Talibam! - Puff Up the Volume

by Adrian Huggins

published: 11 / 10 / 2012

Label: Critical Heights Records
Format: CD

Appealing, but unremarkable combination of hip-hop and comedy on latest album from Broklyn-based experimental rock duo, Talibam!

Review

Having previously concurred the realms of avant-jazz, experimental rock Brooklyn duo Talibam! have now set their sights on the ever popular synth-pop, comedy, hip-hop world. I mean everyone is jumping on that band wagon nowadays aren’t they? Dr Dre, Vanilla Ice, Michael Jackson, Joaquin Phoenix, so it’s good to see someone else doing it isn’t it. The result of this venture into part comedy, part hip-hop is a constantly upbeat and bouncy collection of songs, and a glimpse into the mind of one or two madmen by all accounts as well with tunes like ‘Dr Giggles’, ‘Tappin’ That Ass’ and ‘Pensioner Progeny’. The overall feel is one of fun and tongue-in-cheek music making, which definitely has its place in modern music, but good as it is I did feel like I’d heard similar stuff done better. Much less cheesy and irritating than the likes of 3 Oh 3, I don’t think Talibam! can quite compete with Flight of the Concords, and certainly won’t have Welsh wizards Goldie Lookin’ Chain quaking in their tracky bottoms. Nevertheless ‘Puff Up the Volume’ is enjoyable throughout.

Track Listing:-

1 Jimmys From the 49th
2 Zombie From Albequrque
3 I Want All Your Money
4 Step In The Marina
5 From Nasa To Boeing
6 Occupy My Jimmy
7 Puff Up The Volume
8 Hard Day Tough Day
9 Poor Little Jimmys
10 Wack Wack Chippy Wimp
11 Jimmys Confused
12 Dr Giggles
13 You're A Creep
14 Sweet Leader
15 Jimmys Angry
16 Jack Is In A Hotdog
17 Jimmys & Condoleeza
18 Mottel In The Hotel
19 Jimmys Try A Turn