Search - Speech :: Peechy

The Most Overlooked Release Of 2003!

retro_styled_crooner | Tustin, CA USA | 05/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The latest solo effort from Arrested Development refugee Speech is so cheerful, Big Bird and Ernie should star in the video. Close your eyes and you can feel the bright sunshine and grass between your bare toes; you may even be possessed to jump naked into a lake or chase some butterflies. Speech's positive vibe-flavored vocals offer a definite change of pace from the urban flavor of most hip-hop. Drum and bass usually play second fiddle to the jug man intrumentation in Speech's albums, but the underated songwriter successfully combines hip-hop, soul, ragga, alternative, and folk, which creates the type of songs most contemporary artists wouldn't touch. This is such a joyous effort you can blow bubbles as you listen. The beautifully composed "Love" eclipse's anything the "neo-soul" genre has to offer; it's a 5:33 track, focused on Speech's unique, but angelic croon, lush intrumentation (drumless) and a spellbinding three minutes of instrumental elegance. The edgy/funked-out "Crusin' In My Super Beetle" is driven by an alternative feel, pasted with funky guitars, hip-hop scratches, and Speech's fun-loving voice. The same route is followed (Edie Brickell meets Hip-Hop) on the catchy "It's A Challenge For Me" where Speech is found singing half-sung choruses and showcasing his lyrical wit. The spanish-influenced "Have Fun" may be the happiest thing since Sly & The Family Stone's "Hot Fun In The Summertime." The number is cemented with cheerful children chanting "Have Fun," and wicked five-string and bass solos from Ike "Za" Williams. PEECHY will captivate all listeners of all genre's. It's a record filled with positive messages and a sense of unity that brought to mind his days with Arrested Development. Speech is his own individual, rare, separate and extraordinary. His production is every bit weird, exceptional, and delightful, which is the reason this album fell into obscurity. Speech's sound is distinguishable, enjoyable and down-right fun and deserves mainstream acceptance, because he truly is remarkable."