Customer Reviews

Stage (2)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Man, y'all, quit hatin' on this record. Not only does this LP NOT suck, it has some very strong songs on it that that are more than worthy of Sweetback's stellar reputation. Some of you guys must be way uptight or something.

This record's vocalists accord themselves quite well; it is both wrongheaded and unfair to compare them with Maxwell and Amel Larrieux. Judged on its own terms this music retains the warmth, smooth groove, and flow of the first record and adds some extra instrumental flava at the end.

Every one of these tracks has something to grab on to. I particularly appreciate the phatness and flow of "Voodoo Breath," Mountain," and "Love is the Word," which is one of the best driving songs in recent memory. Turn up the bass, bob your head up and down and let this groove therapy wash over you like a thousand hugs and kisses while you're pleasure driving in the country and enjoying the trees, stars, and the landscape.

High quality African-matrixed music from some of the best groove meisters around. However I will say that the confederate "stars and bars" is not a fashion accessory, gentlemen. What are you going to put in your album jacket next, swastikas?

I almost let the negative reviews sway me from buying this CD. This is every bit as good and haunting, in some ways, as the first Sweetback CD. As one reviewer said, you have to keep an open mind. Matthewman, Hale and Denman never put out crap. Different doesn't mean that it is bad. In some ways I find this CD better than the first. Keep in mind that they are stepping away from the Sade band and doing something different. If you want Sade, then wait on the next CD-whenever that will be!

After reading the reviews I started not to buy this CD. Then I remembered how could Stuart Mathewman go wrong? bottom line - He can't, hands down he is one incredible musician and producer. Why would Sweetback repeat the same concept for a second album --don't we get enough of that in the States already. If my memory serves correct Sweetback originally started creating music for fashion shows. They constantly evolve -- thus the name Stage 2!!! I like it. It's a nice mix of music, yet it flows. So what if Stuart put in a few tracks to show he can create commerical music (Love is The Word) and yes it's about 3 songs interpolated however you still have to give it to Sweetback, THE BAND IS BANGING!!! What's the worse that can happen -- he'll become as huge a producer as the Neptunes! The difference -- the artistry, the musicianship, the incredible sound!!! ---and after all -- isn't that what we love about Sweetback in the first place?

These boys know how to own it. There is no album out right now that has this much groove & soul. "Voodoo Breath" is the mantra for the master's love, Chocolate Genius pours it on thick. This is probably the heaviest track and can get the trouble goin' on. The second fave is "Lover", ya'll know why... play it & lay it. "Circles" & "Sing to be Safe" is wonderfully cryptic and probably comes from Stuart Matthewman's film scores. Which leads me to the instrumental tracks, AWESOME! Sweetback has always made a brilliant landscape of sounds.
There is such a great vibe on this record I only hope the record company pushes harder than on their last album.

I have read the previous reviews that people have left thus far.I just got the album this week and am really impressed.I'm sorry if you others do not realize that musicians GROW !!! Matthewman,Hale and Denman are phenomenal musicians and in this day and age,thats quite RARE.Did you expect them to just pump out the same record they did 8 years ago.Maybe you people should just stick to the 1 hit pop stars that this sorry music industry just puts out a dime a dozen.This records has such style,class, and drips with talent.Appreciate their cd's while they still make them,because when they arent making music anymore you will wish they still were.Just listen to " Blue Heights" "Voodoo Breath" .In my opinon they are classics.Aya sings with every bit of soul that Sade does, and her cd Strange Flower is fabulous.Lets just hope it doesn't take another 8 years to get more music from these guys......Great record.Recommended highly if you like and appreciate well crafted music.Pure talent !!

For 8 long years I impatiently waited for the tremdous trio of Sweetback to return with some more of what they blessed the world with, back in thier 1996 sleeper debut. Knowing how distinctive, ecletic and brilliant thier music has been throughout the years from Sade to Maxwell to thier self titled project, I was expecting some of the same and a little more than the wonderful gem they released 8 years ago. However, to my dismay, this new album 'Stage 2' falls way short of my expectations as well as it's musicians reputation with creating unique and soulful music.

Much of the music on this album sounds flat, contrived and simply boring. The music on Stage 2 sounds more like filler than original music. Unlike it's predessor, Stage 2 doesn't carry talented heavyweight singers and rappers such as Amel Larrieux, Bahamadia, Leroy Osborne and Maxwell and instead, settles for less with bargin priced artists.

Although some of the tracks such as 'Jesus Girl' and 'Mountain' offer some glimmer of interest, the problem with the album isn't so much the music as it is with it's singers. Although Mark Anthony Thompson has a distinct voice and carries the music on this album well, Aya is the dominant voice behind this project. Although I like Aya to a degree, I felt it was a huge mistake by having her sing on just about every song on the album. Her singing is flat and clearly meant for more mainstream pop music within the likes of a 'Michelle Branch'.

Personally I feel that her singing doesn't go well with the unique and worldly sounds of Sweetback. It's like mixing oil and water. Plus, her singing tends becomes painfully monotonous after her third song, in effect...dragging some of the music down. And to make matters worse, Aya has Ivana Santilli singing alongside of her. Not to say Ivana isn't a good singer. But she certainly would have been the better choice over Aya if it came down to having one female singer on the album. Simply put, the problem I have overall with the album is that this is NOT a Sweetback album but in fact, an 'Introduction To Aya' album. And as far as im concerned, Aya holds back Sweetback's artistry and uniqueness on this album, within the fickle world of 21st century popular music. And when you try to compare this album with Sweetback's first album, you will clearly notice what I'm talking about. Sorry guys, you dropped the ball on this one.

Although Stage 2 is not better than the 1st CD, it's still a decent CD. If you're looking for "vintage sweetback", don't look here. In my personal opinion, Aya on the vocals is just as good as Amel (if not better on some tracks). To be honest, I thought she was Amel till I looked at the credits!!!! The apparent deviation from the trio's old style can either be appreciated or looked down upon. Altough not worth an 8 year wait, Stage 2 is still pretty good.

Hot damn... this album is off the hook. Kudos to Stuart, Andrew and Paul for puttin' the flavor back in my ear. Just about every song weaves a story and tells it with passion, courage, and levity all at once. Some observations:

"Voodoo Breath" and "Jesus Girl": seductive in that no-holds-barred, take-no-prisoners way. An anthem for the 'morning after', when both of you have a grin on your face thinking about the night before.

"Lover": Slow, steady rapture. Silky and transcendent. Lord have mercy. You'll know what I mean.

"Mountain": Cool, slick, and refined. Reminiscent of their first album. Sounds as exquisite and elegant as diamonds. That is, if diamonds were music.

"Blue Heights" and "Circus Waltz": Soulful, rough hewn gems. Must be listened to be believed. Film score virtuosity.

Even though I miss Amel Larrieux and Leroy Osbourne, Aya and Chocolate Genius complement the tracks perfectly. Their voices breathe poetry into the textures and nuances of this album's songs.

By the way -- if you're into dub and house, DO NOT miss checking out Stuart Matthewman's release 'X Amounts of Niceness', under his alias 'Cottonbelly'. Features both remixes and original tracks. Definitely not for the faint of heart.

AMAZING!! I wondered what these guys would sound like after an 8 year break. It is very different from the 1st CD (which I love).It is more song based this time round ,with a more edgy production. My favorites so far are Lover,Circles and Love is the Word (Which sounds like the song from Grease!).
The playing is amazing as usuall and Aya and Chocolate Genius fit right in.

I bought this CD and didnt listen to if for a year after I listened the first time. I initially didnt like it because like everyone else I was looking for a remake of the first CD but after a second listen I'm beginning to appreciate the CD and the musical talents of Sweetback. After listening again I got past the fact that this is not the original jazz/neo-soul of the first CD but good quality music none the less.

After torturing my ears with the new wave of brittany spears/ 98 degrees sound of R&B ie Chris Brown & Neo(sp) I decided to revisit my Cd collection and I gave this one another try. I'm glad I did!!!!!!!