Soul Hooligan - Music Like Dirt

Allow me to revisit my cheesy method of paper writing from the ole college days to start this off. The American Heritage Dictionary defines a hooligan as "A tough and aggressive or violent youth." Using the same source, soul is defined as "A strong, deeply felt emotion conveyed by a speaker, a performer, or an artist." That being said, Soul Hooligan could not have picked a better name for themselves. Their Maverick Records debut Music Like Dirt plays like an mish-mashed DJ set of 60's funk, new school beats, remorseful longing, with just a bit of quality hip-hop thrown in for good measure. The lead-off track (and single) "Algebra" sounds like it could be a Gorillaz b-side with it's ghostly harmonica lead and throbbing beat. However, the track "Turn Your Head Around" sounds more like it was destined for the club dance floor, complete with a simple yet addicting dance step. But then again, there's always "Night Owl" which sounds straight out of some 60's studio devoted to the production of the finest soul tunes. And just to drive the point home, "Stoop Kid" is the most upbeat track on the album featuring fast paced rap vocals, some funky keyboards, and a tinge of Indian sitar. If you didn't pick up on it by now, the album has some diversity to it. A majority of it sounds like Moby and Portishead got together and had one highly influenced baby. The tensed dark beats and subtle ethereal sounds mixed with the upfront remorseful male vocals don't make for the greatest feel good record of the year but they create a nice atmosphere. Which is basically what this record is all about, atmosphere. If you're a fan of AIR, Plaid, or anything in that Astralwerks type family, this is going to be too up front and commercialized for you. If you're a fan of Moby's "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?" and the Gorillaz album, then with the exception of a few tracks, this album was made for you. [www.soulhooligan.com]