Customer Reviews

Home Grown: Guide to Understanding the Roots 1

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Having formed in Philadelphia 1989, and having long been considered to be the premier band for 'Live' performances, 'The Roots' are a band that although hugely talented, complete mainstream acceptance has eluded them thus far. With a penchant for Sprawling Jazz-inflected arrangements, and an organic form of production (they rarely, if ever use sampling), and the more cerebral and socially-conscious form of lyrical delivery and frequent excursions into extended Jam sessions, means that their music jars with the more Bling obsessed / Party orientated Hip-Hop that acquires slots in the music charts. Which is a shame, as they have a great deal to offer, and work alongside a relatively small collection of artists that seem intend on pushing forward positive messages ("Common", "Talib Kweli", "Jurassic 5", "Mos Def"..etc). But having a positive message or putting intelligence over posturing, isn't always a guaranteed way to success. So possibly in an effort of win some new fans, the label have lssued a two volume compilation of tracks that contains the majority of their most popular work, to ensnare new listeners, as well as including unreleased tracks, remixes and 'Live' versions of tracks to tempt existing fans (Like myself), into buying this.

The thing with the Roots is that their work is never really been made with the casual user in mind. Once you've discovered the band, the emphasis is on the listener to interpret their music, and digest their way of doing things. So simple things like track numbers, will intitally bemuse first time listeners, and the fact that their albums vary wildly in approach and stylisation (compare the more mannered and reflective tone of "Things Fall Apart" against the more challenging blunted rock/soul/electronic-fusion hybrid that is "Phrenology", to understand my point). But what these compilations intend to do is make some sort of sense for the new listeners, as well as giving something to those existing fans, without alienating them.

So what you get is a fairly broad selection of tracks that cover the large percentage of their back catalogue, without focusing too much on any one particular album. So for the new listener or people that have yet to be fully convinced by the bands work, this compilation is spring loaded with crowd favourites such as "Good Music", "The Next Movement", "You Got Me (feat Jill Scott", "Act Too (Love of My Life)", "Do You Want More?!!!??!", that arguably represent the case for the band being supremely confident performers that are able to switch between confident and celebratory cuts one minute, to intimate and sophisticated emotional neo-Soul the next, and then right through to progressive and ambitiously free-flowing numbers, that single them out as consistently nimble musicians.

And for the existing fans, you're interest in this album will depend on how much of the bands material you actually own. If you have all the albums & (more importantly) have downloaded/bought everything else that hasn't been so easy to come by, then tracks like "The Lesson", "Clones", "Proceed 2", "What You Want", and a Live version of "It's Comin'", will be of limited value to you. But is important to remember is that these are no mere filler songs, but each working as great tracks in their own right, and not only sit perfectly amongst the more popular material, but it's also incredibly handy to have them all in one tidy place. And this is where I have to say after owning all the studio albums (bar "The Tipping Point"), that this compilation really begins to shine. To be honest their probably isn't really enough of the unreleased or remixed tracks here to purchase for those reasons alone. And hardcore fans would mainly be buying this for is the brilliant convenience of having this varied tracklisting and the fact that these compilations come with extensive liner notes from band leader...drummer "?uestlove", who goes into relatively detailed explanations for tracks, his views regarding the music industry/labels, and a selection of more personal thoughts that although possibly not really too interlinked with their music and seemingly more suited to the existing fanbase, still makes for interesting readying. Of course if you fall into the middle section between new listener and Hardcore fan, (I.e. Own several albums), than this is even more essential for you, as it beautifully brings you up to speed on material that you'll have missed, by not owning the majority of their albums.

This is really a fantastic compilation, of that there is no doubt, and although it may prove to be a little tough going for new listeners, as this compilation is spread over two separate volumes, and may annoy those that simply wanted a disk, full with the hits and the bands more accessible work. But maybe that would (to some degree) go against what the band are about. Who enjoy creating music their way without pandering the almighty dollar or label pressure, and not dumbing down the art and simplify their methodology, to increase the fanbase. but, be prepared to stick with it and (eventually) you'll be reward with your patience, and the majesty of the band will shine through, because although their music can occasionally take a little while to fully sink in, the reward at the end of it is totally worth it. And for the fans with only a couple of albums, you also need to purchase this, because it a brilliant way to pad out your collections without having to run out and buy up the remainder of the albums that you don't have. And for the hardcore fans....weeeeell, the decision is a lot harder for you guys, as you'll pretty much have everything on here, so the decision is whether you don't mind forking out for something purely for completetist sake or just to have a nice cross section of the band work, will need to be weighed up....suffice to say that, I took the plunge and I'm completely happy with my purchase. Highly Recommended!!!

The Roots represent, that unrefined and pure hip hop. This CD is wonderful because it provides you with a sample of their great work. They are the truth, and unfortunately they are not recognized to the level that they should. The blending of live instruments is so pure in their music. I think that often individuals have been so tuned into radio, and commercial music, when they hear the purity of the Roots, they really don't know how to appreciate it. Well this is only a sample of the great work of the Roots. They are truly without a doubt the ultimate. Check this out, and then get more of their CD's to really feel their true talent.

I always thought the Roots sound like what should have been the natural evolution of Jazz. Instead, most hip-hop has broken sharply away from its Jazz and R&B origins, but the Roots more readily embrace this past.

The Roots certainly have hip-hop elements, but by no means do they fit within the confines of that genre. If you have never heard them, you really should pick this or their live album up and give it a try. If you've heard them before, this should be a welcome addition. If you don't like them, I'd like an explanation why ... they are great instrumentalists, lyricists and performers.

Highlights of this album include Double Trouble (with Mos Def), Act Too (with Common), The Next Movement and You Got Me never fails to grab a heartstring or two. But there aren't any weak tracks, the album is easy on the ears from beginning to end. I'm withholding the five-star rating because I think their live album is better.

Home Grown! The Beginner's Guide to Understanding The Roots, Vol. 1 is a must have album for any Roots fan. The album includes rare singles and remixes as well as some unreleased material like "Proceed 2", "Distortion To Static [Black Thought Mix], and "It's Comin' [Live]. Also, "Double Trouble" includes about 20 seconds of bonus beats. The rest is random cuts from previous albums and movie soundtracks. The liner notes alone make this album worth the asking price. They're chock full of golden tidbits that add to The Roots' personality (if that's even possible considering how they already display tons of color and personality). Anyone that owns a Roots album should be familiar with ?uestlove's musings. He explains the creative process behind each song on the album. Every now and then he rambles, but that's part of his charm, so it works well.

I can only think of one problem with this disc. Track -20 is the original version of "You Got Me" which features vocals from Jill Scott instead of Erykah Badu. While I love Jill Scott as much as the next R&B lover, I have to point out that she sounds like she had a few drinks before recording her vocals. Actually, it's quite annoying. Personally, I think this song should've stayed hidden, but that's just me. It's not terrible, but it's definitely forgettable. Other than that, this album is great.

Home Grown! Vol. 1 should be a welcome addition to the library of any fan of good rap music. This album is great for folks that have been listening to The Roots since 1990 as well as newcomers. Both longtime fans and newcomers will find something great on this album. I highly recommend this set (as well as Vol. 2) to all Roots fans as well as anyone that just wants good/quality rap music.

Standout Tracks: No Hometro/Proceed 2, Clones, What They Do, Double Trouble, Act Too [Love of My Life], Distortion to Static [Black Thought Mix], and Do You Want More

If you have never heard The Roots, do yourself a favor and dont listen to reviewers who claim that the group is overrated. Obviously, these people have never paid any attention to Hip-Hop and certainly not to the Legendary Roots Crew. The Roots have reamined at the top of the Hip-Hop world (creatively, not commercially) since their debut, Organix. Finally shaking off their "acid-jazz" label, Black Thought, ?uestlove (read: Quest Love), Hub, Kamal, and the Okayplayer family are making music "you can either fight, f*** or dream to" [(c) Common].
This compilation consists of two seperate volumes. Both discs are packed (78 mins plus each) with album versions of some of their best known work plus b-sides and rarities you havent heard before. If you only know the Roots post-Things Fall Apart, that is the first song you knew was "You Got Me" then you will appreciate the older cuts on this album, particularly "Good Music" (which is precisely that) and "Pass the Popcorn (revisted)" from Organix. Plus tracks from their classic albums (Do You Want More?!!!??! and Illadelph Halflife)like "The Lesson", "Clones" & "Silent Treatment" (a classic in its own right). Long-time Roots fans will appreciate the alternate versions of the disappointing singles "Break You Off" and "Don't Say Nuthin" - you will actually love these songs (especially the gritty "Don't Say Nuthin" remix) as opposed to the overly-commercial album versions. Also the first track on the first album is the rare "Proceed 2" featuring Roy Ayers.
All this is not to mention what is arguably the best part of this compilation (especially for die-hard fans). That is the the liner notes that drummer ?uestlove (the "Afro" that another reviewer has apparently only ever seen of the group) a true, honest music fan, took the time to compose. ?uest opens the listener up to the world of the Roots and explains the stories behind some of your favorite and not-so-favorite tracks (peep the "Break You Off" notes).
If you think a band needs platinum selling records to make a Greatest Hits album you are mistaken. The only thing the band really needs is top-quality music and a loyal fan base. The Roots, thankfully, have both.

WHAT!! This CD only has 9 reviews!!
that's crazy man...
Vol.1 contains most of their best efforts
and is way better than Vol.2
i think they made a mistake by making a title of this album too long (newbies might get confused and don't even know what it is), but This cd ROCKS!

Roots is a group I've loved for a short time, but one I'm absolutely sure I would have loved had I found them earlier. The first album I ever owned of theirs was Tipping Point, and the first time I ever consciously heard their music was on the video game Gran Turismo 4. From that moment, I knew I liked their sound. They rapped the way it's supposed to be done, with a lot of heart and style, and, which is the most important to me, they don't plague their music by singing about drugs or anything of that nature.

This collection is of the Roots best songs since 1994 (or '93, when you consider the independent track). It's great hearing their sound progress through the years, while also realizing that they've stayed completely true to themselves and their spoken-word style backed by jazzy beats. Because this is essentially a greatest hits album, made before Roots switch to a different record producer, most of the songs are good, especially in this volume. My personal favorite songs are "The Lesson" feat. Dice Raw, which is almost a straight rap to a simple bebox beat, "Silent Treatment," mostly for its beat and sounds, and "Act Too," featuring Common.

Still, even being a greatest hits album, Roots just aren't old enough as a group for some of their fans to actually need this album, or the second volume of this. The title is right, because it's a great way to introduce people to the Roots sound and style, but anyone who has been with them for a few years won't find much on these CDs, unless you're a collector. Personally, I loved the chance to catch up on what I missed, and I'd recommend this CD to people who want to find something new with something old.

What more can be written about the Roots.. Talent, Style, ferocity and integrity. One more classic CD well one of two BUY THEM BOTH.... enough said.

The Roots are one of the greatest and most influential Hip Hop groups alive......This CD is one of my favorites of all, at first sight this doesn't seem like a special album but it is. Every song is great, the lyrics from Black Thought are top notch and will definetley be heard in these times wen Hip Hop is left in the hands of F****** wack a** artists like Hurricane CHris, Lil Boosie, Webbie, Young Jeezy, etc........My Personal favorite tracks are "What They Do", "You Got Me", & "The Next Movement"......if you love Hip Hop you desrve to get this album..;...This album is actually worth yout money and please don't waste your hard earned money on stuff from these so called "new rappers" might as well go back to the classics.

Nuff Said. Go Cop it! Also do yourself a favor and get that Game Theory while you're at it!