CD REVIEW- Ozomatli: planet soup for the soul

Positive, politically active and innovative are three traits that rarely exist
in the plastic, polished poop that the big labels pump out these days. But
Los Angeles-based Ozomatli obliterated that mold nine years ago when it
hit the scene with its self-titled album.

Four studio albums later, Ozomatli’s energetic fusion
of all things L.A. are just as diverse as its members.
The grooves and rhythms include flavor from all over
– more specifically, hip-hop, salsa, meringue, reggaeton,
ranchera, reggae, rock, pop and funk.

Most recently, the group branched out by including
North African and Asian musical traits evident in their
melodic inflections, rhythms and instruments, such as
Indian tablas and Chinese koto and erhu.

The resulting blend is practically impossible to
resist, and this is reflected in the band’s growing
popularity. After frequent appearances world-wide
sponsored by the State Department, a 2005 Grammy
Award, performing at South by Southwest in Austin,
Texas, and a brief cameo in the film “Never Been
Kissed,” Ozomatli landed a deal with Ricky Martin- and
Santana-producer KC Porter, who also plays keys and
accordion on several tracks.

The album’s marvelous sheen comes through in
every note and beat, and its optimism lies in its lyrics
and melodies.

“Magnolia Soul” is a direct attack on President Bush’s negligence in the
Hurricane Katrina affair. Alongside lyrics like “Heard ‘W’ don’t care about
them. Gotta watch who you make your friend,” the song also breaks into
a New Orleans street-beat party complete with horns, cheers and raucous
percussion.

It’s rare for a band with a message not to garner disturbing undertones in
its songs. Maybe this band’s optimism can be attributed to the fact that the
band members were all recruited from the
ranks of L.A.’s Peace and Justice Center.

Showing some hometown love, the
band’s “City of Angels,” tells of the hardships
and the highlights of living in such
a multicultural Mecca.

The opening track on the album, “Can’t
Stop,” features lovely harmonies, diverse
voices, a funky reggaeton beat and lyrics
that make you dance in your seat.

Not one track is neglected in this funky
collection. Though a bit heavier on the hiphop
and reggaeton than their last albums,
all of Ozomatli’s songs dig deep and deliver
with creative ideas, sublime messages and
fine production values. It helps if you can
understand Spanish, too.

Grade: A

Download (don’t steal): “Here We Go” by Ozomatli