G. Love
Music.com Interview by Pete Finestone
On their fifth release for Epic/Okeh Records, G. Love and his boys are back with another genre-bending album full of soulful tunes that are part rural innocence and part urban hip.
Philly blues rapper G. Love has never apologized for his liberal use of black idioms and coolness and on Electric Mile he seamlessly integrates different sounds and offers up 13 songs that tap into everything from reggae to hip hop to the blues.
The album explodes out of the gates with the high energy ska number "Unified," which was co-written with Ras of the Long Beach Dub All Stars. Jeff Clemens' drums swing as he and Jim Prescott lay down a loping groove that threatens to swallow up anything in its path. G. Love wails "It would be so nice but the world's not ready," as he and his cohorts effortlessly create the vibe of hope and unity that animates the best of ska music. The album continues its Jamaican vibe with "Praise Up," another groovy plea for understanding and freeing one's mind.
The song is capped by a stunning improvisational jam session that allows the formidable rhythm section to stretch out and explode. On "Parasite," G. Love again teams up with Jasper Thomas, who first appeared on the band's debut album. The blues creep into the mix as the listener is advised to "watch our backs" because there are parasites ready to trip us up and mess with our mojo. John Medeski of Medeski, Martin and Wood shows up on this track with a memorable B3 organ line that adds another melodic bed to the infectious track. G. Love and the boys hit their funky best on the title track. Jamie Janover's hammer dulcimer harmonizes with G. Love's vocals, telling a tale of late night inspirations and the need to stay true to one's inner vision.
The blues get proper treatment on the track "Poison" where G. Love's wailing harp and vocals provide the magic that builds like molasses and then sucks you in. Unlike their last album, Philadelphonic, which was sleek and streamlined, The Electric Mile is a sonic confection that bursts with innovation but never falls into the abyss of excess or tedium.
Although it might be too rough edged for radio programmers, this new release will please G. Love's rabid following and maybe even bring more fans into the fold. It doesn't get much better then this.
