Michael Franti releases new album – Yell Fire!
Michael Franti released his latest album, Yell
Fire!, this week. The album is made up of music
inspired by his 2004
trip to Baghdad,
and Palestine
to tour the region and visit the troops, his guitar slung over his shoulder the
entire way. He made a film about the experience entitled I Know I’m Not Alone, which he screened
at small theatres and yoga studios in
and San Francisco.
Having seen the film and Franti discuss it, I expected big things from this
album and was not disappointed.
Michael Franti is one of the most important musicians today. The fact
that he has yet to be discovered by the mainstream only adds to his cache, in
my opinion. His music is soulful and sweet. The arrangements and
production are creative and fun – a blend of hip hop, reggae and funk, making
Franti’s sound completely unique. What really grips you about this album
though is the inspiration that he brings to his music from these
conflict-ridden regions. Franti is a spiritual, practicing yogi (I saw
him perform in a NYC yoga studio) and politically involved. All of this
comes through in his songs, nearly all of which have some element of political
undertone, cultural message or spiritual plea. The entire album grabs
you by the heart and raises you up a couple steps. I’ve uploaded three tracks from the album here. Enjoy!! Download yell_fire_03_i_know_im_not_alone.mp3
Download yell_fire_07_one_step_closer_to_you.mp3
Download yell_fire_06_hello_bonjour.mp3
