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Rating: Black Grape, chapter 2/2.
Several months ago, I took the liberty of officially introducing this collective at DeBasio, and today I complete its brief discographic cycle with this album.
To cut a long story short, Black Grape was formed in 1993, shortly after the dissolution of the Happy Mondays, precisely by Shaun Ryder and Bez (members of the latter), joined by other members of the lesser-known Ruthless Rap Assassins.
In 1995, they released a fantastic album that was a real surprise, titled "It's Great When You're Straight... Yeah" (you already know the artwork, as it is also the avatar of the good Carlos), which offered a fresh and eclectic blend of Britpop, Hip Hop, Funk Rock, Alternative Dance, and more.
"Stupid Stupid Stupid" was released in 1997 and, alas, there were no repetitions... at least, commercially speaking.
Looking at the album overall, it's noticeable that the group seems relatively dull and listless on more than one occasion: the exuberant personality seen and heard in the previous album is missing. It's inevitable to make the comparison, as the thread it follows is exactly identical to the debut, in a drier and more lackluster version for the most part.
The production is simpler, with the abandonment of several exotic instruments that had characterized them (sitar and harmonica, among others) to make way for more Hip Hop tracks, with beats that undoubtedly leave much to be desired (examples are "Rubber Band" and "Tell Me Something"). Many tracks probably already existed during the recording of "It's Great When You're Straight... Yeah" and without too much effort, they recycled material for the aforementioned album.
It does, however, find strong points in its first part, with the captivating and hypnotic opener "Get Higher", a sort of tribute to soft drugs, "Squeaky" and its bold and drunken riffs, but above all "Dadi Waz A Badi", the most satisfying result of this effort, which creates a frenzy between Funk and Hip Hop bringing an excellent burst of enthusiasm.
Also worth mentioning is "Lonely", which is nothing more than a cover of "I've Been Lonely For So Long" by Frederick Knight, a certainly decent, genuine and easy-going attempt, where hints of a slightly different sound can finally be heard, with horns (saxophones, in particular) finding space.
In the end, it's a good album that's easy to listen to light-heartedly, but perhaps I'm a bit biased (in fact, I've rounded up the score). If you want to approach this group, I absolutely recommend the debut.
Given the halfway flop achieved and the increase in financial (Bez) and personal problems in general, shortly thereafter Ryder fired the rest of the members while they were on a promotional tour in 1998, only to reconcile for an occasion in 2010 and again in 2015 seemingly returning to activity.
The original artwork is very amusing, which included the addition of the so-called googly eyes.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 Get Higher (05:00)
Nancy is joining me because the message this evening is not my message, but ours.
"Despite our best efforts, shortages of marijuana are now being reported. From the early days of our administration, Nancy has been abusing marijuana on a daily basis and her personal observations and efforts have given her such dramatic insights that I wanted her to share them with you this evening."
"I yearned to find a way to help share the message that drugs open your eyes to life; to see it in the vivid colours that God gave us as a precious gift to his children."
I've got to be sick to be ill
I've got to take my smiley pill
I've got a ??? to kill
And it only ever done for the thrill
I've got to be groovy for the movie
I commit the mortal sin
I'll do it with a cheesy grin
I'm taking it on the chin
Oh oh
Oh oh
Oh oh
Oh oh
Oh oh
Oh oh
Oh oh
Gotta keep strong yeah
To get higher
Gotta keep strong we all got to get
Higher
Gotta keep strong yeah
To get higher
Gotta keep strong we all got to get
Higher
Higher, higher, higher, higher
I do monkies all through the week
Did monkies nine days' this week
But it still ???????????????
It took half an ounce just to sleep
I gotta get rid of this tweak
I gotta get rid of this tweak
I only got a week to peak
Still took a nine bar to sleep
?????? ???? no mistake allowed
?????? ???? to expand the mind
Coursing my brain, like a wild strange
Thinkin' aha lunchin' on time on a bowl a stir fry
Thank you very much
Gotta keep strong yeah
To get higher
Gotta keep strong we all got to get
Higher
Gotta keep strong yeah
To get higher
Gotta keep strong we all got to get
Higher
Higher, higher, higher, higher
"Drugs help us create love, and hope, and trust and confidence."
"Being friends to others is the best way of being friends to ourselves."
"It's up to us to change attitudes and just simply enjoy life to the fullest."
"And in the most important area - individual use - we see progress. The US military has more than tripled the use of drugs among its personnel since 1980. Tonight I can report to you that Vice-President Bush smokes marijuana regularly.
"...And there's one more thing - Nancy and I are hooked on heroin.
Gotta keep strong yeah
To get higher
Gotta keep strong we all got to get
Higher
Gotta keep strong yeah
To get higher
Gotta keep strong we all got to get
Higher
Higher, higher, higher, higher
?????? ???? no mistake allowed
?????? ???? to expand the mind
Coursing my brain, like a wild strange
Thinkin' aha lunchin' on time on a bowl a stir fry
Thank you very much
imsite
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