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Alternative Rock |
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Fight With Tools
Participated by Flobots
Studio : Universal Republic
by Universal Republic
Release Date : 2008-05-20
Publisher : Universal Republic
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
EAN : 0602517689787
UPC : 602517689787
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 43 reviews)
List Price : $10.98
Our Price : $5.00
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Marketadvisory.com |
Formed as a cohesive alternative organism in 2005, the FLOBOTS `good-fight' mythology can be traced via Denver's underground vines and creative community of the late `90s when various members enlivened each others' gigs and creative events, setting the charge that would eventually power up the band's contagious and rollicking rock/rap pedigree. Their rousing live show, seasoned by classically trained viola player Mackenzie Robert's innovative playing, sparked an impressive undertow of across-the-board support (including both coasts and off-the-grid territories such as Nebraska and Utah) as the group honed its glowing activist edge with a refreshingly positive message and bristling musicianship.
The prescient "Handlebars," currently holding down a coveted `Top request' slot at several key radio stations as well as being the Most Added at Alternative Radio, has placed FLOBOTS among the most buzzed-about newcomers in rock and rap circles. "'Handlebars' was written in the same way the group kind of blossomed," says Jonny 5. "I had a friend a few years ago who asked me if I ever tried to ride my bike with no handlebars. I hadn't, so I tried it. Got to thinking about all the other things I could do - we could do. The song came so fast to me I actually called my mom's answering machine to record the lyrics and make sure I got it all down. Of course it's also about how even our best intentions are laden with some sort of opposite. We like to think that FLOBOTS are about directing that positive energy into real change." Flobots Photos |
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Takes you on a substantive journey |
Admittedly I had only heard "Handlebars". Being a fan of the band Cake (ex:Fashion Nugget), it really reminded me of their genre-bending style. Since Flobots were going to be playing at a music festival I picked up the CD so I can enjoy their show. I got much more than I bargained for. I was inspired by their social consciousness and the urgency they give to get up and do something, make a difference, take a stand. Go out and seek knowledge, information, action. Just by doing that, you are separating yourself from the mass consumerism message we are constantly being assaulted with.
From the beginning we are warned about this with quickfire references such as dodging "silicone shrapnel". Progressively we are led through political stances we should re-examine and prophetically the calling of change in the Presidency. Then we are taken further down to examine the exponential capabilities of us as humans which the song "Handlebars" is about. Our capabilities are as limitless as they are dangerous. A very deep song and not just a constant blithering about riding your bike as some seem to think. The disc culminates in the encouragement that we have come a long way, but we need a call (Rise) to action if we want to make things better in the long run. The beauty of it all is this journey the Flobots take us on is without bitterness, specifically toward the country, and is simply an enlightenment to educate yourself and take some form of action (Fight with tools). The melting pot of musical styles just made it all the better. 70s retro funk? Rapping with a violin? An elderly lady freestyling? They make it work. So go fight with tools, rise, we are winning. |
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A fantastic album |
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I was first introduced to the Flobots while I was driving to pick up Rock Band for a party. The guy in the car with me popped in his mix cd and put on Handlebars. I thought it was a pretty okay song. After hearing it on the radio a few times, I decided to go buy the album. This was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Fight With Tools is one of my favorite albums ever, now. I'm not normally a fan of rap music, but this album spoke to me on a level that few other albums have. I kept saying to myself as I listened, "Yeah! Alright! These guys totally get it!" The thing you have to understand before you listen to this album is that these guys are about as liberal as you can get. If you voted for Bush both times, avoid this album. If you've ever protested the war in Iraq, but it twice. The Flobots combine hip-hop stylings, masterful delivery, rockin' instrumentals, and a truly meaningful message to create a true masterpiece of an album. Even though iTunes says it is "hip-hop/rap", Fight with tools can't really be shoehorned into one genre. There are wicked guitar riffs in "Same Thing", a wonderful and unexpected jazzy saxophone solo in "Handlebars", and an interesting beat-box track in "Combat". The lyrics are politically charged and angry, but optimistic about the future. I half expected "Rise" to start playing everywhere when Obama was announced the President Elect. I guess my point is this: If you want something truly different, and you want an album that makes a point instead of just blabbing on about nothing, pick up Fight With Tools. You won't regret it. |
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-facepalm- |
Yeah, brag about your ability to ride your bike with no handlebars and you have the hit of 08.
Jeez, I wonder what other things these guys can do... |
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Great songs, Great Message |
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This band is outstanding, their songs flow seamlessly and they have great instrumentals as well. The songs also send out a great message about current events and the songs get you pumped. I would definitely recommend this band and this CD |
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This One Gets Me Pumped!! |
First off, let me say one thing about how the group has been tagged. Yes, this album is very political. I suppose it's all about where you stand, but I personally don't think it leans that far to the left, as I have seen them described. Maybe I should listen again. There are some Left-Wing things discussed, and what would a liberally-charged album be without the call for that elusive "revolution" that nobody really wants but wants to want?
I will say this though: Since when did talking about helping your fellow man become a left-side thing? Why is anti-racism, anti-sexism, and other "anti-isms" a liberals-only value? Shouldn't it be an American value?
Anyway, I'm sure what you really want to know is what it sounds like. I don't have time for a song-by-song review, but I'll give you something.
As my review title clearly states, this is loud and in-your-face. I dig that sort of thing, so of course, I dug this album. 3 stars because it's a hell of a start, but it's missing something. Musically, most tracks sound the same. There are a few times when the music drowns out the lyrics, which isn't something you want when you're trying to hear what the guy's saying.
Standout cuts: Anne Braden, Handlebars, Rise, and the title track. I would suggest listening to those and going from there. |
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Black Friday Online - Discount prices, fast delivery on Music Black Friday Online - Fight With Tools only $5.00 at marketadvisory.com products. |
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