Collaboration albums are notoriously difficult to pilot, often needing a veteran hand at the controls. N.A.S.A.'s journey is especially tough, given that they lined up one of the most impressive guest lists ever seen on a debut album. No less than three dozen artists have features on The Spirit of Apollo, and at least ten of them would be the crown jewel on most LPs -- Kanye West, M.I.A., Karen O from Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Santogold, no less than three members of Wu-Tang Clan (one of them deceased), Spank Rock, John Frusciante, ...
Read More
Collaboration albums are notoriously difficult to pilot, often needing a veteran hand at the controls. N.A.S.A.'s journey is especially tough, given that they lined up one of the most impressive guest lists ever seen on a debut album. No less than three dozen artists have features on The Spirit of Apollo, and at least ten of them would be the crown jewel on most LPs -- Kanye West, M.I.A., Karen O from Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Santogold, no less than three members of Wu-Tang Clan (one of them deceased), Spank Rock, John Frusciante, Lykke Li, and a trio of alternative godfathers: David Byrne, Tom Waits, and George Clinton. N.A.S.A., a duo of DJs and producers (one American, one Brazilian), have a concept in mind, assembling sounds and styles from around the globe, then smashing them together and watching the results of such a collision, with the attendant revelations of the similarities and differences between people around the world. An ambitious concept, to be sure, and also one that comes rife with expectations when the cast is as star-studded as this. Unfortunately, as rendered by N.A.S.A., the world doesn't sound very exciting. The style of this global melting pot is basically midtempo hip-hop of the Daisy Age variety, laced with verse after verse and chorus after chorus of guest features (most tracks feature at least three). Few of the guests stand out, none of them seem to be speaking to each other, and the result is, ironically, a Babel of voices and sounds that doesn't communicate much of anything. As glorious as these soundclashes are -- Gift of Gab rapping next to David Byrne, Lykke Li singing an airy chorus over Kanye West rhymes and Santogold lines, Karen O next to Ol' Dirty Bastard, and the denouement, where Kool Keith waxes nostalgic over a gutbucket Tom Waits chorus -- they're presented with little rhyme and no reason. ~ John Bush, Rovi
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods and will show some wear and tear from normal use. Jewel cases will be included but may be damaged and/or cracked. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
