CD REVIEWS
By Michael Swanger scenescribe@mchsi.com
Brother Ali
“Us”
Rhymesayers Entertainment
Though Brother Ali’s “Us” is fresh for the modern world, he seemingly embodies the best of late ’80s and early ’90s hip-hop with his ability to deliver understated, joyful instrumentation that doesn’t get in the way of socially-conscious lyrics that focus on unity, hence the record’s title. Think Public Enemy meets De La Soul. In fact, PE’s Chuck D sets the tone for “Us” with guest vocals on the opening number, “Brothers & Sisters,” complete with a gospel choir. The song’s churchy melody refrains on the closing title track, this time with guest vocals by Stokley Williams of the band Mint Condition. In between, albino rapper Brother Ali preaches about his time spent on the streets as a youth (“Bad Mufucker Pt. II,” “Best@it,” “Games”), divorce (“Tight Rope”), sexual abuse (“Babygirl”) and slavery (“The Travelers”) with brains, balls and hope. CV
(Brother Ali performs Sunday, May 2 at 8 p.m. at the Vaudeville Mews. $15.)
The Holmes Brothers
“Feed My Soul”
Alligator Records
The Holmes Brothers might record for the biggest blues record company, but their joyful melodies, gospel harmonies, uplifting lyrics and understated R&B instrumentation are so universal and so moving, that to limit them to a niche audience is a sin. In short, without The Holmes Brothers’ “Feed My Soul” in your musical life, something is missing. From the topical, yet hopeful songs born out of the country’s recession (“Dark Cloud,” “Edge of the Ledge”), to songs of heartbreak (“Living Well is the Best Revenge,” “Fair Weather Friend,” “Rounding Third”), to songs of love to get you through the struggles of everyday life (“Feed My Soul,” “Something is Missing”), the trio of brothers Sherman and Wendell Holmes and Popsy Dixon deliver “Feed My Soul” with their trademark taste, touch and soul. And that’s the gospel truth. CV
(The Holmes Brothers perform Saturday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Temple for Performing Arts. $26.50.)
