I remember when Michael Franti’s first album came out in 1992, under the awkward name Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. He was trying his damnedest to sound like Gil Scott-Heron and Chuck D. I wasn’t impressed.
Even then, he was more alt than hip-hop, covering Dead Kennedys’ “California Uber Alles”... using words like “oxymoronic” and “agrarian”... rappin’ ’bout toxic waste and homophobia. But I wasn’t feeling his Bay Area hard-left vibe, even back then when I was sympathetic to such.
Well, Franti carved out his place in the music scene with Spearhead, a band with rock, reggae and funk elements that’s all about taking it to the stage.
I still wouldn’t call myself a Michael Franti fan. But he can put on a decent show. This December 2006 concert – uploaded by the Dutch website Fabchannel.com – took place at Amsterdam’s Paradiso.
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2 comments:
I love that you talk about all types of folks...when I was a teenager, I used to go to these certain clubs in SF, and Michael was always there. I didn't know him at first, but would always stare at him dancing around-I would always say to my boyfriend "look at that guy"...he had a wierd way of dancing; very loose and tribal, like an African rubber band, if that makes any sense. The fact that he was super tall made it even more noticeable.
Anyway, over the years I was not surprised that he became this international being...he has always had the charisma of ten people, even when he was very young...thanks for this post.
... he had a wierd way of dancing; very loose and tribal, like an African rubber band...
Well-described, IW, because he does that dance in the middle of this concert, with his dreads flying free.
Thanks for commenting.
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