Black Magic [Import]

Swollen Members | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 1, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Jvc Japan
• ASIN: B000K2VGB0
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,470,014 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Battle Ax Records has joined forces with TVT Distribution to distribute Swollen Members new release, Black Magic. Over two years in the making, Black Magic sees Swollen Members returning to the dark signature sound they have become synonymous with. A melting pot of introspective lyrics, bookworm intellectualism, aggressive beats and party-rocking jams, the album features collaborations with Ghostface Killah (Wu-Tang Clan), Everlast, Dilated Peoples, Mr. Vegas, Hieroglyphics, The Alchemist, Mix Master Mike, Planet Asia, Phil The Agony, and more. Storming out of hibernation with their sights firmly focused on the United States, Swollen Members are poised to begin an endless barrage of touring, bringing their renowned live show and sound to the masses. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Black Magic - Proof that Swollen Members will land on top, September 14, 2006

By 

Stormrider (Fairbanks, Alaska and Steamboat Springs, Colorado) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Black Magic (Audio CD)

Black Magic is amazing.
I first heard Swollen at a concert in Vancouver, while driving through on a snowboard road trip from Alaska to Tahoe in '99, and have been a fan ever since. Black Magic brings me back to that day, jumping in a crowd, completely blown away by a group I'd never heard of. The album captures the energy and spirit of Swollen Members' live shows (among the best you'll ever see) and some how translates that vibe and spits it out from car speakers, home stereos, and mp3 players.
So far ever single person I've played a couple of tracks for has gone out and bought the album; from the guys that say "Swollen who? Man that sounds awesome," to the ones that say "I had no idea there was a new SM album out," Black Magic is turning heads. By far the tightest production values of any of SM release, Prev and Mad are on point the entire album, and Rob has put together his finest beats yet. While the guest appearances are great, they don't take the spotlight away from the boys - a hard to accomplish feat when you've got the likes of Ghostface, and Ev onboard.
I find myself taking the long way to work, just to get a couple extra beats in my car stereo before I have to switch to the iPod for work, all while grinning like an idiot because I've got the new Swollen, and it's everything I'd hoped it would be; two days later and it's still giving me goosebumps.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Swollen Members always bring it Home!, September 18, 2006

By 

R. Reichard "Bobbogart" (Lancaster, Pa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black Magic (Audio CD)

In my opinion this is one of the best hip hop albums of the year, and Swollen's best work to date. 21 tracks of pure genius, all full tracks except for the intro, unlike these other hip hop albums today with 13 tracks and 7 interludes. The production on this album is phenomonal, beats like no other group out there, Rob the Viking is one of the best producers in all of Hip Hop. Dark, gritty beats with a unique sound. Lyrically Prevail and Mad Child are two of the best! Tottaly different and uniques styles that complement each other. Lyrics with real meaning, not just about the bling, the women, etc. I can listen to the whole album straight through over and over, but my favorites are:
-Pressure
-Grind
-So Deadly
-Prisoner of Doom
-Too Hot
-Dark Clouds
-Go to Sleep
-Put me On
-Black Magic
-Brothers

Did I mention, Swollen Members put on the best live show out there. I have been to 2 shows, and have not been dissapointed. I met all three of the Members, and they are really cool down to earth guys, and their performance was sick! Go check them out this fall/winter, you won't regret it!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Excellent, September 26, 2006

By 

J. Schroeder (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black Magic (Audio CD)

This CD has among the best sets of beats I've ever heard. They're consistently infectious and the lyrics they're paired with complement them to make a fantastic collection of songs. In my experience, the best beats were those in 'Pressure,' 'Grind,' 'Too Hot,' 'Sinister,' and 'Black Magic.'

If you're looking for a rap CD that employs heavy lyrics and themes along with incredible beats, this is an album that will in no way disappoint.