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Editorial Reviews
Thievery Corporation returns with their sixth original studio album Culture of Fear! Following up their incendiary and bombastic call to arms Radio Retaliation from 2008, this time around Eric Hilton and Rob Garza craft a simmering and hazy collection of atmospheric gems that recalls their early production work but reflects a thoroughly contemporary zeitgeist of socio-political angst and unease.
Utilizing a team of skilled session players from their acclaimed live show and beyond, Culture of Fear finds the duo easing into expansive multipart space-jams like "Tower Seven" and jazzy instrumental b-boy breaks like "Light Flares." Not only are usual suspects like multilingual chanteuse Lou Lou and dancehall toaster Sleepy Wonder back to lend their haunting vocals, but several new contributors also join the Corporation.
Renowned hip-hop MC Mr. Lif blazes the microphone on the title track "Culture of Fear" with a scathing flow that aims to uplift and enlighten as it does burn down babylon! Rising star Ras Puma also drops mystic incantations on "False Flag Dub" and the slow burning roots reggae throwback "Overstand." It's not all fire and brimstone however, as Shana Halligan of Bitter:Sweet coos sultrily over booming tribal rhythms on "Is it Over?", and newcomer Kota lends angelic and sprightly verses on album closer "Free."
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm a huge TC fan, and pre-ordered this CD. A *very* strong first two songs (powerful/groovy beats, cool sound effects, smart hip-hop lyrics) push the envelope of TC's creativity and range. There's also some fun reggae/dub sprinkled throughout the album.
Unfortunately, these highlights are offset by otherwise generic-sounding, uninspired, and somewhat redundant (compare Amazon's sample tracks #7 & #11, for example) sounds that dominate the rest of the album.
Overall, a decent electronica album, but for long-time TC fans who have set the bar high, I'd say nothing too innovative or exciting beyond approximately half the tracks.
Unfortunately, these highlights are offset by otherwise generic-sounding, uninspired, and somewhat redundant (compare Amazon's sample tracks #7 & #11, for example) sounds that dominate the rest of the album.
Overall, a decent electronica album, but for long-time TC fans who have set the bar high, I'd say nothing too innovative or exciting beyond approximately half the tracks.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I started listening to Thievery Corp several years ago with the Mirror Conspiracy and Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi. Those works are hard to match and were the signature works of these artists IMO. So it's pointless to always compare the newest work to the signature works, as people are prone to do in every musical field. People didn't like Pink Floyd's Division Bell that much because it wasn't Meddle or Dark Side of the Moon. To me that's a pointless exercise. Look at each work on its own merits based on what you like. Sometimes it's great to get a familiar sound (with new instruments and details and arrangements) from the same artist, almost comforting. Sometimes it disappoints. Just depends on you and want you expect to happen.
For me, I didn't particularly like the last couple studio albums. I ended up buying 2 or 3 tracks from each and thought perhaps that was the best was past. But I have to say, after just a couple hours of listening to it, I really love this new album. It's familiar enough in the sound and musical themes (equal parts electronic chill, Marley-hop, and eerie female vocals) to bring me into that comfort zone I've been missing. (I liked Cosmic but parts of it felt over the top or too frantic or... something. Just didn't feel like Thievery to me.) But Fear is also new enough and interesting enough that I can really appreciate the new twists and feel how it flows together. There are parts in certain tracks that even remind me of old Pink Floyd or Doors instrumental riffs. It just speaks to me.
This isn't a collection of iconic sounds to sell records; this is a whole and possibly my second favorite Thievery work among everything they've done. I have a feeling I'll like it more the more I listen to it. Definitely worth the download.
For me, I didn't particularly like the last couple studio albums. I ended up buying 2 or 3 tracks from each and thought perhaps that was the best was past. But I have to say, after just a couple hours of listening to it, I really love this new album. It's familiar enough in the sound and musical themes (equal parts electronic chill, Marley-hop, and eerie female vocals) to bring me into that comfort zone I've been missing. (I liked Cosmic but parts of it felt over the top or too frantic or... something. Just didn't feel like Thievery to me.) But Fear is also new enough and interesting enough that I can really appreciate the new twists and feel how it flows together. There are parts in certain tracks that even remind me of old Pink Floyd or Doors instrumental riffs. It just speaks to me.
This isn't a collection of iconic sounds to sell records; this is a whole and possibly my second favorite Thievery work among everything they've done. I have a feeling I'll like it more the more I listen to it. Definitely worth the download.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Yes,finally an album which is alive from these guys.
This is also my 7th album (i never abandonded the band) from Thievery and as soon as the first beat hits you'll get familiar sound, which is upbeat spacey and groovy. The good news is they are able to maintain that feel through the entire album with ups and downs. Overall, if you never heard this band before this is a good album to start with. If you been around for a while, then you'll have fun with Culture of Fear.
This is also my 7th album (i never abandonded the band) from Thievery and as soon as the first beat hits you'll get familiar sound, which is upbeat spacey and groovy. The good news is they are able to maintain that feel through the entire album with ups and downs. Overall, if you never heard this band before this is a good album to start with. If you been around for a while, then you'll have fun with Culture of Fear.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
"Don't succumb to the Culture of Fear"
Brilliant album. Really an eclectic mix of different genres of music (electronic/jazz/world). Dreamy&Upbeat, at times challenging. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Melissa Clissold
Another great one!
Thievery Corp never cease to amaze me! All of their albums are so diverse! I love that it has a political stand and a bit of underground hip hop feel to it. Read more
Published 4 months ago by mtheartist
Wash, rinse, repeat....Radio Retaliation all over again
Check out my review for Radio Retaliation. Same boring script here as well. There is no emotional attachment to the music, no depth. And again with the varied list of singers. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Justin C. Leblanc
Barbaro!
This is quite cool. I have many TC's CDs and this one meets expectations. Much better than "Radio Retaliation", without the annoying repetitive voices.
Published 5 months ago by La Reya
Thievery Corporation does it right!
Lou Lou Ghelichkhani and Sylvia Bernice Eberhardt are outstanding!
'Culture of Fear' is another solid Thievery Corporation album.
Check it out for yourself ..
'Culture of Fear' is another solid Thievery Corporation album.
Check it out for yourself ..
Published 5 months ago by Fritz
It was Ok....I tried...
I love the past T.C. cd's and listen to each one a few times per week. LOVE them! This cd was disappointing. I love T.C. and can't believe how dull this cd was. :(
Published 6 months ago by Lucy
One of Thievery's Best
Thievery Corporation's albums seem to get better and better, and this one does not dissapoint. If you like any Thievery, you will like this album.
Published 7 months ago by Thomas L. Freier
Another winner...but Radio Retaliation still better
Thievery Corp never fails to impress me. This album has their signature sound, and not much variation from their last few albums. Read more
Published 8 months ago by drbenny
This is a great album!
I have really liked Thievery Corporation for many years, and was stoked to see they had a new release. It didnt let me down at all. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Peter Faden
Thievery rocks!
Wouldn't say that this is my favorite Thievery mix but I love it and was able to see them play it in concert; highly recommend.
Published 8 months ago by Judie Ospital
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