![The Inevitable Rise and Liberation Of Niggy Tardust]({"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71v-v96PUaL._SX466_.jpg":[466,466],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71v-v96PUaL._SX425_.jpg":[425,425],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71v-v96PUaL._SX522_.jpg":[522,522],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71v-v96PUaL._SY355_.jpg":[355,355],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71v-v96PUaL._SY450_.jpg":[450,450]})
I have to thank Nike. Not for a pair of shoes but because I may never have heard of Saul Williams without Nike's use of "List of Demands" in their "My Better" advertising campaign. That song, included here and on his self-titled album, instantly captivated me and revealed I was missing something special.
Saul Williams has a remarkable talent for wordplay that can suck you in and not let go. Thankfully, he is intelligent and socially aware enough to use that talent to deliver a message. Add to that a knack for laying down infectious rhythms (thanks also go to Trent Reznor and CX KiDTRONiK for this latest release), and you have two remarkable records (I have not yet heard and therefore cannot comment on "Amethyst Rock Star").
Saul's latest release is a great mix of industrial rock and hip-hop. He sings, he raps, he speaks. Ambitiously, he creates a new persona in Niggy Tardust. The obvious reference is to David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust. But because that was before my time, I relate it to Bono of U2 and the different characters he has portrayed on tour. I think the idea is genius and the potential is limitless.
Some random thoughts about the music... Adding another reason to think of U2's Bono is the cover of "Sunday Bloody Sunday". Saul stays more true to the original than I imagined he would, but he still makes it his own. It is a remarkable cover. Sampling Public Enemy in "Tr(n)igger" was done to great effect - it was great hearing Flav (before he became a caricature of himself) and Chuck D. I was reminded of Jonathan Davis of Korn on "Break" ("let it out, blow it out, spit it out, get it out"). "DNA" features Saul's voice synthesized to wicked effect. Top to bottom, the album has infectious rhythms and powerful lyrics.
I wrestled somewhat with a four or five-star rating. Certainly a couple songs are not on par with the rest in my opinion. But at more than 70 minutes in length featuring 20 songs, he has given us a lot of material to enjoy. Finally, while listening to the album and considering it, I heard the following line, "F*** the bull**** whether from the Hill or from the pulpit". As long as Saul Williams is intent on verbally assaulting us out of our slumber, I'll strike what I might characterize as lesser songs up to taste.
- Audio CD (July 8, 2008)
- Original Release Date: July 8, 2008
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Explicit Lyrics
- Label: Universal Music Group
- Run Time: 69 minutes
- ASIN: B00197U0VM
- Average Customer Review: 27 customer reviews
-
Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
#139,796 in CDs & Vinyl (See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl)
- #3945 in Pop Rap (CDs & Vinyl)
- #10139 in R&B (CDs & Vinyl)
- #58555 in Rock (CDs & Vinyl)
Would you like to tell us about a lower price?
If you are a seller for this product, would you like to suggest updates through seller support?
If you are a seller for this product, would you like to suggest updates through seller support?
