ODD JOBSDrums Record label: Third Earth Format: 2xLP/CD Release date: 17 September 2002 Odd Jobs are a well-known entity in the frigid state of Minnesota. An example of the expansion of hip-hop, the crew rocked open mics and battles, gaining respect in the Minneapolis underground. Already on their third release (their first album was in '99, Conflict and Compromise, followed by the 2001 EP Absorbing Playtime), the crew consisting of Komi, Deetalx, Advizer, Crescent Moon, and Anatomy are a different sound that encompasses live elements into their production and come forth with solid lyrics. One of the Third Earth family, Odd Jobs come clean and positive with their sound and style. The beats on Drums are very much the backbone of the album. The bounce of tracks like "Murder Plot Twist," "Hit’em With A High," and "Gospel" are funky head nodders. The story sequence of "Dream For Molle," "The Shopkeeper’s Wife," and "Murder Plot Twist" show the creativity of the crew’s writing skill. Tracks such as "Time Flies" and "Dry Bones" are moody, self-deprecating, and personal. Typical of Third Earth releases, Drums is another personal project giving a glimpse into the struggles and minds of the Odd Jobs crew. Few albums have combined a lighthearted, upbeat vibe with the depth and mood that Drums creates. Lyrically it is not the most complex or innovative, but Crescent, Adviz, and Komi paint real pictures with solid mic skills. Drums reminds me a lot of Peoples Instinctive Travels and The Paths Of Rhythm with its slightly off the beaten path concepts, simple introspective rhymes, and word play. They aren’t Tribe though, but definitely doing their jobs...and it’s an odd, odd job. {mikal lee (hired gun)}
|