WALK THE LINE-10 Top Actors Who Sing

That "Other" Thing They Do.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Almost famous for something other than what you see on screen. Behind the scenes if you go inside the actors studios you just may hear more from your favourite artists. Actors who can lend their creative craft to another medium. From movies to music some of your favourite Oscar winning Hollywood stars have added albums to their Academy. And we're not just talking about Frank Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack. Or even the "Rap" pack led by the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Will Smith. In no particular order here's ten of the top thespians making tracks today.

Oscar Isaac: Ever since the Oscar worthy Isaac went 'Inside Llewyn Davis' with those Cohen brother folk the next great actor of our generation has hit another tuning fork in the road of his set to be epic journey of a career. Much like his chamelonic slicked back and shaven or shaggy beard and curls looks he brings to his diverse roles he makes real, the man has married the two performing arts together in mesmerizing matrimony. You can see all of this in black and white for the beautifully shot and wrote 'Switchblade City' (his own outstanding written work) video across a New York Subway for Details magazine. Now we need more like the force of his inspired 'Star Wars' ditty. Forget about those awesome rumours that he may be playing Springsteen...we need an actual album too.

Robert Downey Jr.: R.D.J. may be universally, out of this world famous as much as he is charismatic these days for his career avenging Iron Man work for Marvel, but the late 90's was a stark contrast for the man that some call Tony. The promising actor went to war with drug addiction and you could see it during his guest spots on hit golden era show 'Ally McBeal'. What you could also see and hear however was just how talented the charming actor was behind a piano. These ivory vocals lead to a decadent debut of an album ('The Futurist') and then a powerfully poignant Elton John video much like the Justin Timberlake 'This Train Don't Stop Here Anymore' one where the actor that broke through as Chaplin mimed along to Elton's best 'I Want Love' in an empty mansion before lip-syncing was a thing. Now if Elton and Eminem can do it live we want a duet.

Scarlett Johansson: Losing yourself in translation, listening to Johansson sing karaoke with Bill Murray in Tokyo isn't the only way you can see different shades of Scarlett. Even if the Black Widow's Japan classic with 'Scrooged' lead to a Sofia Coppela special reunion for 'A Murray Christmas' variety show last fall. Scarlett Johansson may have been missing here, but you can't let her 'Break Up' duet album with sensational singer/songwriter Pete Yorn pass you by. It was more than a gimmick or the one big hit 'Relator'. Just listen to her compellingly channel 'I Am The Cosmos' on her own. Or her own beautiful solo album 'Anywhere I Lay My Head' comprised of covers of compositions by the legend Tom Waits. And we all know how successful the 'Big In Japan' singer is between scripts and songsheets. Underrated isn't the word.

Jeff Bridges: With a voice like Beau's brother you just know this dude has the True Grit required to make music to drink White Russians too. The man that can go from Tron to country in a chord or code change really knows how to make a legacy for himself. It all started with his country strong work in 'Crazy Heart'...which also showed just how good Irishman Colin Farrell could jig as a Texan singer. This Oscar nominated performance lead to the gravelly voiced storyteller cutting a self-titled country L.P. that really made a name for itself. Bridging the gap between music and movies Jeff knows how to really tie everything together.

Terrence Howard: With Robert, Scarlett, Jeff and even Gwyneth Paltrow's 'Glee'-ful forarys into music you just know the jam sessions between scenes for the 'Iron Man' movies were something to marvel at. And even though he eventually got replaced by the man that was ahead of it all this year as Miles Davis, Don Cheadle, Terrence Howard could have joined in too. Because the man that was given a record deal after rapping up his hip-hop film 'Hustle & Flow' alongside 'Fast & Furious' rapper/actor Ludacris flipped it all completely. Releasing a jazzy classic, albeit cruelly critically wrote off album 'Shine Through It' that was his soul 'Sanctuary'. That wasn't rap but every other genre that influenced it. Now following his disappointment he's back in the game as T.V. show soap hip-opera's Lucious Lyon, running an entertainment series 'Empire'. But we'd love another album that shines through it all. Please Terrence! Don't stay off 'Mr. Johnson's Lawn'!

Jamie Foxx: Comedian Jamie Foxx may have had the last laugh on co-star and rival Howard's album which he said went double plastic. But the man that made his Oscar gold with 'Ray' knew how to hit platinuum too and not just when channeling Charles for Kanye West's 'Gold Digger'. The 'Slow Jamz' expert has shown he's a music, movie and comedy triple-threat with four albums added to his impressive genre and store section defying and defining catalogue. His biggest hits include 'Unpredictable', 'Extravaganza', 'Blame It', 'Fall For Your Type' and of course...'Hollywood'. Funny!

Zooey Deschanel: Zooey is far from a 'New Girl' when it comes to music and we're not talking about her 'Yes Man' mock-group Munchkin By Proxy or when the actress sings 'It's Cold Outside' in the shower with Will Ferrell's 'Elf'. Not only has she cut cute collaborations with '500 Days Of Summer' co-star Joesph Gordon-Levitt...who we need to hear more from. She's also hit record on her perfect She & Him partnership with maverick musician M. Ward. The couplets couple even crafted a haunting, hallmark Christmas album just in time for the holidays. Now you really must stay!

Ryan Gosling: 'La La Land' has another surprise for us as the trailer for Ryan Gosling and Emma Stones 'Crazy, Stupid, Love' reunion from 'Whiplash' director Damien Chazzelle shows Ryan really can carry a note like he was singin' in the rain for this Gene Kelly like classic dance number. Now it'll be all the guys screaming "oh come on" as Gosling strips away more layers. As the Hollywood heartthrob far from an ugly duckling is really black swanning right now. Heard it all before? Than just listen to the Dead Man Bones of his choir backed chorus of folk music bandmanship...also in time for Christmas. This guy who you didn't even think was funny until his turn with another actor come singer Russell Crowe really is nice.

Jared Leto: Chickens and eggs, jokes on us. Is this guy a singer or actor? He used to be few ('Fight Club') and far ('American Psycho') between but after joining the skinny of Matthew McConaughey's Oscar winning 'Dallas Buyers Club' this is no act. And as this rock stars punk clown prince is set to join Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger's Joker squad (not to mention Mark Hamill's always animated 'Killing Joke') this good bad guy will either be an ace in the hole winning hand or career suicide. If the latter is true and it's just another 15 minutes of fame Jared just has some other little project to fall back on...something called 30 Seconds To Mars.

Joaquin Phoenix: Inspiring this all Phoenix rose from walking the line as the greatest country star of all time in his beautiful biopic to coming back down to the ashes of a Zach Galafianakis looking 'I'm Not There', launching a W.T.F. rap career like an in reverse Terrence Howard. Turns out it was all a joke for cousin Casey Affleck's mockumentary. The Academy accredited is back to his acting best ('Inherent Vice'), but with a voice like that it's time he cashed in on some of that Johnny country. Time for Phoenix to return to that ring of fire.

FOR THE RECORD: LIONEL RICHIE Featuring CORINNE BAILEY-RAE @ Manchester Arena (28/6/16)

4/5

All Tour Long.

Motown took to the city of Northern Soul last night as one of the last Berry Gordy greats standing had us strutting on the rooftops for the entirety of the evening. From Detroit to Manchester, Commodore Lionel Richie gave a commanding performance in the name of fun and entertainment which you just have to see for yourself, like the Wonder of Stevie or the Boss Springsteen shows off E Street. Bruce was here in the rain soaked Etihad Stadium not a month back, but now moving indoors in this Great British Summer to the former M.E.N. world beating stadium, the soul superstar who last year brought the sun to Glastonbury showed he was still the M.A.N. Lionel may be pushing 70 (he's 67 for the record...those Commodore 64 jokes have gotten real old), but the icon that started his legacy in the seventies is an undeniable legend. And that one of a kind mark was still indelible all these years later in the first of a pair of back-to-back sellouts in a town that doesn't care where it's Motown comes from...so long as it has soul.

And in stellar support, British best soul singer Corinne Bailey-Rae had plenty of that. It may have been a long time since Rae became a household name as she 'Put The Records' on for her self titled debut and the pure potential of the likes of Lianne La Havas may be taking her Brit soul queen crown, but Corinne showed that her classic record could still put the crowd on and off the rude, distracting glow of their phones. The inspiration is still there to see and aswell as moving through timeless signatures like 'Like A Star' and the city to city single 'Paris Nights/New York Mornings' off her brave and beautiful sophomore album 'The Sea', Corinne hit us with a ray of colourful Coldplay light from her stunning new set 'The Heart Speaks In Whispers'. And boy did we hear it. In all it's subtle beauty. From 'The Skies Will Break' all the way to 'Been To The Moon'. All the standards she showed in her set last night proved that even a chorus of her new, instantly catchy records felt so fondly familiar it's like they've been around for years with the rest of her best. And without the bells and whistles of all the pyrotechnics, Corinne Bailey-Rae played a powerful performance of her new offbeat but outstanding classic that it was like the best that British soul/music has never left. And the crowd didn't want her to either.

But this night was always all about Lionel and all about the hits...Hello (only time I promise?!) And as soon as Richie and his big band opened with the electric 'Running With The Night' it was clear to hear soul could still rock a stadium. As Lionel rolled out the best of the best like a lino, from 'Dancing On A Ceiling' to 'My Destiny', just like a late, great Prince gig (I hope you had the chance to catch him here two years back for his 'Hit N Run') you'd be forgiven if you almost forgot how many hits this Motown King actually has. But your nostalgia would smile and give one of those "this is my jam" 'ahhs' as the first notes of each classic would come into play like your favourite song on the radio. Especially when he played the piano on some 'Easy' Commodore classics like 'Sail On' and 'Endless Love' and compared it to the good ole nostalgia of taking heartbroken solace in your Lionel C.D./cassette/A-Track. Once, twice, three times a legend, Lionel had everyone out their seat and on their feet. Say you, say me, say it together. Even someone that was 90. Someone that danced more than anybody...and the ceiling. And some toddler with a cute face that said "show me something Lionel"! And boy did he...performing 'The Wheels On The Bus' for the first time in his live career that goes round and round the world. Add THAT to the greatest hits. And of course what evening would be complete without that timless greeting and of course everything 'All Night Long'? Lionel Richie knew how to keep the crowd and the joke going so much so they never wanted to say goodbye to what they've been looking forward all year for. Last night Lionel rebuilt the Manchester Arena...and then tore that brick house down! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

BOOK REPORT: HUEY MORGAN-REBEL HEROES

4/5

Fun Lovin' Rebels.

Walking down the crossing of the 'Abbey Road' The Beatles made instantly iconic during their final victory lap of rock that saw them unbelievably roll out classics like this, 'The White Album', 'Yellow Submarine' and 'Let It Be' in their last years, Paul McCartney famously went barefeet across a zebra crossing, on what would just be another street if it wasnt for rock and roll musics four horseman trying to chicken themselves to the other side one by one. But did you know because of the fact that he forgot his shoes many people believed and feared that Macca was dead? Call it prophercy, the sixties or just a wonder of supersition but it's true...well the fact that fans thought the band on the runs leaders writing was on the wall that is.

Did you know that R&B and urban soul princess Aaliyah-who was a million times the likes of Beyonce and Rihanna and still would be if still around today-was set to star in 'The Matrix' trilogy before she took that tragic, fateful flight after filming her 'Rock The Boat' video? The ahead of her time singer to the sonic Timbaland and Missy Elliott superfriend sound really was the future. Just think of how big the 'Try Again' singer would have been if we chose the red pill and she got to rock in leather for this science fiction Keanu classic. The star songtress had already made movies like 'Romeo Must Die' and 'Queen Of The Damned' much more famous than they would have been if this iconic leading lady wasn't in them. But this 'Matrix' revolution-despite the great job done by Jada Pinkett-Smith in her place-reminds us of just how much magic in movies and music Queen Liy-Liy still had left to give us.

Turning the electric neon of Times Square purple with his reign, Prince played a set in New York so stunning everyone turned their heads from the bright Coca Cola lights to looking up to a four foot in heels singer that when it came to live shows stood above them all...even the three hour, still dancing at Sixty Springsteen. Everybody wanted to see the late, great play so much so that some where left outside of this club just wishing their name was on the list. Even rock great Lenny Kravitz, guitar in hand who would one day record a duet album that when they wrapped would never see the light of day (we still hope won't after legal vultures cruelly drilled their way into Mr. Rodgers vault to mine money out of the dearly departeds personal, unreleased (intention or not) collection after his death, just days after he was laid to rest. Which die-hard fan or collector wanting for more or not is just wrong) after Prince told Lenny, "this is just for us" as their session ended. Kravitz couldn't even get in until a young New York waiter hitting the alley for a cigarette (smoke em' if you got em') showed him the way and announced him backstage for an audience with the Prince. Who knows if that was the meeting that opened the door on their collaboration of legend?!

What we do know is that this young New Yorker bussing tables was none other than Huey Morgan. The legendary singer of the N.Y.C. to the Soprano don core Fun Lovin' Criminals and quite possibly the coolest mother###### alive! No...not quite possibly...definitly. A man who now takes residence on these British Isles and on a B.B.C. radio show! And these stories he shares with us read like one of his extended radio interludes of inspiration and influence. We'd love to reveal more, but we'll let this man tell it as you read his book in his trademark voice as iconic as a Morgan Freeman or Matthew McConaughey drawl. Besides we don't want to spoil all you're about to learn from this genius. Keep this book up on the shelf as Huey gives you more than Scooby Snacks here as he gets into his life from the marines to the criminals, but would selflessly rather give it up to the greats that paved the way.

The true 'Rebel Heroes'. From Billie Holliday to Buddy Holly. Kurt Cobain to Amy Winehouse. Nina Simone to Tupac and of course the man that saved his life...Barry White...or was it got him back with his ex-wife?! This book is more than alright however, like his band it's an underrated classic that you think true music fans would lap up like real New Yorkers would his Criminals. In celebration of all the geniune 'Rebel Heroes' that made music and all its grand genres what they are, no One Direction, this is a real read from a man that doesn't just know music...he is music. N.S.F.K. Not suitable for Kardashian's, this beautiful books compelling chapters act like small biographies to every rebel heart and piece of musics soul that is paid tribute to across these profound pages. Excerpts perhaps less than 10 pages each that can even overturn the 600 strong prose from the pros and so called "experts" that have made their money off musicians that have yet to, or even never got the chance to write their memoirs. This is not what Morgan is out to do. This is one of rock and rolls best telling us about the rest and just how they came about being the artists and people they were. No shock and awe, inside papped gossip to sell copies. Just the real and raw truth of what made music music, before so called 'Idols' took all the talent. But Huey Morgan's 'Rebels' isn't just a nod to nostalgias friend. It's a call to arms for the next Dylan or Marvin to change the game again before we all get played...and that's the underlining message before more greats like Bowie join the Lennon Gods. We could be heroes...if we want it! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS-THE GETAWAY

4/5

Getaway Music.

By the way, the Red Hot Chili Peppers will never make another 'Californication'. But back then in the classic Los Angeles Times of 1999 the band would never make another album like 'Mothers Milk'. So it's about time to 'Getaway'. Time to get to somewhere fresh and new. Over the decades worth of 11 albums the Chili Peppers have been keeping it Red Hot, but rarely has their funky flavour been the same. From their late eighties pysho punk days it was Showtime as these snot nosed kids named tracks after their favourite Los Angeles Lakers basketball players ('Magic Johnson') and perfomed salutes to Kareem. But after all the blood, tube sock sweat and tears, the musical marriage of R.H.C.P. and legendary guitarist John Frusciante produced some real 'Blood, Sugar, Sex and Magic'. Dear John abruptly left mid-golden era only to be replaced by Janes Addicton guitarist Dave Navarro leaving on an Aeroplane and joining for 'One Hot Minute'. By the time Frusciante rejoined the fold before the new millenia, drug addiction had wreaked hell on his arms forcing him to play slower in the beautiful guitar work vain of 'Scar Tissue', 'Otherside' and 'Californication' that brought us that California classic and the formidable follow-up 'By The Way'. Before the Chili's began to play an arcadium of stadiums, capacity confirming themselves as the greatest band in the world, bar the Biggie to their Tupac, Foo Fighters. What more could they do? It seemed like nothing as Frusciante left for a frustratingly final(?) time to mine more of his stirring solo work (you want an album recommendation for your Spotify playlist? Every damn one of them). Only to be replaced by his former sessions guitarist Josh Klinghoffer who after his debut album with the Red Peppers is still here...just like the band after all these years. Reminding and telling their fans, 'I'm With You'.

And so are we on this new album 'The Getaway' that really is a trip. Even if it is more of a sidewalk step than a place where the oceans run red and the sky is Hollywood swimming pool blue. But just look at whose joining you on this walk via the album artwork. Foxes, racoons and bears oh my! Yet the real animal here is a Danger Mouse as the Gnarls Barkley collaborator who turned Jay-Z's 'Black Album' and 'The White Album' by The Beatles grey replaces Red Hot royalty Rick Rubin, who has rocked and mastered all the Peppers masterpieces on production detail . You can't really replace a legend like Rubin. Just ask the Beastie Boys. From Jay-Z's '99 Problems' to the late, great Johnny Cash's countless American Recordings it's black and white...this guys the best. But still when it comes to the modern day, there is nobody as innovative as this new danger. And with the mouse in the house the Chili Peppers come up with a fresh and cool sound that's easy like summer afternoons. This is your album for the season. Whether the top is down on your convertible or your staring up at the sky somewhere in a park, riding shotgun to your nearest and dearest. Sure it's not a record of epic proportions but it just feels right. From the outstanding opening title track where Kiedis raps, "Complete repeat/Sitting in your car and on your street/Lost in California/Let’s steal this wheel/Take a spin to find out how we feel/Just around the corner/Slow down for sound/Turn it up and no we can’t be found". To their catchiest best single in years 'Dark Necessites' with its instant vintage video directed by 'Tron: Legacy' and 'Cowboys and Aliens' movie star Olivia Wilde, who gives this treatment testament to late nights in L.A neon shades of both the timeless art of 'Can't Stop' and her own independent pictures riding the downtown streets to the storm drains.

Open the doors on the rest of the album and you'll see how much the best frontman and band out of Los Angeles since Jim Morrison's men have grown. 'We Turn Red' is old school, hallmark Hot Chili Peppers with a modern mouse snapping twist on this anthem. Whilst our generations greats and rock God's reach beautiful new depths in their California soul on tracks like 'The Longest Wave' and 'Goodbye Angels'. The latters Sayanora to the city of fallen angels praises the palm tress in harmony with the skyscrapers singing, "Babe I know love is a funny thing/Born to die in the eternal spring" amongst a track full of lavishing and lashing lyrics. What more would you expect from a 'Dani California', Hollywood tragedy that starts with the gut check, "Suicide a month before I met you/Deep regrets I never could forget you". There are even more standouts. From 'Sick Love' featuring Great British National Treasure Elton John behind the notes. To the android age 'Go Robot' that's creativity is nowhere near clunky. This is the future of the Red Hot Chilis and 'Feasting On The Flowers' continues this beautiful bloom before 'Detroit' rocks for the motor city that made Motown. 'This Tinconderoga' and the arrow on point 'The Hunter' close out this album nicely, but this albums final curtain bows to two of the best tracks on the whole E.P. One being the epic, evocative 'Encore' (play it again Flea!). The other being the haunting 'Dreams Of A Samurai'. A story that stays with you long after this song bids you goodnight, fading out! As Kiedis sings, "Paint your face cause I'm a black foot/I thought I counted up the fireflies/Close enough to get a good look/Time to mobilize" it's clear his couplets that have as much cortex space as a Jeff Goldblum movie monolouge are becoming even more focussed and direct, all whilst still rewriting the script. "You and I both know/Everything must go away" the Red Hot Chili Peppers sing on their lead single...but it doesn't have to be a necessity right now. Sadly Aerosmith may be another almost half century legendary rock act calling it a day, but if Springsteen can still play gigs off E Street then so can these California kings. Dear John or John Doe. They've still got it. It's not time for them to get away...by the way! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

FOR THE RECORD: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN Live @ The Etihad Stadium, Manchester (25/5/16)

5/5

A River Runs Through It.

Christmas came early for Boss fans this Wednesday as Bruce Springsteen unwrapped one of his signature three and a half hour shows with the E Street Band at the Etihad Stadium during his European tours leg of England. Opening in Manchester City football clubs epic stadium with his classic 'Atlantic City', the man who once opened a Hard Rock Calling set in Great Britain's capital with The Clash's 'London Calling' didn't give in to changing the start of this 'Nebraska' classic to the name of this North West town. Nor did he change his own E Street version of the vintage Christmas tune 'Santa' Claus Is Coming To Town' to 'Manchester'. And why should he have? We are only five months into the year! Well if you're a Springsteen aficinado you will know by now if you have a request at one of these Titanic long sets you better write it on a cardboard placard in your best marker. And the Kellogg factory town of Manchester is the only place you'd see the name of a Boss best on the back of a box of Fruit N Fibre. Damn it why didn't I have a Sharpie for 'Lift Me Up'? But then again he did give us some of that falsetto...and more when he saw a man in the crowd, sporting red and white and a Kenny Rogers beard. What was that under the tree?

'Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town' read the former box as Springsteen spotted the North of England's St Nick in the crowd. Situated about two hours too late to the front of the mornings standing que outside the stadium...he must have had some presents to deliver. Beckoning him up like many a fan that evening-as if you'd have to be persuaded-to sing the "you better stay good for goodness sake" baritone, much to Bruce and our bewildered amusement as he seamlessly jingled all the way through 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town' like it was already on the setlist and he didn't have to check twice. "Why not? Christmas is only 272 days away" he joked with guitarist and Soprano right hand man Steve Van Zant as he gave the midweek night good tidings on what would without him have otherwise been just another misersble May day in Manchester. But Springsteen let it rain as he tore through his double decadent disc 'The River' as part of this albums tour he went through the ties that bind first track to fade out, albeit with some inspired interludes of some of his greatest hits. From the 9/11 rally cry call to the arms of hope, 'The Rising' and potentially the greatest name for a movie, 'Darkness On The Edge Of Town'...hey Boss can we have a rights discussion? As a river may aswell have been running through the precipitation soaked stadium of unrelenting downpour as Manchesters temporary E Street address was flooded with classics from the timeless 80's album. From the pop, commercial art and soul of the instant thousand foot stomper 'Hungry Heart', to the harmonica driven, monumental title track that back in the day came with a backstory just as epic and stream of consciousness flowing.

But from the 'Backstreets' to the 'Badlands' many a concert goer left this festival like performance with no need for a support act with their own grandkids by the fire story to tell for generations to come. Like the 80's throwback fashioned young lady pulled on stage a la Courtney Cox for a dance in the dark that many a fan asked for on cardboard, but this Monica got as she gave a special beaded necklace to her new friend. And boy did the Boss rock it well with his bootcut, blue collar outfit that still rolls with the sign of the times he represents from the downtrodden to the uprising. Or the young girl next to me with her family whose sign dedication read; "This is my first Brucie gig" who later on 'Brucie' plucked from the crowd to bashfully but beautifully co-sing his Smokey Robinson worthy classic 'Waitin' On A Sunny Day', as we all were in a beautiful moment that let it rain from our eyes. There was plenty of clouds in the sky that night but it was a beautiful thing. Just like all the hits delivered from Bruce and his band. The Clarence Cleamons tribute that rang out to the heavens like the sound of his saxophone always did on nights like this as he and his 'Born To Run' right hand man would take us to the concrete 'Jungleland' of Jersey. The swagger and sincerity of his nephew Jake in his place as a fully fledged resident on the feet stomping, love making road that marks E Street as his address, no stand in as the Big Mans little one joins the band. All that Springsteen and his family invited us too as they made the Etihad their home for the evening. These were the stories and moments that made this evening just so one you'll never ever forget. Not just the eagerly anticipated performances of hits like 'Born To Run', or an epic encore that is longer than most bands full sets that featured a cover of 'Shout'. You always know that the ox tougher than the rest Springsteen, the strongest and best showman in live music now the late, great Prince is tragically departed (you saw the 'Purple Rain' tribute right?) and greatest crowd interactor is always going to put on a show stopper and prove it all night. But you never know just one night you may even be a bigger part of it than you ever thought or hoped. As even a half town, club and rivalry away from being United with Manchester's Old Trafford, the Boss made City's stadium the theatre dreams are made of for a night. Because for tramps like us Bruce Springsteen was born to perform...and run like a river. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: BEN HARPER & THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS-CALL IT WHAT IT IS

4/5

Innocent As Charged.

Answering the call, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals are back for the first time since 2007's 'Lifeline'. Almost a decade later, 'Call It What It Is'. A reunion. A response from a call to action. Or just the album title itself. Since his black and white beautiful 'Lifeline' with those guilty victims, the man who started his career with an album with Tom Freund ('Pleasure and Pain') and has also recorded a spirited L.P. with The Blind Boys Of Alabama ('There Will Be A Light') has increased his classic catalogue of collaborative creations. There was his more rocky group Relentless7 (we are still eager for a follow up to 'White Lies For Dark Times'), his Fistful Of Mercy supergroup with Joel Arthur and Beatle son Dhani Harrison ('As I Call You Down') and even some solo work backed by Ringo Starr himself. Then came a blues Grammy nod for his 'Get Up' with legend Charlie Musselwhite...and the year before last he even recorded an album with his dear mother Ellen Harper, going back to his roots for 'My Childhood Home'. But the man with some seriously stellar solo work ('The Will To Live', 'Fight For Your Mind', 'Diamonds On The Inside' and 'Give 'Till It's Gone' amongst so many others) to go along with his great company has never had it as good as when he charged his sessions up with a couple of convicts. They largely appeared instrumentally on his definitive, double disc, most classic work to date, 'Both Sides Of The Gun' and made their own timeless record with him in 'Burn To Shine'. From the Hollywood Bowl to Mars they also ignited his live shows too. Culminating in scorching sets and even inspired covers of twisted influence from the bones of The Verve's 'The Drugs Don't Work' to a whole new soulful take on Marvin Gaye's 'Sexual Healing' signature. Now welcomed back to a cruel world for Harper's 13th album it's only right the Innocent Criminals are asked back for their day in court for 'Call It'. It is what it is!

Critically guilty of being criminally underrated, the American singer/songwriter still on top of his classic craft and game, second only to Springsteen, heads back down a familiar road with his E Street. But this man born to gun navigates the twists and turns in both his own life and the life of the world that surrounds him, with strokes of a master artist refusing to paint by the numbers of a commercial worlds canvas. Critics are calling the new album from the man that should be platinum "unpredictable"...and it really is from one man and his band who you never saw coming back until their reunion show last year. And even then it almost looked like a one off. But you best believe they're here to stay and welcomed back like the Lebowski rugs they perform on in concert. Together they really tie everything together. You just know things are different when the opening fireball of a track is titled 'When Sex Was Dirty', but you best believe that explicitly Ben isn't aiming for the crass charts, but the hearts exclusively...and nostalgically. The recentley teased 'Pink Balloon' flies like nothing you've heard from these guys before either. Not dropping like lead, but showing that since way back when in the 'Lifeline' days of one floating at the end of a party, Ben and his boys have let nobody take the fight out of them either. Never deflated always invigorated. 'Deeper and Deeper' on the other hand is hallmark criminals classic going back through the crates and bottles to find that lightning the partnership has struck more than twice. It's beautiful. It's evocative. It's love lost haunting lyrics "longing is a ghost/when the one you love the most/no longer has you on their mind" is songwriting at its boldest and best. Just like the loves bounty of 'Bones' that goes further and further beyond the heart and soul to the marrow of what matters in dedication. It's all spelled out from the lyrics of a man who laments as much hope as he does regret. As much introspection as inspiration as he sings, "when the writing's on the wall you better read it/make your bones/when the moment comes/around you gotta seize it".

And the day does he on his latest 11th hour. The stetson wearing Dylan-esque singer/songwriter and his best outfit fashion a classic that won't be denied for a man of many styles, who admits that in this iTunes window shopping age someone looking for one genre might just miss it for another in his wide work. I mean this is the same guy that wrote 'Morning Yearning' and 'Dirty Little Lover'. But don't get alienated, this mans talent is out of this world and still so down to earth...no cliche. Want a song that will really make you think? Then listen to the lyrics of 'How Dark Is Gone'. "Would you rather wave a flag/Or wave goodbye/Would you rather flood your heart/Or dare let them see you cry/Rather fight a war or live in fear/Aren't you glad to be here". You want to be taken back to the jams of Bob Marley? Then how about 'Finding Our Way'? Want a beautiful luck of love song? Then nothing illuminates brighter than 'Shine'. Or how how the ballad of a beautiful break-up song that shows that lost love isn't always the cousin of hate? Than 'Goodbye To You' really salutes a relationship that will always be true with the marriage of lyrics like, "shattered and chained to our past/battered and too proud to ask/walked a razor's edge poisoned by degrees/create each other's voids fill each other's needs/my options are plenty/but my choices are few" in a divorce only bitter in regret. Or if all that is too much for everybody you could just 'Dance Like Fire' before we all get burnt. Because this album has it all, especially a wealth of time earned lessons learned parables like 'All That Has Grown', like artist and audience learning from each other all over again. But for a man whose catalogue of albums keeps developing like the class in session he brings to his rhyming couplets, there's much more here. The title has to go to the very track this album is named after as Harper and the criminals go back into the ring with no lifeline. But boy does he box and rock hard...and clever too. 'Like A King' the leader of the protest song who merged the stories and struggles of Martin Luther and Rodney King speaks up for "Trevon Martin, Ezel Ford, Michael Brown and so many more" for a track consciously clever like the message behind 'Like A King'. Because lets call it like it is. This is murder! And Harper kills any notion that he'll go quietly into a corrupt night that's no longer good. Like something as poetic and prophetic he'll rage and rage against the dying of the light. Plain and simple, Ben Harper tells it like it is. "They shot him in the back/now it's a crime to be black/so don't act surprised/when it gets vandalized/there's good cops/bad cops/white cops/black cops". Like The Boss when 'The Rising' was necessary we need this man for the worlds worst threat since terroisim more than ever. 'Call It What It Is'....hope in a time of fear. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: TANK-SEX, LOVE & PAIN II

4/5

One King.

The last T but by all means the most in his TGT supergroup with musician/actor/author Tyrese Gibson and R&B legend Ginuwine, Tank has rolled his way to the top as the LeBron James of real R&B. A real Cavalier talent, the General from Washington D.C. is the leader of the current school and doesnt look to be out of session anytime soon with his forever young sound. Even hitting his 40th birthday, showing us that maybe four decades is the new twenty. With already plenty under the hood following the salad days of his 'One Man' and 'Force Of Nature' albums, his ground broken through album 'Sex, Love & Pain' became Grammy certified thanks to classics like 'Wedding Song', 'Coldest', 'Heartbreaker' and the huge hit 'Please Dont Go'.  Since then the man who even has his own T.V. show has had even more in reserve, releasing albums at a Ghostface Killah, almost yearly rate, showing us that like the Wu Tang Clan he was nothing to F with. 'Now Or Never' showed his time was then and still to this day, before 2012's 'This Is How I Feel' furthered that feeling even to himself. Before he took the throne with T and G a year later as the 'Three Kings' of grown and sexy rhythm and blues. Only a year later again following that he came back 'Stronger' than ever and Motown moved with maybe his best record to date if 'You're My Star' or 'Hope This Makes You Love Me' has anything to sing about it. Moonlighting and burning the midnight studio oil whilst writing hits for the likes of everyone from young gun Chris Brown to Hollywood movie Walk of Fame star Jamie Foxx, Tank's even had the time to roll out a mixtape ('Diary Of A Mad Man') and special Valentines Day covers E.P. ('If You Were Mine') that was crazy to believe almost a year ago. You've got to love it!

Now how about a sequel? Because Tank is moving forward with Part 2 to the album that started all of this. 'Sex, Love Pain II' brings the love making heart and hurt back to a watered down industry thirsting for more depth. The depths this industry leader has brought again and again over the last half decade, quality album after quality album. With his last five albums Tank is giving you Spotify fiends so much material that you can just let party play like one of the greats or a soul icon and legend that he is becoming...if not already! Following his rhyme partner Tyrese's best album 'Black Rose' (which Tank classically contributed to with the previously recorded T and T collabo 'Prior To You'), Tank brings us the perfect follow up that judging from its showered black and white artwork its going to have you covered during the mid-nite hour. Its a collaborative process too. After 'Foreplay', 'Lonely' and the unreleased club hit 'Shots Fired', Chris Breezy joins Durrell Babbs, Siya and Sage The Gemini for the hash-tagged '#BDay' and its a formidable, fashion fit for this social media trending age. Just like the cool and cold as frost touch 'She Wit The Shit' "wit" Rich Homie Quan, or the heart and urban soul of 'I Love Ya' featuring Yo Gotti. Still nothing compares to these two. The Shawn Stockman nostalgia party of 'Already In Love' and the lead single 'You Dont Know' featuring fellow District Of Colombia native Wale on the rapping 16. Still like a hilarious 'Bishop Cognac' skit this singer is at his very best when Tank is being Tank on this pure powerhouse, polished produced soundtrack to digital age, midnight love and hate for your sonically charged speaker boxes. F with that!

Like his last few releases this album begins with an inspired intro that could serve as a song itself with the 'SLP2' album abbreviation. If you liked 'Sex Love & Pain', you're going to love 'Sex, Love & Pain II' too.  'F##### Wit Me' is expletively good, whilst the partner problem solving 'Relationship Goals' will have you reevaluating yours. Still the best is saved for last for a man who takes his 'Next Breath' before 'Thanking You'. 'So Cold' could be the sub zero chill inducing sequel to 'Coldest' (with his lamenting lyrical exercise of "I bailed out when I promised I was gonna save you/Man down, I didn't man up till later/Now I'm serving these apologies like a waiter/You look at me now/Needing you back, down on my knees"). Whilst 'Him, Her, Them' sets the mood right and gets everyone involved. And if you thought that was good wait until your playlist selects 'Better For You'. After 'This Is How I Feel's' 'Better Than Me' it looks like the soul soldier is feeling differently...and we're all the better for it. As Tank sings, "All she ask for; occasional roses/that romance drug; given in doses/I could hear you, but I didn't listening/I was near you, now you've gone missing/How could I not promise you perfection?/I'm gonna have to answer to my reflection" lyrically and introspectively he's barely been better. And following his outstanding original, Tank gives us a sequel more than worthy of 'Sex, Love & Pain'. In fact he given us the R&B album of 2016...even if we havent even left the first month of the year. As a matter of fact January's very own best serves a new bar for any album in any genre, lyric by lyric, bar by bar, harmony by harmony. Making for one great melody. Now how about a trilogy menage? You know the third king Tank has enough firepower for that. After all, he's already got the throne. Just watch it! TIM DAVID HARVEY.