Customer Reviews

Ruckus

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

(Probably) Galactic's last studio album with Theryl "The Houseman" DeClouet features the vocalist more than any other release. "Ruckus" finds Galactic focusing more on tighter songwriting and less of a jamband sound. To me, an occasional fan of jamband music, this is a refreshing turn. I think jambands are fun, but after a certain point they can become boring and less meaningful (i.e. if you try and subsist on a diet of 7-minute-long solos, you're eventually going to get bored and they'll start to sound way too similar). Anyway, Galactic's tight new sound utilizes a few things that they hadn't dabbled in before; hip-hop sound (heavy drums and bass) and more songwriting contribution from all members of the band. The result is refreshing, new, and very successful. From the album's opening, the trademark Galactic instrumental qualities are there--great funk-rock guitar, keys, and fuzzed-out sax and harmonica. "The Moil" is one of Galactic's best instrumentals--if you've heard it live, you'll definitely agree. Songs like "Paint," "Uptown Odyssey," and "Tenderness" show a new pop sensibility previously unseen in Galactic's repertoire. A few of my personal favorites also include "Never Called You Crazy," "The Beast," and "Gypsy Fade." The drums on "Ruckus" are more beat-keeping than on previous, more jazz-funk albums, but they are solid and oh-so-funky nonetheless. Galactic also succeeds at trying different tempos and mixing it up a little with songs that are more like "instrumentals with a couple vocals." The bottom line: if you're a hardcore jambander who only wants to hear the same old 10 minute song with a long solo, Galactic is changing too fast for you. If you're interested in following a smart, creative, ass-shaking band into a new style which comes across as more unique and quality, go for "Ruckus." It won't disappoint, as long as you keep an open mind and ears.

Samey Purists: "It lacks the jams and good old-fashioned funkiness of previous endeavors, blablabla."

the Futurists: "Go listen to the old albums, then."

It's the same old debate any time a band tinkers with their sound.

But, as the album cover art nicely illustrates, one can follow the groove, so to speak, or one can branch out. Personally, I always found the grooves of Galactic a bit repetitive (nuanced, passionate, and infectuously danceable -goofy whiteboy style-, but a bit repetitive). If Dan the Automator (whoever that is) is the Man responsible for this change in tack, I'd like to give him a big pat on the back. This is a Galactic for the 21st century: one foot firmly rooted in the Orleans soulful soup of yesteryear and another foot stretching with digital tenacity for the Milky Way.

I've been into Galactic for nearly ten years now, and have come to know and love both their live shows and studio releases. While each seemed to build on its predecessor, this is by far their most progressive and risky endeavour to date. Ruckus represents more than a step, but instead a giant leap, forward in the evolution of this talented band of New Orleans muscians. From Stanton to Rich to Jeff and The Houseman, these guys have never sounded better. Air tight, nasty, electro groove funk with some of their best lyrics and balanced production to date, Ruckus has been in my CD player for nearly a week and I'm still hearing great new stuff every time I press play. Please keep it coming.

First of all,I have a lot of respect for these guys. I've been a big fan for many years, but I have to say I was a little dissapointed with this CD. I understand that they are experimenting with new sounds and effects, but in the process they've pretty much stripped away everything I've come to love about their music. Barely any solos by any of the band members. The songs don't have that great jazz/funk sound. They sound overproduced and too electronic. I like a couple of the tunes that Houseman sings, but the lyrics on most of the songs sound a little cheezy to me. I don't think that this is a terrible album by any means. I blows me away though, that anyone can say that this is Galactics' best album so far. Have you ever listened to any of their prior efforts(there's no comparison in my opinion).....

I'm a long-time Galactic fan, and I just don't understand how anyone who likes Galactic could not LOVE this album. Compared to every prior effort, this one holds together tightly from beginning to end. The only song I'm ever tempted to skip is the remake of "Tenderness", which interrupts the otherwise infectious flow and groove of the first true studio statement I've heard from the band. Prior releases were good, but were more a collection of songs to my ears. This has a new, modern, and consistent sound. Yes, it's a different sound that we may be used to, but every great band has to evolve, and I like where this is going. Ruckus still gets frequent play after over a year of heavy rotation in my iPod.

Get it.

I have been a Galactic fan for sometime and like many others, I get a little skeptical when a dramatic departure from the "norm" occurs. But in the this case, I'm sure I'm not the first to say that this is an exciting, encouraging and refreshing step into the latest chapter of Galactic. The group has really done great job at folding their bedrock funk with new music approaches and techniques without losing their trademark sound. If you are dissapointed that it doesn't sound exactly like 'Coolin' Off' or 'Late for the Future', your missing the point. This is not a repeat of the past and the band's meaningful funk is not lost on me. I mean "Never Called You Crazy" and "Uptown Odyssey", come on, this one works hard!

This album is the best CD I have ever bought! On "Ruckus," the members of Galactic really deliver. Though you can still hear the good old Galactic funk element, there is a new spin put on their sound by producer Dan the Automator. "Bittersweet," "Tenderness," and "Never Called You Crazy," are my favorite tracks. Houseman's vocals lock in tightly with the other musicians. I can't wait to hear these songs live! Not only is this Galactic's best album, it is one of the best albums on the market no matter what kind of music you like. This CD is definitely a must for all Galactic fans, and for anyone who wants to hear something new.

This album lacks the musicianship of their other releases. I understand what they were trying to do, but the cd is more about the producer than them. Little to no guitar, sax and keyboard solos and intricate melodies. Stanton must have been bored drumming the same hip hop beat through the whole cd. Just pick up any other of their studio stuff (or for that matter We Love Em Tonight) and rock out. Unless you're more into the hip hop scene and less funk, jazz, and new orleans style.

So much energy focused in one direction! The boys are like a hive-mind on this one. Each groove locks into the next, adding their energy until all the Funkbreakers are blown. On The One. Period.

What else can I say? This album is TIGHT! Fresh, but still very Galactic. Dan the Automator brings a ton to the table. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS TOUR!!!