Spearhead
by Simon
There’s a post over at Uncle E’s Musical Nightmares (excellent blog – go check it out via the blogroll to the right) about the top 5 best albums of the 90s. Or rather his best albums of the 90s. Yours or mine will probably be different.
In that top five is the excellent lost classic Giant Steps by The Boo Radleys, surely one of the greatest albums of any era, never mind the 90s. But enough of that, I’ve posted about that before, and probably will again.
Meanwhile coincidentally I’ve been listening to one of my favourite albums of the 90s, after time away from it. Home by Spearhead.
Michael Franti had been in the ultra intelligent (and very in debt to Gil Scott-Heron) Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. They had been possibly more about the message than the music and were seen as super serious. Spearhead were more musical, more humourous, and super super funky. A fantastic live act, they managed to bring that to their first album Home. Funky as, and bringing Sly Stone and Bob Marley into the brew alongside Scott-Heron. Fantastic lyrics, great tunes and that funky band swinging into action.
I have to admit to not following them for a few years (I’m putting that right this week, so expect more), but there are some great follow up albums out there too.
Here’s one of the singles from Home, Of Course You Can. It’s probably the most commercial track on the album, but it’s by no means outstanding in comparison. An album filled with class funky tunes. Go search it out.
The Songs That People Sing 
Along with Consolidated DHOH were one of my go to albums, very powerful stuff, Amos And Andy being one of my faves. I forgot it was Franti, though, until you mentioned it.
Thanks for the shout out for The Nightmare, man. AND I would like to see an in depth analysis of Giant Steps…soon.
lovely to see the tunes popping back and especially this that i’ve not played in an age. they did a brilliant job at the sunny glastonbury i went to of being on before gsh who then never turned up so played on and on into the night. probably the last time i did yer actual jumping about rproper bouncing – wonderful
x