Any list of the tightest bands in the world would be incomplete if it didn't include The Roots.
The endlessly versatile Philadelphia-based hip hop crew are equally at home going on extended jazz runs — as was heard to notable effect during "Mellow My Man" early on in the ACL set on Saturday evening — or in the day job serving as the house band for Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, or backing seemingly everybody from Jay-Z to John Legend when they want some live-band cred for a record, or recording a nigh-endless string of essential albums of their own.
In any case, there weren't a lot of tubas on stage at ACL, but it's guaranteed that none were funkier than the one featured in The Roots' set. Which is the point: It takes a band whose tightness is unquestioned, and whose versatility can be taken for granted, to pull off what The Roots accomplished onstage on Saturday.
On record, The Roots have settled into a role as hip hop's conscience. They're elder statesmen releasing records like last year'sUndun, a concept album about a murdered teen from the Philly projects, and which was the latest in a string of socially-aware albums.
Live, though, it's a different story. This is a high-energy party band, and it makes them an explosive festival act. Drummer ?uestlove (who played Saturday with his iconic afro braided down into cornrows) barely so much as lowered his sticks; a horny song like the 2003 single "Break You Off" flows effortlessly into 1997's hymn of romantic devotion, "You Got Me," and that song's minor-key guitar line still somehow seems designed to get heads nodding and hands in the air.
It takes that sort of greatness to pull off some of the left-field moves the band went for. An extended tuba solo during a hip hop show is one thing; the band launching into a cover of Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine" is another, but what the hell? We're partying out here!
It's the rare hip hop show these days where the emcee doesn't need to so much as address the audience to get them to put their hands in the air and wave 'em like they don't care 45 minutes into the set.
But that's what The Roots have been able to deliver for almost two decades now, and they don't show any signs of slowing down.
Paper Sister to play single release show at Hole in The Wall
April has arrived and along with it comes some absolutely lovely weather. And a lot of pollen. Disregard the attack on your allergies though, and get out there for some of the great local shows happening in the first half of the month. See here for recommendations.
Stella And The Very Messed at Tweedy’s – Friday, April 3 Get yourself to Tweedy’s this Friday, April 3, for a free show that will feature Stella And The Very Messed, French Teacher, and Ewe. By the way, in case you missed it last year, Stella And The Very Messed released a solid album titled Big Familiar.
Plum Creek Records & Tapes 3rd Anniversary – Saturday, April 4 Take a little trip down to Lockhart on Saturday, April 4, to celebrate a couple of anniversaries. Plum Creek Records & Tapes will be ringing in its third year of existence, and Bill Baird will be on hand to perform his album {{{ SUNSET }}}, which is turning 20. This is a free event that will run from noon to 4pm.
Cactus Lee at Moontower Saloon – Wednesday, April 8 Country stalwart Cactus Lee, who has a new album titled Lee’s Dream coming out on April 10, will play the Moontower Saloon on Wednesday, April 8. Jon Muq is on the bill as well. Tickets are $20 and proceeds will go to the Sun Radio Foundation.
Paper Sister at Hole In The Wall – Friday, April 10 Upstart indie rockers Paper Sister will put out a new single on Friday, April 10, and then celebrate its release on that same date at Hole In The Wall. Cheetah Cheetah and Tough On Fridays round out the lineup. Tickets are $12.76.
Alex Reigelman at Chess Club – Friday, April 10 “I Forgot Myself” is the title of Alex Reigelman’s new single, and it’s due out on Friday, April 10. On that same night, you can see him perform at Chess Club alongside Specific Thing and Quinn Decker And The LLC, who recently dropped a noteworthy album titled The Second Greatest Depression. Cover will be $10 at the door.
Eulogy Of The Independent Zine at Hotel Vegas – Saturday, April 11 Head to Hotel Vegas on Saturday, April 11, for Eulogy of the Independent Zine, a “gathering of local publishers, artists, and collectives shaping the future of independent media.” There’s a lineup topped by Night Ritualz, who just put out an excellent album titled Time Is A Thief, plus Joan Dark, CRVO, and Careabout. You can also expect special merch, drink specials, and more. Tickets are $13.54.
The RootsPhoto by Jessica Pages
Photo by Jessica Pages
Photo by Jessica Pages
Photo by Jessica Pages
