PERIOD.
Right so…is this even up for debate? Is there any other band on the planet that so seemlessly fuses the essence of Hip-Hop with a level of musicianship that might just make Medeski, Martin and Wood blush? Is it possible that I might make a statement in this post rather than pose a series of questions?
Exhibit A: How I Got Over
Let’s shelve the brilliance of Illadelph Halflife, Phrenology, The Tipping Point and the recent Rising Down to meditate simply on an artistic statement that’s emerged after years of experimentation, ground breaking, dare taking and hip shaking statements from an act already admired by those in the know to be pure craftsmen of their trade. How I Got Over is their Joshua Tree, their Dark Side Of The Moon, their London Calling, their Synchronicity…it’s the moment in the life of an already stellar band when they bomb it down the field and connect for the TD.
For times sake…let’s just assume you’re all hip to everything righteous about this act leading up to this album (see Questlove holds it down like no DJ ever could and Kanye West dreams about being half as clever as Black Thought on an “off-day”).
The album starts off modestly enough and at first, you’re not even sure if you dig it…it’s like, oh…here’s a band trying to color outside the lines and good for you but…I’m bored. So, you stick it out for another few tunes and right about where Dear God 2.0 wraps, you’re thinking that this might be a throw away. (Note: I’m being too harsh on Walk Alone…on subsequent listens, it has intention that I just didn’t grasp on the first go round)
Then comes a three song arch where the band channels the vibe of Curtis Mayfield and drops some of the baddest, hook-laden jams as they ever have. This is the type of shit that most Boston cover bands could never touch!
From there, we work our way up to what might easily qualify as THE gem of the album in “Right On”. I could drive to Hartford and back with tune on repeat and never get bored. With special guest appearances from John Legend to Dice Raw and Joanna Newsom, this album is not only in contention for Album Of The Year, but surely to be a Top 20 for the decade.
Want to hear some Roots Live and can’t wait for their next trip to town?
PLAYED OUT is New England’s Hippest Party Band. See you at the next show.
