Galactic, "From the Corner to the Block"

New Orleans funkateers spice things up with hip-hop flavor and guest rappers galore

By Andy Hermann, Metromix

August 21, 2007

Critic's Rating:
3

Galactic, "From the Corner to the Block"
From the Corner to the Block
Release date:
August 21, 2007
Artist/Band name:
Galactic
Record label:
Anti
Official Web Site:
http://www.galacticfunk.com/
Overall User Rating:
0 (0 ratings)
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Backstory: A funk-soaked New Orleans jam band, Galactic have a well-earned rep as a scorching live act, but a lackluster track record in the studio. For their sixth album, they’ve parted ways with longtime vocalist Theryl DeClouet and added a little hip-hop grit to their sound, aided by an impressive guest list that includes Juvenile, Lyrics Born, Lateef the Truth Speaker, Jurassic 5’s Chali 2na, Digable Planets' Ladybug Mecca and turntable wizard DJ Z-Trip.

Why you should care: Yes, hip-hop with live instruments is trendy right now (thanks a lot, Gym Class Heroes), but Galactic are no bandwagon-hoppers. They’ve been in this game for more than a minute, and the smoldering, vintage-funk grooves on tracks like “No Way” and “The Corner” prove it. For the most part, the group’s collaborators are in top form, particularly the baritone-voiced Chali 2na on “Think Back” and the always-amazing Lyrics Born on “I Got It (What You Need).”

Verdict: It’s a fine line between original and gimmicky, and on more than a few tracks here, the elements don’t quite gel. But when Galactic are riding a good groove and the rappers are on their game, the fusion of funk, rock and hip-hop makes for one mighty tasty gumbo.

X-Factor: Drummer Stanton Moore moonlights in another jazz-funk ensemble called—wait for it—Garage a Trois. Maybe he should leave the wordplay to the rappers.