Loco Release date: 26th February 2001 (HCP #5)
Chrysalis: 531 471-1
- Where The Bums Go
Loco
The Biz
Run Daddy Run
Half A Block
Swashbucklin' In Brooklyn
Bump
Microphone Fiend
My Sin
Underground
She's My Friend
There Was A Time
Dickholder
Little Song
Buy It!
Samples:
In true FLC tradition, Loco contains its fair share of sampling. The most surprising being Gong's
Wingful Of Eyes, which is used in Run Daddy Run. Loco contain's replayed elements from Happy Aniversary by the Little River Band. The Biz contains elements from El Coco's Got A
Feeling. While Bump contains replayed elements from The Barkays' Are You Being Real. There Was A Time contains elements from I Don't See Me In Your Eyes Anymore by Wilma Burgess.Trivia:
The original title for this album was gonna be 'Lowisada' - slang for the Lower East Side (where Huey grew up). Huey originally wanted Shirely Manson from Garabge to do guest vocals
on There Was A Time. Unfortunately, she couldn't due to contractual restrictions. Collectors info:
Various promotional copies of the album have been in circulation. There are two full track DJ
versions one in a purple sleeve (DJ 531 471-2) and another "clean" version in a blue sleeve (CDJ 531 471-2). There is also a CDR that was circulated with some of the press releases that
comes in a plastic envelope and lists all 15 tracks.
NEW! Keep an eye out for a limited edition numbered vinyl soon to be released. In addition to
the tracks on the CD, you'll also get Everything Under The Stars. To ensure your copy order from your local record store now. Review:
The new album from the FLC, 'Loco', comes with a few surprises. Firstly don't be expecting the album to sound just like the other two albums - there's a definite development of style here.
They've experimented more and brought in some of their previously unused influences too. That said, I don't think fans will be disappointed. There really is a wide range of tunes here.
Opening with the raucous punk-rock number 'Where the Bums Go', an unusual contender for an opening track, it throws the listener straight into the mosh-pit. A catchy number that will have
you in the FLC mood without even trying.
The title track (and first single from the album) 'Loco' then smoothly chills things out and gets
you back on steady ground. This is definitely a theme song - expect it to be everywhere sooner or later.
'The Biz' opens with what I can only describe as slurry rap (sounds a bit like it was recorded
when following Huey doing some wine tasting for his column in 'Mondo'). If you heard this song live on TFI you already know what to expect - however the album version definately has a
rougher sound to it. A dig at the record industry as Huey sings 'nothings for free'.
'Run Daddy run' sounds typically FLC (if there is such a thing) with lyrics along the lines of
"you got a spliff in your mouth, you gotta light it up" and includes a nice bit of scratching half way through.
Things then get really laid back with Huey just 'Half a block' away from salvation/redemption
and he'll "be damned if he can make it that far" - a nice tune for having a smoke!
'Swashbucklin' in Brooklyn' livens things up and introduces a bit of electro-disco beat. But
essentially, this is your typical FLC gangster-style tale with the addition of some female vocals ("you're my superhero"). This one is bound to end up as a single.
The disco-esque tones continue in 'Bump' which is seems to be about a guy who meets the girl of his dreams whilst working at a gay bar.
'Microphone Fiend' - an Eric B & Rakim's cover - marks the second half of the album.
The disco style is still noticeable in the guitar-schmoove track 'My Sin'. "I take my sins down to
the street to be judged. And then I let it go." This has some classic Huey guitar and will be a real pleasure to see live.
'Underground' comes as a bit of a culture shock. A sad melodic tune where Huey sings "ain't got not guarantees and I know it's hard to see, but there's a little more to me". It seems to be
about those times when it all gets a bit much and you get a little sad - you can't be happy and smiling all the time - but don't worry, you'll put your happy face on again soon.
'She's My Friend' introduces a country and western aspect to the album (no I'm not kidding!) and sounds a bit like a ballad. Huey singing "they say I'm all fucked up, but I know talk is
cheap... she wont fail me, cos she's my friend... even when she hates me". Some fans are gonna be surprised with some of the tracks on this album - we're starting to see a more serious side in
the songs. This one, like 'the biz' seems to be about fame and is in line with what Huey has recently said in interviews about having people around you to stop the fame going to your head
and you becoming a dick. Anyway, moving on...
With a title like 'There was a time' you might expect some more country and western. You don't
get it. But what you do get is probably an even bigger surprise. Opening with female vocals and sounding like it could easily be remixed into a dance track, the track continues as it begins
except for a bit of guitar (a la Santana style) and a smidgen of disco at the end. This is probably the most unusual and unexpected track from the FLC on the album.
'Dickholder' kicks in with a welcome return to Huey's gruff vocals and a catchy riff. Excellent.
Unfortunately, as soon as 'Little Song' starts you know it's the end track - it just sounds like
one of those kinda songs! We're also back to the country and western/blues style. Expect this to be played near the end of any future live shows.
But wait! There's an extra track at the end - 'Kill the Bad Guy'. This is a fun little track from Maui Homicide 2000. Phew... good to see they've still got their sense of homour.
Gonna have to play it again now :-) Visit the UK official FLC site for audio and more details |