"I wrote some whacked-out review of this album about a year and a half ago. I was stupid at the time...or my musical tastes were still in need of some serious broadening. Please don't stay mad at me for too long! Hehe, though I do deserve a whacking.This album is amazing."
Pretty sophisticated stuff
Philly Kristin | Philadelphia, PA United States | 03/06/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'm the only one in my crowd who loves this group, but I LOVE them. This is sophisticated, urban and whimsical ... given the hard, unforgiving edges of street life. But that's the charm of the music ... and it really is skillfully crafted, soulfull music!"
Slow Burner
Philly Kristin | 10/03/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I must admit I was a bit disappointedat first by this album, as it did not have the same accessibility as 'Come Find Yourself'. Where are the 'Scooby Snacks' and 'King of New York's? However after a few listens it grew on me to the point where it hardly ever leaves the CD player. The slower, more soulful songs particularly 'We are All Very Worried About You' and 'Back On The Block', give this album greater depth than the first album, whilst there are still the upbeat, rockier songs 'Big Night Out', and 'Korean Bodega'. Is there a hipper outfit around at the moment? I don't think so. P.S See them live if you can, they are fantastic."
100% Cool NYC Originality
jahsh_concurz | Newark, NJ & CT | 08/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fun Lovin' Criminals, one of my most favorite musical groups. Why? Cause they are different and talented, and strike some kind of chord when you hear their music. No, not like freakin' Beethoven or something... but their albums place you in the world of the NYC streets and you hear what they're saying and you nod your head "yeah I'm down with that". Its "chill" music. This album is great just like their first one. Its been more popular in Britain and Europe, unfortunately I am probably one of the few true fans of FLC back in the States. But thats alright. FLC isn't trying to be mainstream... they play what they feel, what they wanna tell. "100% Colombian" took a little bit to get used to, cause rythems are a little jazzier and slower here. But you'll love it quickly. Besides, you get these bursts of hip-hop/rock/blues anthems like "All For Self", you hear it and you just feel like your the boss. Well thats my opinion... be a criminal... pick it up, listen, and lay-back... feel the music. Ciao, Peace & One Love."
An incredible, unexpected, and nearly forgotten album
John T. Gray | New Orleans, LA | 06/03/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's been about ten years since I bought this album, having been a fan of their first album. Though the allure of their first album was much more of a middle-america gravitation towards style over substance. Not that the first album is bad, but how is a 6th grader supposed to realize how musically sophisticated the Fun Lovin' Criminals were when their videos were on MTV.
However, this album is something else completely. Upon listening, I realized that this is truly an anomalous band. On the one hand, they do tend to put forth a certain image of the cool, hip, new yorker who digs on the street life and says "screw the man", perfect for that middle america crowd. On the other hand, these men are incredibly talented musicians. It took me a while to accept that they had written, arranged, and recorded everything on the album themselves (save for the psuedo-sampling of Tom Petty and Marshall Tucker Band on "Big Night Out", and the collaboration with B.B. King on Mini Bar Blues"). The arrangements on this album are the most striking. The are incredibly atmospheric, shifting from barroom sound to arena to street sound seamlessly within particular songs.
In short, ten years have gone by and I have listened to A LOT of music of all different styles and eras, but I have yet to grow tired of this album, find it contrived or derivative, or think of it as dated. Do yourself a favor and pick this album up. You will be thoroughly taken by the sound and sophistication of these musicians."