Customer Reviews

Baggage

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Many, many people waited a long time for this album, based in part on Dubtribe's instant 2000 classic "Do It Now." That record -- which continues to see heavy rotation at late-night gatherings everywhere-- showed everyone that the epic disco track is not dead; it's just changed form. Now we finally get a full-length album, and in my view, we should rejoice. As usual, Dubtribe brings us expertly crafted, organic, and hella funky deep house grooves that stretch into the subconcious. It's all original; there are no conventional samples on this album, because Dubtribe plays the instruments on every track.

And the results can be fantastic. Check out "Freeway" and "This Is the Time" (not to mention the re-issued "Do It Now") for best results. However, not every song is a gem. As documented elsewhere, Dubtribe's intensely idealistic lyrics can, at times, overshadow what would otherwise be fine intrumental grooves. It's just too much -- but only sometimes.

The rest of the time, though, Baggage just rocks. And it does it all at around 119 BPM. Who knew? All in all, good enough for a Five Stars, and better than 99% of the processed 4by4 being produced today. Weeehaw!!!

"How is house music relevant today?" So begins the press kit to Dubtribe Sound System's "Baggage." Instead of the usual "this band rocks" fluff, the kit contains an impassioned history of the group, complete with philosophies behind the music. Such handwringing seems more the province of pedantic hip hop bloggers, rather than purveyors of warm, organic house music.

Thankfully, Dubtribe has not let existential doubt get in the way of making good music. "Baggage" is a collection of relaxed house music, paced like a DJ set; each song flows seamlessly into the next, simulating the legendary Dubtribe live experience. Highlights include the bassline-driven "Nothing is Impossible" and the epic "Do It Now," the disco song to end all disco songs.

Dubtribe back to its roots, deep deep house, dubby chords. Don't listen to that much house anymore, current tastes more along the lines of soulful drum 'n bass, jazzy 2step, but this is definitely what i reach for when i feel like hearing a 4x4 beat or want to play music that a mellow party crowd will enjoy (not just me).