their sound is very heavily influenced by techno, which is a dying music in America. Techno and dance remains the most popular music genre in Europe.To me Shy Child feels a little like a poor man's LCD Soundsystem. The music is dancable and fun but doesn't have that immediate connection with the listener like LCD's music typicall...

Dresden Dolls: No, Virginia
2008-05-22 16:21:00
Dresden Dolls : No, Virginia Boston duo, Dresden Dolls, release their second compilation album, No Virginia. Meant as a companion piece to 2006's Yes, Virginia, No, Virginia compiles tracks from sessions between 2003-2006.The duo describes their music as "Brechtian punk cabaret". Lead singer and pianist Amanda Palmer writes dramatic pieces with a classic punk influence infused lyrically."The Kill" starts with lyrics borrowed from the Sex Pistols "I am an anarchist/I am an antichrist". "Lonesome Organist Rapes Page-Turner" reminds me of X's classic "Johnie Hit and Run Pauline". The compilation also includes a cover of the Psychedelic Furs classic "Pretty in Pink".In the end, you have to listen to No, Virginia with a grain of salt as you do any odds-n-ends comp. For the most part, the content of the album is riveting. It may not be comparable to their studio album out puts but it is a necessity to any Dresden Dolls fan.Rating: 6.7/10MP3: Dresden Dolls "Pretty in Pink"

Bun B: II Trill
2008-05-20 16:22:00
Bun B: II Trill Five months after the death of Pimp C, his long time partner in crime Bun B releases his second solo album, II Trill.UGK was mostly known for rapping about cars, drugs, and sippin on syrup. In the wake of Pimp C's death partially caused by syrup, Bun B already said he would ban talk of syrup on this album. Lyrically Bun B still deals with some gangsta subject matter but he takes on politics and a few Pimp C tribute songs.II Pimp includes guest appearances from Sean Kingston, Lupe Fiasco, Lil Wayne, David Banner, Rick Ross, Mýa, Chamillionaire, Webbie, 8Ball & MJG, Junior Reid, and Juvenile. The album also includes production from Scott Storch, Jazze Pha, J. R. Rotem, DJ Khalil, Clinton Sparks, and CHOPS.The best production on the album comes from Enigma on "Swang on 'Em". The instrumental sounds between Jay-Z's "Black Republicans" and Pharoahe Monche's "Simon Says". Lupe Fiasco also drops one of the best verses I've heard from him on the track.The lead s...
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Old 97s: Blame It On Gravity
2008-05-15 05:16:00
Old 97s: Blame It On GravityI'm not a big alt-country guy, but something about the Old 97s has always appealed to me. Their seventh studio album, Blame It On Gravity, is their first since releasing their greatest hits album in 2006.Although any fan of the band would probably tell you they are an alt-country band, the band describes themselves as a rock band. It kind of makes sense. When I think alt-country I think Ryan Adams or Lambchop. Compared to those bands, the Old 97s seem like the punk rock version of alt-country.The Old 97s play their music loud and fast for the most part. They mix in a couple slow acoustic numbers, but for the most part their music is up-tempo.On Blame It On Gravity, they take a couple of chance. "She Loves the Sunset" is a whispy number that sounds like Cake covering Jimmy Buffet. "Dance With Me" is basically a rock tango that could've easily been done by Ricky Martin in the 90s.Overall, Blame It One Gravity does not take too many chance. When yo...

Local H: 12 Angry Months
2008-05-14 05:36:00
Local H: 12 Angry Months When Scott Lucas and Michele broke up in December, I'm sure Michele had no idea what she had just done. She gave Scott Lucas, lead singer and guitarist for Local H, all the ammunition he needed for one of the most innovative album ideas I can remember.Over the next year, Lucas wrote 12 Angry Months. He wrote one song every month post-break-up to document the pain, anger, and ultimately the healing process.Local H peaked in popularity in 1996 with the release of their album As Good As Dead which spawned alternative rock single "Bound for the Floor". Their last notable release was 1998's Pack Up the Cats and its accompanying single "All the Kids Are Right".For a band that hasn't been really relevant in a decade, a concept album like this might not be a bad idea. The main problem with the concept is the type of songs it spawns. The first type is angry, which fits Local H's style very well. The second type is sad songs, which are hard to listen to.The s...
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Death Cab for Cutie: Narrow Stairs
2008-05-13 06:05:00
Death Cab for Cutie : Narrow StairsAlthough some fans may have been appeased by Plans, many listeners and critics alike felt Death Cab for Cutie had become stagnant. Their career seemed to have peaked with The Photo Album and Transatlanticism. They seemed to be in a recession with Plans.Although not everyone will agree with this statement, I think one man who will is Ben Gibbard. The Death Cab for Cutie frontman came out and said that Narrow Stairs would polarize DCFC fans.The first leak of the album confirmed this. The 8+ minute "I Will Possess Your Heart" was a jam session with a song attached to the very end. It was confusing to Death Cab fans to say the least.Coming into the album I was skeptical. But like all things Gibbard, Ben has somehow managed to easy my troubled mind. Chris Walla claimed that Narrow Stairs was "weird", "spectacular", and "creepy". The only word I might agree with is "spectacular".The album isn't entirely different than anything DCFC has done. "Gr...
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New Nas "Be a Nigger Too"
2008-05-12 01:20:00
Nas loves controversy. Is that news to anyone? Whether its from his beef with Jay-Z or his release Hip Hop is Dead, Nas has proven his affinity for controversy. Now Nas releases his first single from his upcoming release Nigger called "Be a Nigger Too".Judging by the album name and the song name, it seems Nas is a little pre-occupied by the n-word. It's a little fuzzy what is Nas' intentions for calling his album Nigger and naming a song "Be a Nigger Too". Because of Nas' previous bouts with controversy, its hard to tell if this is just another in a long list of offenses.When listening to "Be a Nigger Too" it occurred to me that this doesn't seem like Nas just trying to piss off his record label and the NAACP. The song sounds like the hip hop version of Patti Smith's "Rock N Roll Nigger". When the n-word became part of hip hop jargon it was justified by saying that it was being used to take away the n-word's hurtful power over the black community. Since then there has ...

Dub Pistols: Speakers and Tweeters
2008-05-10 20:13:00
Dub Pistols: Speakers and TweetersThe third studio album by London's Dub Pistols is a hodgepodge of popular UK genres. As their name would suggest, the Dub Pistols started off as a dub group. Since their genre they have most often been classified as electronica, which is also not completely accurate. The groups main genre is hip hop with elements of dub, techno, ska and big beat.Speakers and Tweeters is only their third album but the Dub Pistols have been around for over a decade. It would appear the Dub Pistols are ready to blow up. They have finally solidified their line up with former Special member Terry Hall, UK rapper Rodney P, and US rapper T.K. Lawrence."Running from the Thoughts" has a classic ska beat with excellent rhymes from Rodney P. "Cruise Control" is a song that's reminiscent of the X-ecutioners collaboration with Linkin Park "It's Going Down". "Gangsters" is the best Specials song the Specials never wrote.Although the Dub Pistols eclectic sound seems to b...

Y-Love: This Is Babylon
2008-05-08 18:24:00
Y-Love : This Is Babylon I don't recall the last time a marketing campaign appealed to me quite as much as Y-Love's. The first line of his bio, which is subsequently used on all his promo material, says "Y-Love is like Talib Kweli and Saul Williams in a yarmulke".`The reason I like the description so much is because it would be easy to say "Y-Love has opened for Matisyahu" and try and sell him that way. Long time readers know how much I despise Matisyahu and trust me, Y-Love sounds nothing like Matisyahu.Born to Black and Puerto Rican parents, Y-Love converted to Orthodox Judiasm at a very young age.Y-Love's style is constant and steady stream of rhymes. His voice reminds me a little of Mos Def, his lyrics remind me of a little tamer Immortal Technique. He is obviously not as skilled a rapper as Big Boi or Jay-Z but he finds other ways to impress the listener. He occasionally throws in Hebrew, Arabic, Aramaic, and Latin into his rhymes. It's not over powering and it doesn't sound...

Russian Circles: Station
2008-05-08 02:31:00
Russian Circles: Station The second album by the Chicago trio, Russian Circles, delivers more of their unique brand of instrumental rock.Russian Circles write sprawling epic compositions. Station only delivers one track under five minutes. Most tracks on the album clock in at over seven minutes, however that never seems to be a problem when listening to the album.Russian Circles combine soft indie rock with metal crescendos. Their softest moments sound like Minus the Bear or American Footbal while their loudest sound like fellow Pelican or Isis.The general problem with most instrumental rock is there isn't a lot to grasp on to. It's hard to have choruses when there are no vocals. Russian Circles do a great job of making their music as "catchy" as possible. They repeat a musical phrase just enough times for it to stick in your head, but few enough times that its not overkill. They then do variations on the phrase until they build it up into a massive crescendo. In some ways,...
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Millencolin: Machine 15
2008-05-07 04:59:00
Millencolin: Machine 15Swedish pop-punk band has been turning out music for the last 15 years. On their 8th studio album, Machine 15 its more of the same from the band.In my youth, I was pretty into Millencolin. I own their first five albums. They have an exceptional ear for pop. English is not their first language, so occasionally their lyrics get painfully bad but besides that one flaw they're a pretty solid band.I must admit I've lost track of the band since 2000's Pennybridge Pioneers.Its always weird to be reacquainted with a band you haven't thought about in almost a decade. In Millencolin's case, after a little bit of catching up it feels like old times again.The album opens up with "Machine 15" a song that throws in plenty of references from the last 15 years of Millencolin. The second song "Done is Done" reminds me a little of Lost Prophets, which is not a good thing. Towards the end of the song there is a little breakdown with violins that is slightly redeeming...

New Miles Kurosky (ex-Beulah)
2008-05-07 01:42:00
Last time we saw Miles Kurosky it was his picture to the left. In the four years since Beulah 's break up, Miles has endured several surgeries on his shoulder and one on his kidney. With all his health problems now seemingly behind him, Miles has finally graced us rabid Beulah fans with the first glimpse of his upcoming solo album.Although no immediate details are available on his new solo album, his new song "An Apple for An Apple" was posted on his Myspace yesterday. Enjoy the track which perfectly exhibits Miles acute sense of indie pop.MP3: Miles Kurosky "An Apple for an Apple"

Foul Mouth Jerk: Streetlight Music
2008-05-06 17:13:00
Foul Mouth Jerk : Streetlight Music Meant to be a tribute to the "golden age" of hip hop, Foul Mouth Jerk fourth LP is a step in a new direction for the emcee. The North Carolina rapper's previous efforts have been blueprints for his party rocking style.On this release his attempt to be old skool is noted. The album features notable guest appearences by Grandmaster Caz, Masta Ace, and MURS. FMJ keeps up with all of them.FMJ's ability is not in question at all on this release. His delievery is on par on every track, he is clearly a skilled rapper. The questions come in his lyrics. When he's just having fun on the mic, its fun to listen to but his subject matter is often questionable on Streetlight Music.Jerk's attempt at political rap on "Culture of Life" sounds a little trite and played out. His attempt at drug rap on "Neighborhood Drug Dealer" is nearly unlistenable.I get FMJ's need to expand his horizons but his party rap on this record is so good that when he tries to be socio...

Music in Advertising: Chris Knox "It's Love"
2008-05-06 04:54:00
This commercial has been airing for only a month but already I have caught more than a couple of people humming this song to themselves. Heineken Premium Light "Share the Good" commercial utilizes the song "It's Love " but New Zealand rocker Chris Knox.Knox was in bands like The Enemy, Toy Love and Tall Dwarfs through out the 70s and 80s. In the 90s he started recording his own songs using a 4-track recorder. His song "Not Given Lightly" was announced as New Zealand's thirteenth best song of all time as voted by APRA members.Knox never made a dent in America as he had in New Zealand, however with the use of "It's Love" in this Heineken commercial already his American stock is rising.As for the commercial, there is little to anything note-worthy about the advertisement besides the song. Although a catchy song that can get into people's psyche is a powerful tool. It gets bloggers like me to post about it, even if I have no intention of using the product it is promoting.MP3: ...
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Elvis Costello and the Imposters: Momofuku
2008-05-06 02:39:00
Elvis Costello and the Imposters: MomofukuMomofuku is Elvis Costello's 36th studio album, but who's keeping count? In the late 70s and early 80s, he was the punk you could bring home to momma. The last time he made a dent in the US charts was in 1994 when he released Brutal Youth which was voted one of the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. His last time charting in the US at all was 2002's When I Was Cruel which was attributed to Elvis Costello and the Imposters. Since that time Costello has released jazz, classical, and piano ballad albums, but finally he is returning with the Imposters to make another rock record.The record is named after Momofuku Ando, the inventor of the Cup Noodle. Costello has noted "all we had to do to make this record was add water." The sound show it. The record feels a little more organic than many of his esoteric releases of recent memory.The record is heavy on guitar and Wurlitzer. It has a lot of the same feeling as Costello's early ...
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9th Wonder and Buckshot: The Formula
2008-05-05 03:06:00
9th Wonder and Buckshot : The Formula The Formula is the second collaborative release from 9th Wonder and Buckshot.The two form a legendary alliance. 9th Wonder is most known from his work with Little Brother and MURS. Buckshot is the leader of the infamous Boot Camp Clik and the legendary group Black Moon.9th Wonder's production is on point for the entire album. His sounds somewhere between Kanye West and Hi-Tek. There are a lot of strings and some sped up soul samples.Not surprisingly Buckshot is on his game as well. He mostly rhymes about romance and girls. Never is this more exemplified than in "Only For You (Lou)". The beat sounds eerily like Kanye's "Here We Go Again" and Buckshot's flow sounds a lot like Common's.The Formula as a whole could really be one of the best hip hop releases of the year. There is no obvious flaws. Buckshot is too veteran an emcee to fall into the lyrical pitfalls of many newer rappers and 9th Wonder's production perfectly compliments his ...

The Roots: Rising Down
2008-05-04 18:25:00
The Roots : Rising DownThe Roots ' eighth studio album, Rising Down is their second album for Def Jam Records. The album's title comes from William T. Vollmann's 2004 book Rising Up and Rising Down: Some Thoughts on Violence, Freedom and Urgent Means.Where the title comes from is important for this album. The legendary Roots crew goes a little bit more socio political on this album. The Roots have always been socially conscious but this album tackles subjects from global warming to what in our environment lends itself to creating criminals.The Roots remain hip hop's most notable live instrument group. Musically on this album they seem to indulge more in a synthesized sound. There are very few songs on the album where the synthesizer is not the main instrument.Maybe its just me but Rising Down seems to be overloaded with guests unlike any other Roots albums. The album has appearances by Mos Def, Styles P, Talib Kweli, Saigon, Malik B, Common, Wale, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Chrisett...