Philadelphonic [ENHANCED]

G. Love & Special Sauce

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 3, 1999)
• Original Release Date: August 3, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00000JQFU
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #52,594 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
It's not terribly surprising that G. Love and Special Sauce were tapped to fill in for Sugar Ray when the band dropped out of Woodstock '99. It's not simply because of the smooth, muscle-shirted frontmen, but also because the same kind of easy soul, funk, and rap influences wash over their stronger cuts. The calypsolike "Rodeo Clowns" on Philadelphonic feeds on that radio-friendly vibe, all sunshine and broken hearts. Unfortunately, that cut is one of the few high points this time out. While it's nice to see G. Love step away from emulating Will Smith, which sank Yeah, It's That Easy, the answer to stronger material is not to try and channel Jamiroquai through Love's nasal Philly-soaked stoner raps ("Dreamin'"). But even more than that, this boy needs to get away from spacey soul jams, and fast--"Relax" sounds like G. fell asleep with a mouthful of syrup and woke up in love. --Jason Josephes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yo, this is good stuff, February 8, 2000

By	C.Waite (Yuppie Philly Suburbs) - See all my reviews

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars go listen - this is a GREAT album !, January 2, 2004

By	Freviewer "derekw14" (USA) - See all my reviews

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars one of the best albums, November 15, 2005

By	mjr (nyc) - See all my reviews

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.