Customer Reviews

Philadelphonic

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I first heard G. Love & Special Sauce at Penn's Landing on a July 4. I didn't know they had recorded until I heard G. Love on a Little Milton album, and searched amazon. I bought their first album and Philadelphonic at the same time. If you haven't heard G. Love and Special Sauce, you're in for a treat. The feeling of the sound reminds me of early Stones ("little red rooster")when Jagger was paying tribute to blues. G. Love and Special Sauce pay tribute to blues, hip hop, rap, even early Dylan (Bringing it All Back Home). Don't pay attention to those reviews that knock this album, they lie.

I have discovered this album 2-3 years ago during a trip to Canada ; since then, all my friends have bought it and it is in heavy rotation in all of our homes.
Do yourself a favour : go and buy it ! It is innovative, groovy, soulful, clever, and litterally shouts musicianship, great songwriting and band tightness (it's obvious these guys really play TOGETHER ; I went to see them at a show in Paris : wow !!! what a band, and what a show ... one of my best concerts ever).
In my humble opinion, WAY superior to "Yeah, that's easy" from the same band, which is a nice CD but nowhere in the same league than Philadelphonic. Again GO and buy it. NOW. Peace.

I've been a G. Love fan since the beginning... and I have to say of all his albums, this is definitely the best.
GLASS come well into their own on this album, as G's voice is at its peak and their unique blend of all kinds of styles gels perfectly here. They mix folk, hip hop, rock, and blues together seamlessly, while presenting grooves that just keep you addicted. There isn't a track on this album that I don't find enjoyable. And for all of you Jack Johnson fans out there- he makes an appearance on the album with the debut of his song 'Rodeo Clowns.' Jack did his own version of the song on his sophomore album, as well. Interestingly, this seems to be most people's favorite song on Philadephonic. Personally, I think the beat/rhythm is spectacular but 'Numbers' and 'No Turning Back' are even better. 'Friday Night' is also a great song- the hip hop feel makes the song unique.

DEFINITELY give this album a chance if you listen to any kind of alternative rock, indie, or enjoy a unique sound... you will NOT be disappointed.
And if GLASS make it into your town, go check them out- they put on one of the best live shows that I've ever seen.

With G looking a lot like Elvis on the back of this cd, things seem to be kicked into highgear on this outing, offering many lovely cuts that are some of the best songs the band has ever conjured up with their magical melange of rap, folk, blues and rock. The cd gets started on a good note with No Turning Back, a typical rock song, but tinged with the band's special recipe of sauce. Dreamin' follows up as an even stronger track. It's uplifting and merry, encouraging the listener "Dreams are like fish, you've got to keep on realin'." Roaches is another good track, serving as a prelude to the best song on the disc, Rodeo Clowns. This is the single from this cd, and for once, I could agree with this selection as the single. It's undeniably smooth and catchy and just really sweeps you off your feet into a dancing sunset party, "but the women keep on dancing with the clowns." Numbers is a spiritual track that I enjoy immensely as well. These opening 5 songs make up an astoundingly strong quintet to commence and sustain the music of any cd. The cd begins to lose steam a bit after numbers, but there are a few other good songs like the humorous Kick Drum, and Honor and Harmony. Philadelphonic, overall, is a really good record, and I think it's well worth your time.

and I say that as a compliment. This CD has everything- rap, reggae, blues, folk. There is a great depth to both the lyrics and music of every track and they really carry me days I'm stuck in the house. If you enjoy G Love's talent for putting a smile on your face and making your head nod with every track that comes on, then this is the CD you should buy.

G. Love is the master of rhymes for the summertime. Philadelphonic is filled with a number of bouncy pool party anthems as well as cool laid back lazy summer day music. The appearance of Jack Johnson is quite nice, and "Rodeo Clowns" is definately the strongest cut of the album. Other strong tracks include "Dreamin'," "Do It For Free," and "Friday Night." Granted, this isn't exactly deep stuff, but its really fun for breaking loose in the summertime.

It's fun to see how G. Love & Special Sauce have evolved since the release of their self titled debut in 1994. Philadelphonic is more electric, more richly instrumentated, higher fidelity, a fuller sound and the pace seems to be a little more bouncy, bright and fast-paced. The boys seem to lean less toward the slow laid back funky tracks that were released earlier and are doing more zesty uptempo stuff. While the first album had Philadelphia written all over it, the guest appearance by Jack Johnson, the surfy twangy guitars and the DJ scratching all give the album a much more southern california type feel. It's also really nice to hear a little more of G. Love's harmonica chops. It's a fun change of pace. Unlike most of the music that I listen to, G. Love is not music that I appreciate for the depth and mature musicianship, but its just plain fun.

It all started when a friend of mine invited me to see G. Love in concert. I was skeptical, I mean, G. Love? what is this guy?? But from start to finish, that concert was a toe-tappin, head-bobbin trip. G. Love's lazy singing and half-rapping is absoultely lulling, and the backing of jimmy jazz's easy-going bass and houseman's beats is fantastic. As a classical violinist branching out, I instantly loved this combination of blues, rock, rap and just about every other genre of music. The day after the concert, I purchased Philadelphonic, and I must listen to it five times a day at least. If you're looking to get into G. Love and the inimitable Special Sauce, here's a great starting point!

Wassup Customers? Yes G. Love & Special Sauce is my favorite group and I've followed them since 1994. I was waiting in mad anticipation for this album. Unlike some other fans, I can't say that I was dissapointed. Infact, I really love the album. Yes there are a few tracks that were unnecessary, but s'all good. G. Love tried to make this album cut into the mainstream, and get some songs airplay. I really love "Numbers", "Rodeo Clowns", "Dreamin'", and "Relax". There are plenty of other good tracks on this album too. I think any fan of "Yeah, Its That Easy" will enjoy this CD. It might take a little adjusting, but I think there are some very well done tunes and it has proven to be one of my favorite albums. Peace & One Love.

I had heard half of one track and thought "That's cool." a month or so later, I bought it on a whim, and was hooked faster than a new heroine junkie. I love the free flowing rhythms, the lyrics, everything. "Gimmie' some Lovin" and the hidden track are my favs

The album is one of g love and specials sauce's best yet. It dosen't stop, until the last song and then they come at you with a great hidden track. This could be their big break through album. I highly suggest purchasing this cd and check out their pervious releases.