Fight With Tools [PA] by Flobots (CD, May-2008, Universal Republic)

Another group of artists wanting to make post 9/11 statements about American domestic and foreign policy - oh boy! I sometimes wonder why they don't rap about all the good that the U.S. has done, or all of the monetary and physical aid the U.S. has provided around the world....(that goes for you to Linkin Park)

Or how we are blessed to live in a nation that provides its citizens with a system of justice, freedom, and welfare...

Or maybe they could rap about the first amendment, which allows them to put the American flag over the mouths of images of themselves on the cover of their album? After all, I am sure they could do the same thing in China, Southeast Asia, or the Middle East, right?

Then again, maybe they forgot to rap about the millions of immigrants and refugees that continuously strive to enter the United States to live? But, of course,those people must not understand how oppressive and corrupt our government really is, right? So let's make an album to enlighten the world and make an impact on todays American youth culture! NOT!!!

Well, I'll get off my soapbox now, but, I have to say, that this album does indeed meander into the political statements arena. I think it must be because, if rappers aren't rapping about money, girls, drugs, or killing, what else is there to rap about? Why not politics and social structures?!!! At least that will demand some attention too!!!

So, upon purchasing my album on sale for 9.99, and putting it in my CD player, after hearing the voice of the lead rapper I couldn't help but think that I was hearing an old "Cake" album, remixed; however, eventually the violins and background women's vocals in a few of the tracks brought me around a bit.

Nonetheless, this rapper can take some advice from Gangstar's Guru - "It's mostly the voice that gets you up, it's mostly the voice that makes you buck. A lot of rappers, yea some got skill, but if your voice ain't dope, than you need to CHILL!!"

Anyway, the album has got a couple of tracks worth listening to. The handlebars track is already played out - it was cool the first few times, but after that it just gets old. But the "we need heroes" track is pretty cool (I think it's track #4 or #5).

So that's about it for now.... go ahead, buy the album, but you might be better off borrowing a friend's and burning the few tracks that are worth listening to instead...

Nuff said.

P.S. I saw this group on Leno a few weeks back, and the main rapper's (the white guy) charisma and stage presence was kind of like his rapping - one note!!!