- Buy a CD or a vinyl record, get a $1 Amazon MP3 Credit. Limit one promotional credit per customer. Here's how (restrictions apply)
- Includes FREE MP3 version of this album Here's how (restrictions apply)
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special Offers and Product Promotions
Frequently Bought Together
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Track Listings
| 1. T.O.R.N.A.D.O. |
| 2. Secretary Song |
| 3. Apollo Throwdown |
| 4. Ready to Go Steady |
| 5. Bust-Out Brigade |
| 6. Buy Nothing Day |
| 7. Super Triangle |
| 8. Voice Yr Choice |
| 9. Yosemite Theme |
| 10. The Running Range |
| 11. Lazy Poltergeist |
| 12. Rolling Blackouts |
| 13. Back Like 8 Track |
Editorial Reviews
It s been nearly three and a half years since their last album, but this February The Go! Team returns with a new full-length, Rolling Blackouts. Frantic, seesaw brass stabs and delay-pedal vapor trails. Eagles riding the thermals. A call and response between a flute and a girl gang. Time lapse through the seasons in Yosemite Park. A ray-gun synth and a steel drum. Rolling Blackouts is epic and bratty, subtle and sweet. From the two-minute opening slammer of T.O.R.N.A.D.O. to the album s title track featuring Bethany Cosentino (Best Coast), it s all restless and relentless energy. Cosentino also lends vocals to Buy Nothing Day, a hyper girls-in-the-garage jangle, while rising Tampa rapper Dominique Young Unique dominates the psych hip-hop call and response of Voice Yr Choice and goes tag-team on the string-led space race of Apollo Throwdown. Deerhoof s Satomi Matsuzaki leads the way on Secretary Song, evoking an asymmetrical Tokyo office with elevators opening on the beat, typing in time and phones ringing in rhythm. With Ready to Go Steady, the Team delivers their first straight-ahead love song, a nimble pocket-rocket symphony. The Go! Team bust onto the scene in 2004 with the universally praised Thunder, Lightning, Strike. This homebrewed collage of meticulously chosen samples and trashy live instruments assembled by founder Ian Parton somehow found its way from the bedroom to international acclaim, casually picking up a Mercury nomination along the way. The follow-up, 2007 s Proof of Youth, was the first album recorded with all six Go! Team members (plus a guest appearance from Public Enemy s Chuck D and remix assistance from My Bloody Valentine s Kevin Shields) and saw the band embark on a festival-crushing two-year world tour that wowed fans and critics alike from Seoul to Sydney to São Paolo. For this new record, a widescreen-meets-C-90-cassette lo-fi epic, The Go! Team have upped their own ante, delivering a record that is by turns their most refined, most kick-ass, most melodic and most effortlessly effusive yet.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By Dr. Rock
Format:Audio CD
Some people enjoy track-by-track reviews and others hate them. If you're in the latter camp, just read this line: "It was great. Go buy it." Now, on to the in-depth review...
T.O.R.N.A.D.O. - The album opens with a jarring theme that sounds like what might be playing out of the speakers if you had tickets to the Superbowl in Hell. One can only wonder what the acronym stands for. (9/10)
Secretary Song - If they built a Chinatown on the moon, I'd imagine this song would be playing on the streets. It keeps the energy going strong. Thanks, Satomi Matsuzaki of Deerhoof. (8/10)
Apollo Throwdown - Continuing with the moon idea, the appropriately titled "Apollo Throwdown" sounds like space exploration music. Or perhaps music for roller skating on the moon. (8/10)
Ready to Go Steady - A J-pop song from the 70's? That was my first reaction upon hearing this instantly catchy track. (10/10)
Bust-Out Brigade - The standard Go! Team instrumental. Where would this band be without their Rocky-training-music anthems? I played an insane game of badminton to this track. (7/10)
Buy Nothing Day - The standout track of the album. Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast fame lends her vocals to the mix, creating a solid all-girl chorus, reminding me of what the Spice Girls might sound like if they were any good. (10/10)
Super Triangle - The second instrumental on the album sounds like montage music for a science fair. (6/10)
Voice Yr Choice - This is the album's requisite hip-hop track, and it brings the lyrics. I can't get the line "I'm his lady, pretty pink Mercedes" out of my head. Damn. (8/10)
Yosemite Theme - The third instrumental... well it's almost an instrumental. A voice comes in and chants at the end (you'll see). This is my favorite of the four instrumental tracks. It grows on you. (10/10)
The Running Range - Is this a well-produced tribal song? The chorus gives me that vibe. (6/10)
Lazy Poltergeist - This one reminds me of a well-written version of "Monday Will Never Be the Same" by Husker Du. It's a piano-only instrumental, but it's quaint and it works. (7/10)
Rolling Blackouts - If any song on this album conforms to the popular indie-sounds of the day, it's this one. Darker and grungier, this one sounds like the soundtrack to a weird 60's freakout. (8/10)
Back Like 8 Track - A rap-infused steel drum jam closes this album (unlike the previous two which ended in instrumental tracks). Luckily, it brings the manic energy we've come to expect from this band over the years. (9/10)
I think this might actually be a 4.5/5 star album, but I really want to see this band succeed on a massive level because they deserve it, so I'm rounding up. Thanks for reading!
T.O.R.N.A.D.O. - The album opens with a jarring theme that sounds like what might be playing out of the speakers if you had tickets to the Superbowl in Hell. One can only wonder what the acronym stands for. (9/10)
Secretary Song - If they built a Chinatown on the moon, I'd imagine this song would be playing on the streets. It keeps the energy going strong. Thanks, Satomi Matsuzaki of Deerhoof. (8/10)
Apollo Throwdown - Continuing with the moon idea, the appropriately titled "Apollo Throwdown" sounds like space exploration music. Or perhaps music for roller skating on the moon. (8/10)
Ready to Go Steady - A J-pop song from the 70's? That was my first reaction upon hearing this instantly catchy track. (10/10)
Bust-Out Brigade - The standard Go! Team instrumental. Where would this band be without their Rocky-training-music anthems? I played an insane game of badminton to this track. (7/10)
Buy Nothing Day - The standout track of the album. Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast fame lends her vocals to the mix, creating a solid all-girl chorus, reminding me of what the Spice Girls might sound like if they were any good. (10/10)
Super Triangle - The second instrumental on the album sounds like montage music for a science fair. (6/10)
Voice Yr Choice - This is the album's requisite hip-hop track, and it brings the lyrics. I can't get the line "I'm his lady, pretty pink Mercedes" out of my head. Damn. (8/10)
Yosemite Theme - The third instrumental... well it's almost an instrumental. A voice comes in and chants at the end (you'll see). This is my favorite of the four instrumental tracks. It grows on you. (10/10)
The Running Range - Is this a well-produced tribal song? The chorus gives me that vibe. (6/10)
Lazy Poltergeist - This one reminds me of a well-written version of "Monday Will Never Be the Same" by Husker Du. It's a piano-only instrumental, but it's quaint and it works. (7/10)
Rolling Blackouts - If any song on this album conforms to the popular indie-sounds of the day, it's this one. Darker and grungier, this one sounds like the soundtrack to a weird 60's freakout. (8/10)
Back Like 8 Track - A rap-infused steel drum jam closes this album (unlike the previous two which ended in instrumental tracks). Luckily, it brings the manic energy we've come to expect from this band over the years. (9/10)
I think this might actually be a 4.5/5 star album, but I really want to see this band succeed on a massive level because they deserve it, so I'm rounding up. Thanks for reading!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Tyler G
Format:MP3 Music
Rolling Blackouts is an album that's very hard to put in words, but once heard is pure genius. If you haven't heard of The Go! Team, they're an odd, yet amazingly good ghetto alt-rock sextet from Brighton, England. Don't let the European aspect fool you, however-their music is pure Americana.
"T.O.R.N.A.D.O."- The first single from the new album, "T.O.R.N.A.D.O." is an energetic, synth-powered three minute power piece. It's only an okay song, though, and not one of the best songs on the album. It has some repetitive verses, but it's an appropriate introduction to the album. 6.5/10
"Secretary Song"- Equally fueled by synthesizer notes and power guitar chords, "Secretary Song" (with vocals from Deerhoof's lead singer) is a poppy song that preps you for the real meat of the album. It's campy, melodic, and most importantly, fun. 8.25/10
"Apollo Throwdown"- One of my favorite songs on the album, "Apollo Throwdown" is a spacey and exploratory piece that is powered by old-school rhymes and a funky, yet steady keyboard track. 9.5/10
"Ready to Go Steady"-The campiest song on the record, "Ready to Go Steady" is a pubescent dating anthem that is chock-full of Sonic Youth verse progression. It can get a bit whiny, but it's another feel-good song. 8/10
"Bust-Out Brigade"-A Shaft-esque instrumental that lets you know that something's about to go down. Its high-school band horn verses are gladly remedied with lighter choruses. 7/10
"Buy Nothing Day"-A beautiful anthem with amazing harmony lead by Best Coast's Bethany Cossentino, this is the best song to showcase the attitude and style of the album. A great single that should NOT be missed. 10/10
"Super Triangle"-Another calm, exploratory instrumental with catchy melodies. Its supermarket-esque theme makes it a weaker track, but it's nice to ease you back in after "Buy Nothing Day". 8/10
"Voice Yr Choice"-An experimental, attitudey, almost-rap track with dynamic choruses and verses that is a very worthy pick. Energetic, ghetto, and empowering, and with an amazing, yet short bridge. The acoustic, scratchy guitar is also a very nice touch. 9.5/10
"Yosemite Theme"-Hands-down my favorite track on the album. Almost an instrumental, the solid keyboard riffs backed by powerful strings in the background make it something that has to be heard to be understood. And the surprise vocals at the very end make it an unforgettable track that will uplift the rest of your day. 11/10
"The Running Range"-Although much weaker of a track than "Yosemite Theme" (which should have been, in my opinion, the last song on the album), "The Running Range" is fun, determined, and full of attitude, like a lot of the album. The flute really gets you pumped, and is the best part of the song. 8/10
"Lazy Poltergeist"-A very calm, dark instrumental that is in stark contrast to the rest of the album, "Lazy Poltergeist" is a much-needed break from all the energy. unlike a crash after a sugar rush, however, "Lazy Poltergeist" is actually enjoyable, if you listen to the entire song. Hopefully, the track doesn't get overlooked. 8.5/10
"Rolling Blackouts"-Pure indie rock, the title track is another track in great contrast to the rest of the album. It has some nice licks and riffs, but unfortunately its sloppiness can weigh down newcomers. 7/10
"Back Like 8 Track"-A better rocker, the last song on the album (and probably the last song for another three years, because the Team takes that long) is a powerful acoustic jam track with epic determination. 9/10
"T.O.R.N.A.D.O."- The first single from the new album, "T.O.R.N.A.D.O." is an energetic, synth-powered three minute power piece. It's only an okay song, though, and not one of the best songs on the album. It has some repetitive verses, but it's an appropriate introduction to the album. 6.5/10
"Secretary Song"- Equally fueled by synthesizer notes and power guitar chords, "Secretary Song" (with vocals from Deerhoof's lead singer) is a poppy song that preps you for the real meat of the album. It's campy, melodic, and most importantly, fun. 8.25/10
"Apollo Throwdown"- One of my favorite songs on the album, "Apollo Throwdown" is a spacey and exploratory piece that is powered by old-school rhymes and a funky, yet steady keyboard track. 9.5/10
"Ready to Go Steady"-The campiest song on the record, "Ready to Go Steady" is a pubescent dating anthem that is chock-full of Sonic Youth verse progression. It can get a bit whiny, but it's another feel-good song. 8/10
"Bust-Out Brigade"-A Shaft-esque instrumental that lets you know that something's about to go down. Its high-school band horn verses are gladly remedied with lighter choruses. 7/10
"Buy Nothing Day"-A beautiful anthem with amazing harmony lead by Best Coast's Bethany Cossentino, this is the best song to showcase the attitude and style of the album. A great single that should NOT be missed. 10/10
"Super Triangle"-Another calm, exploratory instrumental with catchy melodies. Its supermarket-esque theme makes it a weaker track, but it's nice to ease you back in after "Buy Nothing Day". 8/10
"Voice Yr Choice"-An experimental, attitudey, almost-rap track with dynamic choruses and verses that is a very worthy pick. Energetic, ghetto, and empowering, and with an amazing, yet short bridge. The acoustic, scratchy guitar is also a very nice touch. 9.5/10
"Yosemite Theme"-Hands-down my favorite track on the album. Almost an instrumental, the solid keyboard riffs backed by powerful strings in the background make it something that has to be heard to be understood. And the surprise vocals at the very end make it an unforgettable track that will uplift the rest of your day. 11/10
"The Running Range"-Although much weaker of a track than "Yosemite Theme" (which should have been, in my opinion, the last song on the album), "The Running Range" is fun, determined, and full of attitude, like a lot of the album. The flute really gets you pumped, and is the best part of the song. 8/10
"Lazy Poltergeist"-A very calm, dark instrumental that is in stark contrast to the rest of the album, "Lazy Poltergeist" is a much-needed break from all the energy. unlike a crash after a sugar rush, however, "Lazy Poltergeist" is actually enjoyable, if you listen to the entire song. Hopefully, the track doesn't get overlooked. 8.5/10
"Rolling Blackouts"-Pure indie rock, the title track is another track in great contrast to the rest of the album. It has some nice licks and riffs, but unfortunately its sloppiness can weigh down newcomers. 7/10
"Back Like 8 Track"-A better rocker, the last song on the album (and probably the last song for another three years, because the Team takes that long) is a powerful acoustic jam track with epic determination. 9/10
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Music
every so often an album comes along that reminds you of the sheer hands-in-the-air joy perfectly executed pop music can bring. i've listened to the album start to finish 60 or 70 times now and each time it sounds fresh, vital and downright triumphant.
'rolling blackouts,' intentionally ironic album title[?] aside, is anything but. to the uninitiated, the go! team may be a bit to understand. are they girl group? pop group? 70's cop show soundtrack? cheerleading squad? the answer is yes. if it sounds like a convoluted melange of disparate styles, fear not. it all coalesces into some of the most beautifully flawless, melodic, infectious, catchy songs you're liable to hear -- in any genre. it speaks to ian parton's incredible dexterity in penning genre-less songs [or creating his own genre].
top to bottom 'rolling blackouts'is remarkably, and maybe even frighteningly, solid and consistent. 'ready to go steady,' 'secretary song,' 'apollo throwdown' and the title track are all standouts. but the real star is 'buy nothing day' with a perfect vocal delivered by best coast's bethany cosentino. in a just world it would be required listening for any aspiring song writer. it's a note-perfect exmaple of what pop music should sound like, at least in my opinion.
if there is one complaint - and it's not even really a complaint - it's that the album is a bit top heavy. ian parton blew is wad with the first six tracks with only 'rolling blacksouts,' in my opinion, giving the 2nd half of the album a corker as brilliant as anything in the first half.
three months after it's release it brings me the same joy it did the day it dropped. that's really saying something. hopefully it reaches the audience in deserves. if you're on the fence, take the plunge. it'll be the best tenner you spend this year.
kudos to you, mr. parton. you've accomplished the impossible. and i don't say that lightly, flippantly or with any hyperbole. you've left me with mouth agape and in complete awe. i salute you.
'rolling blackouts,' intentionally ironic album title[?] aside, is anything but. to the uninitiated, the go! team may be a bit to understand. are they girl group? pop group? 70's cop show soundtrack? cheerleading squad? the answer is yes. if it sounds like a convoluted melange of disparate styles, fear not. it all coalesces into some of the most beautifully flawless, melodic, infectious, catchy songs you're liable to hear -- in any genre. it speaks to ian parton's incredible dexterity in penning genre-less songs [or creating his own genre].
top to bottom 'rolling blackouts'is remarkably, and maybe even frighteningly, solid and consistent. 'ready to go steady,' 'secretary song,' 'apollo throwdown' and the title track are all standouts. but the real star is 'buy nothing day' with a perfect vocal delivered by best coast's bethany cosentino. in a just world it would be required listening for any aspiring song writer. it's a note-perfect exmaple of what pop music should sound like, at least in my opinion.
if there is one complaint - and it's not even really a complaint - it's that the album is a bit top heavy. ian parton blew is wad with the first six tracks with only 'rolling blacksouts,' in my opinion, giving the 2nd half of the album a corker as brilliant as anything in the first half.
three months after it's release it brings me the same joy it did the day it dropped. that's really saying something. hopefully it reaches the audience in deserves. if you're on the fence, take the plunge. it'll be the best tenner you spend this year.
kudos to you, mr. parton. you've accomplished the impossible. and i don't say that lightly, flippantly or with any hyperbole. you've left me with mouth agape and in complete awe. i salute you.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
GO GO Gadget Fun!
The Go! Team provide us with it all- soul, funk, rock, pop, hip-hop...
This U.K. six-piece from the artsy city of Brighton took some time off after their sophomore album... Read more
This U.K. six-piece from the artsy city of Brighton took some time off after their sophomore album... Read more
Published on February 4, 2011 by William P. Spicer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Back to the great "GO!"
If you're like me and loved "Thunder Lightning Strike!' but felt disappointed by "Proof Of Youth," you'll be very happy with this major return to form. Read more
Published on February 1, 2011 by Alex
Listmania!
|
|
