Philly's best is back with their ninth, and rumored-to-be final, studio album "How I Got Over", which hits stores October 20th.
It comes as no surprise that the new album is, yet another, overtly political one -- this time commenting on the Bush and Obama administrations respectively. The band continues their socio-musical commentary, citing obvious musical influences ranging from traditional New Orleans Second Line Jazz to the music of Frank Zappa. The Roots pay homage to the late Zappa, covering his music with their own arrangement of "Peaches en Regalia."
As always, ?uestlove is on point, driving the band not only from behind the kit, but behind the soundboard as well, reprising his role as producer for the ninth time in a row. His unique blend of musical herbs and spices give "How I Got Over" a very original flavor, each track representing a variety of musical genres.
Tariq Trotter, better known as Black Thought, also managed to step up his game; this time incorporating uniquely gospel undertones reminiscent of the 1950s/1960s black rights movement in America. The album's title is taken from the Clara Ward gospel hymn of the same name, made famous by African American singer and civil rights activist Mahalia Jackson. "How I Got Over" was one of the foremost anthems of the black civil rights movement of the 60s, and it is no wonder why The Roots chose this as the title of their new album.
The Roots vary their collaborative efforts, employing Icelandic singer Patty Crash, and past-collaborator Cody Chestnut, perhaps hoping to top the success of the international billboard topper "The Seed (2.0)", with their song "Serve This Royalty". Chestnut's indie singer-songwriter vibe enhances the track by providing his silky-smooth vocals, and sensual R&B/New Wave hip-hop beat. If Marvin Gaye collab'ed with The Roots, it would sound like "Serve This Royalty."
Though "Hot I Got Over" is by no means The Roots' best album, it would be impossible to resist the temptation to bounce your head and thump your bass. Supposedly, "How I Got Over" is The Roots final studio album, but my gut tells me The Roots are far from over -- since the late 1980s The Roots have served up cut after cut of the freshest, musically-eclectic, lyrically-astounding tracks, and it will be a long while before anybody manages to overthrow the kingdom built upon the bone and blood of South Philly's Roots.
