Atmosphere - Like the rest of us
Atmosphere - Dreamer

One of my friends, we’ll call him Kyle, is a huge indie hip hop fan. Unfortunately, thanks to my roots as a Texan/New Mexican - I didn’t grow up with such a great taste in music. (I mean, it’s way better than YOURS now, but it wasn’t always this way) I think my first compact disc I ever purchased for myself was Dave Matthews Band - Under the Table and Dreaming. Not such a bad disc - especially for the grunge overtones of the day.

I’ve since moved on from the Glen Philips, Dave Matthews, and Goo Goo Dolls of my youth. While I do revisit them occasionally, just for a sense of nostalgia, I no longer crave the acoustic guitar. So, when Kyle and I took a road trip on music, we first made a pit stop at Best Buy to pick up some new tunes. He bought two, and I bought 50. Mine were blank. His were ‘Atmosphere - When Life Hands you Lemons, you Paint that Shit Gold’ and ‘Lyrics Born - Everywhere at Once.’

If you’ve ever followed either of these artists, you know that both of them have a very unique style. Atmosphere - very angry white boy rap that isn’t Eminem, and Lyrics Born is a soul groover that raps to the beat of his own damn drum. And they’re both good. And about a month, they both released some new discs that have really shown that they are growing up.

Atmospheres Lemons’ is a journey of a 30 something white boy who is just now figuring out how to grow up and not be angry. Full of wit, honesty, and charm, Sean Daley (Slug) gives insight to all his previous records. He opens up, talking about his youth, the groupies, his son, his ex, and anything else he could fit on this astounding record. The music is just as clean as his new style, and won’t get on your nerves.

Lyrics Born, on the other hand, was a disappointment. Typically in the past, Lyrics will bring some funk, some soul, some light, some dark, and some really intricate records. And when you get into the first 3 songs off of ‘Everywhere at Once,’ you quite enjoy the pure funkadelic path he has choosen. The problem is, he never let’s off the pedal. It’s Funk, and it’s ALL FUNK. For me to dislike a record on first listen is very rare these days, but, Lyrics took the cake for June, I think.

Check out the tracks I included, and make up your own damn mind.

The Flobots - There is a war…
The Flobots - Combat
The Flobots - The Rhythm Method (Move!)

Despite what you may think, and what you may have heard out of this Denver hip-hop/rap/spoken word group, their ‘Fight with Tools’ album is damn good. Their single, Handlebars, isn’t their strongest tune, but it’s backed with a video that will spin your head.

It’s only been about 3 months since they signed a deal with Universal Republic Records, and already, they are selling out medium to large size venues. The months leading up to their deal, they were outselling major acts in album sales inside their native Denver.

Honestly, I don’t think it’s a surprise that a hip hop band with a political message is getting so much buzz. With it being an election year, our young generation is calling for a much needed change amongst our political system. Our ability to access information, music, and movies within seconds has us a bit on our heads. Because, when we ask our government to provide information about anything, we are ignored.

And this album cries out for us to be more pro-active. Regardless of its about racism, the homeless, the poor, the environment, or whatever issues are out there, The Flobots put a sense of purpose into each and every individual. Guess what? you can make a difference.

As political as I try to not be in my posts, I couldn’t help getting behind this astounding record. When Universal Republic picked up the Flobots, they picked up ‘Fight With Tools’ and didn’t touch it. All they did was re-release it nationally. And they promise not to curb the creativity, music, or message of The Flobots. I’m looking forward to future releases, and following how these guys blow the roof off apathy.

Damn, I can’t WAIT to see them live.

Little Brother - Two Step Blues

Been a long week? YES, it has been. For you, for me, for your boss, and even for your mother. Have no doubts though, as this weekend is gonna rock socks. You know how I know? Cause the weather is beautiful, and you’ve got Little Brother to bring in the evening hours with a delicious booty shake. If you’re at work, wait to listen to this song til you get home. You’re gonna wanna kick off your shoes, dance on your kitchen table, and act like a ridiculous fool. It’s just one of those songs. Believe me. If only ‘just this once.’