Journey to Anywhere

Ugly Duckling

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 26, 2000)
• Original Release Date: September 26, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: 1500
• ASIN: B00004Y6RS
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #129,915 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Although they hail from Long Beach, California, Ugly Duckling couldn't be further afield philosophically from Snoop Dogg, the MC who put their hometown on the hip-hop map. With Andy Cooper and Dizzy Dustin kicking simple yet engaging rhymes and DJ Young Einstein hauling out jazzy midtempo beats apparently dusted off from the late '80s and early '90s, UD are as defiantly throwback as the gold chains they occasionally rock. Add a goofy sense of humor to the mix and the nonsensical anti-jiggy flavor of "A Little Samba" starts to make absolute sense. After single-handedly attempting to resurrect the usage of the word "fresh" in hip-hop circles on their debut EP, Fresh Mode, this entertaining full-length picks up where they left off, staying true to the intangible essence of hip-hop while remembering to have fun. Now that's F-R-E-S-H. --Del F. Cowie

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most refreshing albums of the year, January 19, 2001

By	"1bigkid" (Sherman Oaks, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Remember Black Eyed Peas and Camp Lo's first albums? Well you'll get the same feeling when you hear this rather *fantastic* album. This is definitely an album that will be played in your stereo very often. It's not only a great album for those heavily into hip hop, but has enough charisma and strength to pull non-hip hop lovers as well. Far better than any Jurassic 5, this group has a diversified set of songs and styles.

While they maintain the style of the old school, with heavily sampled loops beats, and rhyme styles, the album is nothing but refreshing. Very few if any cliche, recycled beats. The DJ obviously did his work in making some fresh, interesting music. The two lyricists work well together. One has a more old-school style, while the other is a little more updated, but both keep a fresh, down to earth perspective. The beats are totally varied, and the album never loses its momentum. Production is well done and straightforward. I can't praise this album too highly. This is one of those albums that will draw you to it from being a good, solid album, from artists that are conscious, down to earth, and are strong enough to even laugh at themselves, not because of superficial tales of wealth, or even lyrical mastery. They are what they are, and you'll love them for it. GET THIS ALBUM.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Old School In 2000, July 14, 2001

By	Paul H. "rmj84" (USA) - See all my reviews

Remember when MC's could have fun on the mic without being considered "wack" and before hip-hop was labeled as violent and sexist? Ugly Duckling take you back to that time with Journey To Anywhere, their full-length follow-up to the excellent Fresh Mode EP. MC's Andy and Dustin don't get complex on the mic, but that's not what they're trying to do. Their humorous, clever rhymes fit the vibe of the album perfectly. Their unique production uses rare funk and jazz samples to give the album a modern flavor while keeping the sound true to hip-hop's roots. Give "I Did It Like This," "A Little Samba," and "Introduckling" a spin to see just how great these guys are. Hip-hop fans bored with the current slew of mediocre hip-hop being released should pick Journey To Anywhere up and have their faith in hip-hop restored.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars UNDERATED, September 6, 2005

By	joehiphophead (Kansas city) - See all my reviews

This is truly truly a wonderful album and dizzy dust and andy bring some great lyrics while einstein drops some funky beats in the vein of a Tribe Called Quest. When I first heard this joint I wasnt feeling it that much the production is a little different from Taste The Secret but it started to grow on me after a while and im sure it will grow on you to. If you are tired of rappers always talking about rims, hoes, guns, and money and long for that golden age of Hip Hop when it was all about showin your skills on the mic and just havin fun with the music than this may be your new favorite group.