Scritti Politti Album: “Anomie & Bonhomie”

Description :

Personnel: Green Gartside (vocals, various instruments, guitar, E-bow, scratches); Me'shell Ndegeocelo (vocals, bass); Mos Def, Lee Majors, Jimahl, Redcloud (vocals); Allen Cato, Wendy Melvoin (guitar); Vere Isaacs, David Dyson, David Gamson (bass); Abe Laboriel, Jr., Juju House (drums). <p>Recorded at Baby Monster Studios, New York, New York and Ocean Way Studios, Los Angeles, California. <p>After a nearly eight-year hiatus, Scritti Politti returned to release an album in 1999, an event that seemed as unlikely as seeing Kevin Rowland in hold-up stockings. However, like Rowland and David Sylvian, Green Gartside risked his credentials as an '80s icon for an additional postscript in the '90s. ANOMIE & BONHOMIE, Scritti's fourth album, suggests that the times had changed more than Gartside. But glossy pop will never be out of fashion and nobody did it with as much verve as Scritti on CUPID AND PSYCHE '85. Although not quite on par with its predecessor, ANOMIE & BONHOMIE is well worth the wait, especially when it ventures to extremes. <p>Reminiscent of the polished PROVISION, "Umm" bursts at the seams with ideas, and "Here Come July" is a gleeful new-wave rush. Conversely, "First Goodbye" is as unashamedly tear-soaked as "Oh Patti" 10 years before, and "Brushed With Oil, Dusted With Powder" is an opulent swoon that namechecks Highbury Fields and Hollywood. Such contrasting perspectives lie at the heart of the highlight--"Tinseltown to the Boogiedown"--where the youthful rapping talents of Mos Def, Lee Majors, and Me'Shell Ndegeocello are enlisted for a moment of irresistibly funky pop.

Finally, a pop CD that makes you think about the music! Green can't do too much wrong in my opinion (he did stumble a little with Provision but that's another review). The 80's slickness is there with a lot of NYC grit and the combination works. Everything about A&B works! Green's lyrics and impossibly glossy vocals are in great form. But the instrumentation, especially the guitar, is teriffic! A&B reminds me of an updated version of Songs To Remember (SP's first album). The same collage of influences and styles is there and there's the "live band" feel. You gotta get this! NB: A&B may prove to be an initial challenge to the obstinate C&P SP fan but A&B marks Green's growth as artist.

Ok,ok I've seen the other reviews and I'm inclined to disagree with too much rap in here.I think Green has a substantial amount of singing in this cd which is a fair amount equal to the rap.Actually I thought it was going to be rap all the way through.My favorites are "Umm","First Goodbye","Mystic Handyman" and "Born to Be".With all of these songs you will find that Green Gartside can really get to the core of things just listen to the lyrics.I thought it was fantastic hearing from him and it's been way to long.Even though this was an import and the American fans had to wait so long to get it,it was well worth my money.I recommend it.Anyway he shows he doesn't and isn't a thing of the past anymore he's among us going into the new millenium.

Many reviewers here have complained that this CD doesn't sound like Scritti Politti. But when has Scritti Politti ever stuck to one style? Before the synth-heavy new wave of "Cupid and Psyche" and "Provision", there was the experimental punk-pop now collected on "Early" and the acoustic alternasoul of "Songs to Remember". Why would anyone expect a new album from Scritti to sound anything like what had come before? This is filled with incredibly catchy, funky songs that constantly take unexpected musical turns. "Umm", "Die Alone", "The World You Understand..." and "Here Come July" are particular standouts. If you don't like hip-hop, you may get tired of the guest rappers (who are hardly as ubiquitous as some reviewers have complained) -- but I'm not such a hip-hop fan either, and I really enjoy the rap numbers on this CD. Given how cheap it is to acquire a used copy of this album, you really have no excuse not to buy it.

I got the CD yesterday. My impression of the CD is that there's a couple different types of songs. First, you have the songs which follow in the tradition of C&P 85 and Provision ("First Goodbye", "Mystic Handyman", "Brushed With Oil, Dusted With Powder", "Born To Be"). Next, you have the songs with hip-hop all over it ("Umm, "Tinseltown To The Boogiedown", "Die Alone", "Smith 'N' Slappy", "The World You Understand", "Prince Among Men"). And then you have heavy guitar-driven songs ("Umm" again, "Here Come July"). The mix of these types of songs indicates Green's diverse songwriting, which makes all the more enjoyable. Sure, it ain't C&P 85 or Provision. Then again, "Tinseltown To The Boogiedown" works really well especially with rappers Lee Majors and Mos Def. Best track overall by the way!

After reading the reviews of Anomie & Bonhomie I was reluctant to try it out. I am no fan of rap music and longed for Scritti's pure pop sensibilities. If you're a fan of Cupid & Psyche and Provision then BUY THIS CD. Green hasn't forgotten how to write and David Gamson is still a great producer. The 1st two songs should convince you.Then treat yourself to 'Here Comes July'-worth the price of the CD itself. The rappers actually enhance the songs and without them the album would not be as strong.