Customer Reviews

Siosos 1 (Clean)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I saw this group open for Common and Jill Scott last week and I loved them so much I bought the CD at the show. I could say that they sound as good on CD as they do on stage, but the recording seemed to lack the energy of the stage show. The CD is pretty good nonetheless. It's different from the other stuff that's out there (If I had to describe their sound, I would say it's a lot like the Fugees meets Portishead with a little of the Roots thrown in), and the fact is, there are some amazing songs here, like "Sweet Revenge" (the best song on the CD by far) and "Things I've Seen". Some haters might dismiss them as Fugees wannabes (great singer, mediocre MC's) but the truth is they are a lot more interesting than that.

After the onslaught of Gansta Rap in the early to mid ninties, rap has had very little direction. The current title holders, DMX and Jay Z, certainly can sample an upbeat track and lay out enjoyable tune. It's rare, though, that a true lyricist will come out of the scene, and speak of more than "spending cheese," and listing off girls he's slept with. Mos Def and Outkast come to mind as the most insightful, intelligent and talented rappers on any label, and I'm happy to say that Spooks follow along in their tradition. The obvious standout track on this LP is the haunting "Things I've Seen," a song that, unlike most multi-rapper collaborations (Nelly's Country Grammer, to name one) follows along a single thought line and tells a cohesive story. Aside from a little self referential name dropping and egoism that plagues rape (track 2 starts out with them professing to go triple platinum based on their name alone), this is a quality record. I urge all of you to put down the Juvenile and Master P CDs and pick up an artist who deserves to be heard.

Spooks are not bad at all-if you like futuristic acid hip hop. Their music reminds me of Digable Planets or yes, Fugees. When I first heard "Sweet Revenge" on the radio, ("Tried to use me, apparently don't know who I be.") I knew I had to purchase this cd. Ming Xia brings a mixture of Jazz, R&B, & Soul to the group. I really think by 2002, Ming Xia will have an album of her own. I am without a doubt feeling her soulistic style. Spooks as an overall group bring a new age/futuristic feel to hip hop. The cd is good, if you can appreciate a different style.

Soul Searching 4 Life,

SoulCatcher

The Spooks is the greatest thing to come out in the hiphop scene since after 2000. It's too bad that they are only more known overseas in Europe. People have to come around to understand that The Spooks has such a unique sound that not only does it takes your mind to a different dimension, but it also catches "That" mood that you're feelin. People might dismiss BookaT, JD, Hypno, and WaterWater(RIP) as good rappers, because of Ming Xia's extraordinary vocal skills, but the fact is...I know good hiphop, and The Spooks are some of the greatest rappers to be overlooked. Especially Booka T, he is a sickass rapper with great flow, delivery, and voice. Everyone is at eachother's level and they make music that's an experience of a lifetime. Just check out Karma Hotel, Thing's I've Seen, Swindley's Maracas, B***h Blood...if ya not feelin it by now...then your just like the rest of them inwhich "They Don't Know"

This is one of the best albums of the year! I cant stop listening to it. Spooks have managed to bring together a wide variety of influences to create a totally new sound full of intelligent thoughts, amazing beats, a phat live band, and the original flow of 4 killah mcs -- add that to the best female vocalist i've heard in years! SIOSIS is the freshest thing out there! Check it out, you wont be disappointed!

i just recently bought this CD and am extremely glad i did...i cant stop listening to it! This is true hip-hop...awesome beats combined with some real music and intelligent lyrics, which only a handful of acts out there have. This CD is very creative in every way. The songs actually tell stories and are about something other than money, drugs, and sex like much of the mainstream rap that is out now. last but not least...is Ming-Xia...their vocalist. Her voice is amazing! She harmonizes with herself on the tracks and brings out the beauty in the "spooky"-themed songs on the album. i could go on all day about how amazing this cd is, but than you would have to spend more time reading this rather than going and buying...so go do it now!

I bought this cd on a complete whim. I was pleasently surprised when I popped it in the player. The beats are interesting, jazzy, and dark. Absolutely not mainstream [stuff] on this one. The lyrics are dark and the flow is quite good. Not the best lyrics I've ever heard but the singing by Ming will just captivate you. She is like a ... siren!!![.] Her voice is luring as it pinches your nerves strait through to your soul. The cd is worth the purchase merely for her great vocals. But get it because you love progressive hip hop, get it because you want to support the quality and originality of groups that put out music for the love. Things I've Seen, They Don't Know, Sweet Revenge, Karma Hotel, Swindley's Maracas and the rest are all good songs, good music indeed. Dont Sleep! Peace

The Spooks have the best blends of soul and hip-hop and jazz. I have heard in along time, with hard hitting intelligent lyrics and excellent beats. The Spooks are great departure of what is currently in the hip-hop landscape. The great vocals by Ming-Xia really brings together the different rap styles of JD, Water Water, Hypno,and Mr Booka-T. If a comparison has to made with the Spooks and any other Hip-Hop group it would be the Fugees. This is a must have for the any true hip-hop fan.

1ST PT. To correct:Logan Puck's review-this type of vibe is not for you! You bought this CD bcz U liked the "beat" of the single? You should have bought a drum set! The Spooks, like Jill Scott, Maxwell, Eryka Badu, etc is Music 4 The SOUL! You did not comment on the orignality & the message. Stick to the 504 Boys. This is R-E-A-L hip hop in rare form. If you want more from a song than, "wobble wobble, shake it shake it" this will satisfy the TRUE hip hop fan(who listens to the words not just the chorus line)!!!!!!!

The song "Things I've seen" is not only lyrical but musical genous as well and cannot be topped by anything. This is coming from a hardcore rocker. So for all you non rap fans, you havent heard rap till you've heard Spooks.

-Always keep an open mind.-