The DirtyHeads Any Port in the Storm Review by Gary Hill
This is a unique, but tasty album. It combines reggae, hip hop and classic rock for a mix that’s unusual, but somehow works quite well. I have to say that this is probably an “edited for content” copy because it seems about to throw down some objectionable language only to have the voice go away. So, parents beware if you get this one.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2010 Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
Neighborhood
There’s a killer jazz vibe to this hip hop number.
Stand Tall This isn’t hip hop at all, but rather a reggae based pop rock number that’s got hints of progressive rock and jazz in the mix. There is a bit of a rap on the bridge, though.
Shine A cool keyboard bit starts this off. It’s a stripped down rocker with a lot of hip hop in the mix. It’s unique and interesting.
Driftin' The same basic musical elements we have heard to this point are arranged into a cut that’s part retro rocker and part hip hop piece.
Taint
A lot more of a pure hip hop piece, they take it out into some cool rock territory later.
Morning Light This is more of the hip hop meets pop rock approach.
Insomnia Sound effects and a rhythmic element are combined for this stripped down, but very cool rap.
Easy A cool bouncing electronic groove meets hip hop on this number.
Knows That I This might be the best track on show. There’s just a cool sort of retro rock element to it. The chorus is catchy and very tasty. There’s still some rap on this, but it’s only a small piece of the puzzle.
Chelsea With a singer songwriter element on the first verse, the chorus to this one reminds me a lot of Lenny Kravitz. This retro rocker is a highlight of the set.
Check The Level Percussion rules here, but there are some other intriguing elements. It’s definitely a hip hop piece, but there are some almost Beatles-like moments, too. We get some hints of crunch guitar here and there, too. The rap reminds me of Tone Loc.
Believe Acoustic guitar based rock music is merged with hip hop – and the merging of hip hop and rock is all over the lyrics to as this lays a tribute to the musicians that influenced this band.
Hip Hop Misfits An old school hip hop format makes up the tune, but there are some other sounds here, too.
Everything I'm Looking For There’s quite a bit of reggae on this acoustic guitar based pop rock piece.
