The soundtrack includes an eclectic mix of gospel, Christian folk and bluegrass, none of which are genres I could describe myself as a fan of, yet it is difficult to dislike any genre when it’s represented as beautifully as this. The soundtrack won a Grammy in 2001 for album of the year, and I defy anyone who hears it to contest that this was not absolutely deserved! Without the music the film, loosely based on Homer’s The Odyssey, would lose a lot of its power as both a comedy and tragedy. Down to The River to Pray is an undeniably stirring track but is complemented by a total change in tone by the likes of Man of Constant Sorrow, a hit by the fictional Soggy Bottom Boys, a band made up of escaped chain-gang convicts.

Just in case you were worried I can assure you that George Clooney does not lend his own singing voice to the film, however he does reveal his hidden talent as a pretty convincing mime.

Ruth Wallbank

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—Everything Is Borrowed

The Streets front man, Mike Skinner, seems to have become even more philosophical than we thought that he could be in his latest album Everything Is Borrowed. Skinner has come a long way since his Original Pirate Material that allowed him the gravitas to become a respected and serious rap artist.

This album isn’t about fit girls knowing it, it’s not even about break ups or drying your eyes; it’s about altogether deeper themes such as religion, mortality and self belief. Skinner has brought himself to the forefront of British rap and proved to the industry with Everything Is Borrowed. It has an interesting mix of songs, with those that leave your mind boggled such as Flip Of The Coin, and those that leave your heart strings well and truly plucked, like The Strongest Person I Know. However, songs such as Heaven For The Weather and I Think I Love You More (Than You Like Me) show he hasn’t lost the insecurities that made the last two albums what they were.

Perhaps the album doesn’t flow like rap across the pond but its distinct vibe and poetic lyrics will leave you head spinning. It has been great to listen to the journey that The Streets have taken in the last seven years and this latest album leaves me wanting more. The man is a philosopher for hoodies.

Released 15/9/2008

Robert Henderson

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—L.A.X (Los Angeles Times)

The third album from The Game combines the traditional West Coast sound of the first album with club beats of modern hip-hop. Progressing naturally from his previous two albums, the start is strong but hardly new territory. Further on into the track listing however, The Game’s attempt to branch out leaves much to be desired.

The production is solid with technical quality which sounds full and deep. A varied sound is the result of an extensive production team, complemented by featuring artists representing the wider genres with Travis Barker’s intense drumming on Dope Boys and Lil Wayne’s distinct chorus in My Life. An authentic hip-hop sound is held down by established rappers Ice Cube and Raekwon. Although the album boasts a plethora of featuring artists the fusion has mixed results.

This is an accessible third album, hardly groundbreaking but high quality. It certainly lacks the depth of the Doctors Advocate, but maintains a refreshing simplicity throughout.

Richard Kelly
Jamie Hawkins
Josh Parker

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