I got Spearhead's latest album, Yell Fire!, this week, along with Michael Franti's DVD "I Know I'm Not Alone." (Go ahead and buy it.) Michael Franti and Spearhead are pretty much my favorite band, but with their last few albums, it's taken repeated listenings before I really appreciated the music. At least partly because the lyrics, and the message Franti's delivering, are a big part of the appeal, and it takes a while to really take them in. And, of course, with each album, the music itself jumps in a new direction.
That change in the music makes it hard for me to describe the band. I can say it's music about resistance and peace - it doesn't feel concerned so much about protesting specific political issues, but, sappy as it might sound, love and community. The music varies between rap, rock, reggae, pop, folk, and funk. You can hear some samples from the band website here; and podcasts of past concerts at LoveIsDaShit.com.
In any case, I'm getting used to the new reggae-ish sound after repeated listenings to Yell Fire!; seeing the band play this past Friday probably helped. But if you're looking for an introduction to Spearhead, try Everyone Deserves Music first.
And check out the story behind Franti's new movie.