Unclassified [ENHANCED]

Robert Randolph

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 5, 2003)
• Original Release Date: August 5, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: WEA/Reprise
• ASIN: B0000A4GC9
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (80 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,238 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Is this a big-tent revival? A funky throwdown? A jam-band juggernaut? Unclassified is all that, and so much more. The story of Robert Randolph is Hollywood-issue: kid from the gritty Jersey streets is saved from the bad life by playing steel guitar in a House of God Church. Of course, it wouldn't mean a thing if the guy couldn't play, but he can really tear it up. By updating the sacred-steel tradition with heavy doses of blues, funk, and rock, he's not only emerged with his own sound, but he's brought the music full circle, returning those pop-music styles to their gospel roots. The disc reaches some terrific heights from the very start with a fiery trio of opening songs: "Going in the Right Direction," "I Need More Love," and "Nobody" are joyous, uplifting romps brimming with the fervor of gospel music. Four instrumentals show the breadth of the sound, from the country-tinged "Squeeze" to the modal and slightly spaced-out "Calypso" to the scorching gospel-infused closer "Run for Your Life." A couple of the slower tunes impede the album's momentum, but at its best Unclassified comes awfully close to capturing the intensity of the Family Band's live shows--which is no small feat indeed. --Marc Greilsamer

Product Description
This debut studio album resurrects the spiritual fervor of gospel, gutbucket soul of the blues, earthy power of R&B and raucous energy rock. Led by pedal steel guitarist Randolph, who has been compared to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Duane Allman and Jimi Hendrix. Enhanced with behind the scenes footage. Digipak. Warner Bros 2003.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great CD - mixes funk, blues, a little Hendrix, and SRV, September 19, 2003

By	Chris Hohne (Edmond, Oklahoma USA) - See all my reviews

I first heard of Robert Randolph when I saw them on David Letterman. I wasn't intending to stay up and watch the musical guest as I had never heard of them. But I was still awake when they came on and I was blown away. I Need More Love was the song they performed and it was great. I looked up more info on this group and now I have both Unclassified and Live at the Wetlands in my collection. This CD doesn't have the "power" of the live CD, but it is plenty good. It's one of the few I can put in and play straight through without skipping any songs.

This is a unique blend of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Allman Brothers, and lots of funk and blues. And the blend works very well in my opinion. This CD goes from upbeat to slow blues and everything in between.

44 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who were the real stars of the Grammy "funk" jam?, February 8, 2004

By	souldrummer (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

Yep, Robert Randolph and the Family Band had a breakout performance tonight at the Grammys. Samuel L. Jackson and his preacher thing went a little overboard for me. EWF and Outkast were okay. George Clinton was cool by me until I starts ripping Lil' John! George! Why imitate!

I digress.

In the middle of all this Grammy supergroup shanigans many in our great nation were introduced to Robert Randolph and the Family Band. "I Need More Love" was tight performance of what they represent. Positive, church inspired, funk music with blistering jam band talent. Very, very rare that we hear anything that sounds fresh, new or an extension upon the foundations of black music rather than a recapitulation of established norms. These guys are the real deal. The music will raise your spirits. The talent will awe you at times. Acoustic music with power, fire, technique, soul, love, heart, courage, and power.

That's we need today, and that's what you should purchase.

Support great musicians and cop this album!

5 stars

--SD

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars No sophomore jinx for RRFB, August 5, 2003

By	Andre M. "brnn64" (Mt. Pleasant, SC United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Excellent followup for Robert Randolph and the Family Band's underground classic "Live at the Wetlands." Those who liked that CD will be pleased with this one. Most of this consists of tunes that this excellent group has been performing live over the last year, like "Run For Your Life," "Good Times," and "Squeeze." Once again, John Ginty plays the heck out of his organ and Marcus Randolph and Danyel Morgan in fine support (though it would be nice if this one had more of Danyel's soaring vocals).

Overall, this is good stuff, particularly the songs that I have just mentioned. Real get-up and go music with a positive energy not often found in tunes of recent times. "Soul Refershing" is simply beautiful and "Smile" is interesting (Robert's sister Lenesha does the vocals here). "Calypso" (not to be confused with the Harry belafonte tune of the same name) is an interesting novelty. A few of the songs (like "I Need More Love") are somewhat lacking in the right mix of melody and energy that characteris\zes this group-but a so-so song from these guys are better than the best of a lot of what's out there now!

I would suggest that those who may be interested in this start with "Live at the Wetlands" before going on to "Unclassified." That will give you a better preperation for this. Then pick up "The Word" (RR without the Family Band) and the "Sacred Steel" Cds after you listen to "Unclassified." Then see these guys live and you will have hope for the future of American popular music.