Fight With Tools

I enjoy the Handlebars song that has been playing on the radio; however, just before I purchased it, I decided to check out the meaning of the song. I did suspect they were bashing the US, but wanted to make sure.

Long story short, I decided not to purchase the song, or any other from this group. I enjoy the music, but could not disagree more with their political views. Even if I disagree with someone's political views, I could still buy their albums, watch their movies, etc.; however, if that person is so militant about their views and/or they take my support of their talent to mean support of their views, I choose not to give them that impression.

Too bad.

Flobots fall between The Roots and Rage Against the Machine. Their lyrics are thoughtful, provoking and angry but maintain something Rage didn't, hope. And The Roots are fine musicians - especially live, but Fight With Tools goes to the next level. For the first time that I can remember, the MUSIC is as impressive as any of the rhymes. There are no samples to be found and if there was an instrumental version of this available, I wouldn't feel cheated purchasing it. If there is one knock on this release, its the use of voiceovers. The lyrics are strong enough in each of the songs that the voiceovers, while well done and very much in line with the rest of the content sometimes feel forced. I'm looking forward to a tour that will bring them my way soon.

SIDE NOTE - YOU ARE MISSING A GREAT CD IF YOU DOWNLOAD HANDLEBARS AND NOT THE REST - IT IS WORTH THE EXTRA $8.00 - THE SONGS ARE GREAT AND THIS IS A NEW ARTIST WORTH SUPPORTING.

I loved this album on first listen and every time I play it I find more to love. They lyrics are so much better than 99% of the rap hip-hip stuff out there.
They really have something to say about politics and the world we live in. Highlights for me are Same Thing, Stand Up and Handlebars. The instrumentation stands out as well - real musicianship on the electric violin and trumpet create a unique sound. I wish more bands were melding styles like this band. They bringing jazz and classical to hip hop. The breathy jazz trumpet works so well with the beats!

This cd is great with plenty of feeling and historical pronouncements of how this country has done more to reduce freedom in this world and country. A must have. It has a good message. Reminds me of Cake rapping with some interesting musical instruments to boot, such as a violin and trumpets. Definitely worth the money. Few CD's I would give as a gift, this one is a powerful cd to give away.

The flobots have produced the feel-good bleeding-heart live hip hop album of the summer. From surprise hit "Handlebars" to the more surprising string section (which manages to avoid inadvertently givng the band a bluegrass flavor), Flobots deliver a smart, socially conscious, and musically wide-ranging album. It will impress those weary of the monotony of club rap and flatter the cultural literati by referencing everything from Arrested Development to Linda Rondstat in a single song. Even if the liberal slant is sometimes heavy handed, this could well be one of summer 2008's great albums. A band to watch!