Bad Fathers

CD review by Vinnie Baggadonuts

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Every time I listen to this disc, I feel like I'm listening to a movie. The music is sweeping and atmospheric, shifting from mood to mood. Then the beats enter these atmospheres, marrying into them like co-dependent fiancées. Now your head’s bobbing to a swirling, sonic, cinematic landscape. And you’re confused: this could be on the radio, couldn't it? Or is it too underground? You can’t figure it out.

Maybe the emcees can help you decide. Governor Auto Funkstar, Juan Hooks, and Cousin (with frequent appearances from Animosity) seem to possess a versatility similar to their producer, Jethro-- you can’t figure out if these dudes are on a Clear Channel playlist, or relegated to your college radio station. They have skills, no doubt about it, and switch up their delivery to match the mood of each song. But how can they bounce from straight-up fun ("Bring Me The Pussy", "32 Ravers And Then Some") to no bullshit seriousness ("The Gangster", and the chilling "Mob Music") without making the album sound off balance?

That’s exactly why I can’t stop listening to this. It’s got all the uninhibited creative freedom typically found in underground hip-hop, without all the pretentious, artsy, "weird for weird's sake" bullshit I can’t stand. It also has the addictive catchiness of every single Kanye West copycat clogging up your radio waves, without the lack of substance that most hit-makers suffer from.

And it’s from Iowa. After becoming addicted to Tack Fu last month, and hearing this this month, I’m keeping my eye on that state. There’s something going on there that the world needs to be paying attention to. Chalk another one up for the Midwest.

If you want to hear some interesting, quality hip-hop, do yourself a favor and pick up this record.

http://www.tlchicken.com/view_story.php?ARTid=2555

- Tastes Like Chicken.com

At 11:30 p.m., the crowd of more than 300 gathered to witness the first
segment of the show - a performance by funk/hip-hop band the Bad Fathers.

In addition to its unusual stage name, the group was surprisingly talented -
you could see the passion seeping out of the members' bodies while they
performed.

From the keyboard player to the drummer to the guitar player to
the two heavily tattooed and pierced frontmen, the group gave it all they
had in each song, featuring sex and twisted relationships.

The most impressive segment of the performance came when they freestyled without
music.


Brandon Campbell





- The Daily Iowan