Along with spiritual brother and surf buddy Jack Johnson, Garret "G. Love" Dutton has quietly but reliably lead a campaign for laidback but funky blues and R&B- inspired folk music. Now recording for Johnson's Brushfir... more »e label, the Philadelphia native stays tactfully on course for The Hustle, moving through the expected ballads ("Loving Me"), reggae-lite jams ("Give It to You"), and saucy BBQ anthems ("Booty Call"). It may prove disappointing to some fans that have been waiting for Love to truly stretch out the sound he debuted over 10 years ago, but it's a minor gripe. There's no faulting consistency. --Aidin Vaziri« less
Along with spiritual brother and surf buddy Jack Johnson, Garret "G. Love" Dutton has quietly but reliably lead a campaign for laidback but funky blues and R&B- inspired folk music. Now recording for Johnson's Brushfire label, the Philadelphia native stays tactfully on course for The Hustle, moving through the expected ballads ("Loving Me"), reggae-lite jams ("Give It to You"), and saucy BBQ anthems ("Booty Call"). It may prove disappointing to some fans that have been waiting for Love to truly stretch out the sound he debuted over 10 years ago, but it's a minor gripe. There's no faulting consistency. --Aidin Vaziri
CD Reviews
Still got 'sauce' ...
youseff | Atlanta | 01/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i was dragged to a concert back in the early 90's in a small bar in DC, and this guy gets up and starts wailing on his harmonica. there must have been less than 100 of us in this place, and he hooked all of us from his first note. i've been a g-love believer ever since (and admitting a minor slip with "electric mile", but he had enough behind him to overlook it), and this album does not stray. we played it through the first time and can honestly say that i didn't want it to end. the production is top-rate, and every song on this album shows why he has such staying power. he refuses to slide into the mainstream while staying true to his unique sound and style, and this album can count as one of his best."
This One's a Keeper
Grunt Hog | Vancouver, Canada | 01/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ah, it's good to see G. Love back in top form. After the extreme suckage of "The Electric Mile" I was seriously concerned that it was all over. Happily, however, I am able forgive G. Love for that little misstep after hearing "The Hustle." Here he gets the mix of feel-good soulful blues, rap, and funk just right, with Special Sauce's trademark jazzy arrangements sounding as loose as ever. Excellent effort, guys; keep up the good work! I'll stop complaining about the Electric Mile if you keep putting out albums like this one. Deal?"
Rapping Blues
Justin Mclaughlin | Minturn, CO United States | 12/14/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For those of you already acquainted with G Love and Special Sauce I say this: this album fits in with his previous work. Lyrically and stylistically the songs are closest to Philadelphonic - and he even closes with a solo acoustic blues song very similar to "Gimme some Lov'n." For those who are G Love fans and enjoy his past work, this record will not disappoint.
Now to address those of you who aren't familiar with this music. My argument in favor of G Love's music is this. G Love has come along and somehow managed to incorporate elements of so many styles: rock and roll, funk, blues, jazz, folk, and - hip-hop. His records are hard to classify, but so what. When he rips into a harmonica solo (as he does often on this record) you feel you could be listening to Howling Wolf. The first track (astronaut) sounds a bit like Lenny Kravitz. But beware: the second tune is more hip-hop infused. I would say the music is a perfect hybrid for our modern times.
G Love and Special sauce are three people. G-love plays the electric guitar, acoustic guitar, slide-guitar, and harmonica. There is a jazz bassist who adds heavily to the band's sound, adding to the rhythm and often pushing the melody as well. The drummer has a busy sound, one that often sets the backdrop for G Love's raps. On this record there are plenty of other musicians to fill out the texture, from backup singers to pianos. My only G Love complaint on this record is his lyrics - they are limited to hooking up with some chick, being stoned, or talk abstractly about "love." I know it's his name and all, but he would be better served expanding his lyrics occasionally to say something different or more important.
"
Unique Blend Of Blues & Hip Hop
Gareth Orchard | Australia | 10/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I own 6 of G Love's albums. This one was the first I bought and it remains my favourite. I was one of many who discovered G Love through Jack Johnson. The first time I heard 'the Hustle', I couldn't stand the first 5 of 6 tracks. It was the more acoustic second half of the cd that enticed me. 'Front Porch Lounger' and 'Sunshine' were played over and over again on my cd player.
However, it wasn't long before the more upbeat tracks grew on me and it became one of those rare albums that I could play right the way through. G Love has a really unique sloppy blues/rap sound - incredibly relaxing, great to listen to any time of the day. Definitely recommended.
Favourite Tracks:
Don't Drop It
Front Porch Lounger
Ain't That Right
Loving Me"
Surely not mainstream... and all the better for not being
Leslieelizabeth Johnson | Northern New York | 04/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I should admit that I listen to a plethora of different music, and pretty much get sick of hearing the same songs on the radio repeatedly. Having bought this album because one of my friends, (who has had repeatedly had great taste in music) was upset we missed G. Love at Bumbershoot in Seattle one year, I was pleasantly surprised initially. On the first roll through I enjoyed the complexity, and after that I was hooked. My husband heard it the first time upon borrowing my car and asked who it was. Later that week I found "Hustle" missing from my car, and it just happened to turn up in his. I would recommend this CD to anyone looking for a little something different. And although I was not a G.Love-addict prior to this album, I will be anxiously awaiting his next!!"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1