I’m doing something different and focusing on a single album this week. And it’s not really a new album, it came out last year as an independent release and has now been distributed through Universal. It’s definitely new to me and wow, talk about music that grabbed my mind and wouldn’t let go.
Let me warn you up front about two things. First, this is rap. But it’s good, intelligent, positive rap. And second, it’s highly political. I don’t blog much about politics but I don’t hide mine either. If you listen to this music, you’ll learn more about my beliefs. I’ve been apathetic about politics for a long time. Not any more. Especially not this year.
That said, the album is Fight With Tools by Flobots. They’re an indie-hiphop group from Denver that are just starting to break nationally. I don’t normally go for rap (or hiphop) but there are always exceptions, this is clearly one of them.
I was intrigued right away at the concept of a hiphop group that included a violinist and a brass section. You don’t see that sort of thing every day. The lyrical content of their music - accompanied by the fact you can actually call this music - sealed the deal.
I bought a digital download, then ordered two limited edition physical copies (one for Matt). Yeah, I like them that much already.
Look, rap might not be your thing either. And maybe you’re not overly political. Just try it… you might like it. And the message might resonate with you too. Goodness knows we need change in this country. Music moves, music inspires. It’s got to start somewhere.
Best listened to cranked up to eleven.
There Is A War Going On For Your Mind by Flobots
Mayday by Flobots
Never Had It by Flobots
We Are Winning by Flobots
Handlebars by Flobots
May 20th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
I know now what I’ll be spending my download gift card on. I swear I’ve seen this album cover somewhere, and perhaps it was at the bookstore, and thinking I’d like to hear them (not having a clue). Thanks for the tip on this. I am fascinated by what’s said in just this taste!
May 21st, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Hey there! Haven’t talked to you in a while! We need to have a chat about my stupid laptop! I was thinking maybe I could come over to your place sometime and you can kill it!
I like the music! My office mate wasn’t soooo sure about it…. we can talk about that another time! hehehehe
Love you
Kati
May 21st, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Hmm. Still buffering.
But I found them on YouTube, and listened.
They remind me of Gorillaz a little.
~S
May 21st, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Utterly and completely addicted to this CD now. Seriously. I can’t stop listening!
I also, by pure chance, caught that they were on Carson Daly last night and saw them there.
Thanks for the intro!
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
ok, I tried. I really did. I listened to the first two songs this morning and I just couldn’t go for the second two right then. I will give it another go tomorrow morning. This ones a bit harder for me to accept because it combines the two things in life I have yet to embrace..rap and politics. YIKES! But I wont’ go down without giving it a fighting chance…simply because you have yet to suggest something I didn’t like..
Stacie
May 23rd, 2008 at 12:14 pm
I am already a rap listener, so this was icing on the cake. I love Mayday! Thanks for posting this ~ I am finding new things when I visit your blog :x)