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Indigenous in the News Featured Artist Review
Michael Franti & Spearhead - All Rebel Rockers
By:
One of the headliners at the RNC main stage and former founding member of The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, Michael Franti & Spearhead present an eclectic world music mix that includes elements of R n’ B, Hip-Hop and Reggae with a message that speaks of a revolutionary ecological social consciousness similar to that of Bob Marley and others who understand music has the power to change.
Spearhead consists of Michael Franti, vocals and guitar, Carl Young on bass, Dave Shul on guitar, Manas Itene on Drums and Raliegh J. Neal, II on keyboards. That’s the touring band however the musicianship that I recognize is that of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare on drums and bass respectively, former members of Bob Marley’s Wailers who are also credited as producers on this CD. Franti has good taste in his choices here and that includes guest appearances on several tracks including Cherine Anderson and Zap Mama.
Although his message has political import and substantial lyrical power in that regard Michael never strays far from the rock and sway of the dark Jamaican dance hall sound. To me, its’ way more important that people dance because when you understand the fact that dancing has been outlawed and taboo in certain societies and cultures the mere act of dancing becomes an act of revolution
The first track, Rude Boys Back in Town has me swaying down the back alley of the night watch like a pro. Watch out I’m comin’! Let me tell ya, the rude boys back in town.
A Little Bit of Riddim featuring Cherine Anderson on the second track is all you need. This brutha’ knows how to rock it. It’s the stuff that makes for legendary bike ridin’.
The track Life in the City is based on a 1 – 3 Major to minor combination of reggae, rock and hip hop elements. Michael sings, “ai-yi-yi, put your hands up high, ‘cuz ya never know how long you're gonna live ‘til ya die!” Some holdin’ on, so damn gone, spend their whole life with the TV on. So if you love somebody better tell them so cause you never ever ever know when they gonna go. If they love you back just give thanks, can’t keep love like money in the bank.” It’s a great lyric.
Hey World (Remote Control Version) the fourth track is philosophical advice to let go of the remote control and take control over the events of our life. It is also a call to action. Get your ass up off the couch and do somethin’ Yo! Once again he rocks. He’s good, very good at breaking it down. His musicians understand the highs and lows of playing good music. It’s called a sense of dynamics. Nothing is static; it is in continual motion and totally about dancing.
All I Want Is You is a low and slow, very laid back message of love. There is a tinge of melancholy to this song and it features the refrain from which the album title is taken, “All Rebel Rockers, All Rebel Rockers!”
Soundsystem is a song that features the vocals of Cherine Anderson and the female voice is a great addition to the sound. Is this related to the Dub movement in Jamaica where the people would set up huge sound systems and dance till the early morning’? This is definitely more r n b than anything. It’s still got groove galore.
The Future is a fairly inclusive title as Franti sings, “They tell you the future’s a big wonderland and that homeland security has a career for you. Don’t you believe what they told you before; it’s the same frickin’ lies that they’ll tell you some more.” Combining hip-hop with other elements is a musical trend that combines the best of various influences. This is what great musicians do. They work it.
Nobody Right Nobody Wrong starts with an Acoustic guitar intro is nice touch. With incredible passion Franti sings, “It’s hard, this livin, this life we been given, locked in your soul or locked up in prison, remember you got to reach high to be risen, the day you let it go is the day you are forgiven. One man got a jet fighter, the other got a song. Nobody right, nobody wrong.”
I’ve got to be able to ride this bike crazed, alone and on top of rush hour traffic down Hennepin Avenue under the pale moon light of salvation, stoned and on the hunt, looking for legendary in a world that has forgotten the legends that bore them through the hard times. Michael Franti & Spearhead has got me righteous once again. The revolution will be televised and Michael Franti is going to be there. | 
