Goodbye Country (Night Nightclub)

by

Groove Armada

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The duet of Groove Armada is back and their sophomore release is a much more mature and complex piece of work then their critically acclaimed 1999 release, "Vertigo". (Reviewer's note: I thought Vertigo was one of the best CDs I picked up that year)

"Goodbye Country" fuses a blend of soulful-hiphop, house vibes, dub-style beats, down tempo rhythms, and nicely orchestrated traditional instruments. This album has much more depth and width to it than Vertigo. While there are enough tracks that could easily be played at your favorite dance hall for pumping beats (Suntoucher, Superstylin, Fogma, Raisin' the Stakes), there are several tracks which are downtempo enough for those late Sunday afternoons and late night chill sessions (Healing, Edge Hill, Join Hands). What is most evident in Groove Armada's latest release is the variety of musical talent and cross-section of musical styles that were gently and delicately incorporated together.

This is probably the best new release of 2001 that I have picked up this year, hands down. Cato and Findlay won't disappoint. Set the EP speed on "groove" and enjoy. Moving in stereo - d.i.roberts

In general, this album wanders around looking for a place, and looking for highlights. The introductions are too long, and the build-up accomplishes a sense of unfulfillment. Meanwhile, "Superstylin'" is an incredible modern dance hit. It is a song that is guarenteed to make you get up out of your seat. Also, "Suntoucher" has one of the most perplexing and satisfying rhymes ever. Jeru the Damaja at his best, and that is a very good best. It also has one of the best beats in a rap song ever. It is the soundtrack to a modern, urban superhero comic, and it works amazingly. Perhaps the best rap song out there right now. All in all, I will give the Armada the thumbs up, but I hope they can give us more excitement in upcoming works, for their talent is evident.