Thievery Corporation's New CD Review
Radio Retaliation Mixes World Beats With Political Message
As joint owners of the Eighteenth Street Lounge in Washington DC, Thievery Corporation has collaborated on music for several years. Besides sampling music from many genres, the duo writes and plays its own instruments.
In a recent interview on National Public Radio’s World Cafe, Garza and Hilton discuss many of their influences and play a few examples. They also explain the concept of “outernational,” a word they picked up from the Jamaican Rastafarians. Garza and Hilton refer to it as a way of thinking about the world. Being a world citizen and having a consciousness and appreciation for other cultures.
Sleepy Wonder’s Reggae Style
Bringing their message of musical diversity, Garza and Hilton get help from Sleepy Wonder on the title track.
“Singin’ woooah now, we a go wake up the nation /Radio retaliation /It’s such a different corporation /We takin’ over your station/And we a go change the vibration.”
Wonder’s blends his signature smooth rap and reggae groove. Compared to the stuff played on commercial radio, the quality of this song and the musicianship behind it make the sentiment easy to embrace.
Femi Kuti Sings the International Monetary Fund
Femi Kuti, the Nigerian saxophonist and son of Fela Kuti, lends his horn playing and vocals on "Vampires," a satirical statement about the International Monetary Fund. It takes on more legitimacy coming from a musician who has seen the situations described in the song firsthand.
“If you go to Malabo /What you find?/Vampires /Lies and theft /Guns and debt /Life and death /IMF”
For such an intense message, the tune has an upbeat quality that is very reminiscent of Kuti’s father Fela who was one of the founders of Afrobeat music.
Seu Jorge and Zee Lend Their Voices
Getting his big break as the musician behind the Portuguese covers of David Bowie tunes in the film A Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Seu Jorge lends his vocals on “Hare Krishna.” Also credited with lyrics, Jorge’s warm voice stretches beyond his previous work on this recording.
Zee from See Eye puts in a compelling performance on the song “33 Degrees.” A dramatic opening with monk-like chants rolls into a complicated rap about shadow government and terrorist acts. The drum track keeps a nice beat while the keyboards add interesting sound effects.
Chuck Brown Does Go-go
Along with the thoroughly modern beats on this recording is a nod to the 1970s and Go-go music. Chuck Brown, a founder of the genre plays guitar and sings on “The Numbers Game.” It blends together electronica, a horn section and 70s groove on this funky tune.
LouLou Brings it Down
Harkening back to Thievery Corporation’s earlier mellow vibe is the final cut, “Sweet Tides.” It features the Iranian lounge singer LouLou on this hypnotic song where she sings:
“Sweet tides/Pools of love/Your eyes are full of...”
Overall, Radio Retaliation gives listeners a great dance disc with strong political awareness. The guests add dimension to Garza and Hilton’s compositions. Although the duo has a strong commitment to world music, the collaborators also give the recording an authenticity that makes its message all the more powerful.
Eric Hilton and Rob Garza
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