Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Russell E. Scott | Austin, TX | 11/05/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Mark Rae (of Rae & Christian fame) has found his comfort zone. On his new solo release, aptly named Rae Road, everything sounds fresh, friendly, funky, accessible, alive, and somehow familiar. Like those evenings hanging out in your own neighborhood and grooving on what everyone likes best - urban beats, funky soul, downtempo house, with a little rap, scratching, and spoken Rasta throw in. To help complete the all-fuzzy feeling, there are a few Kodachrome color photos from his childhood and one more recent of Mark and his mum. It's downright heartwarming. It's not essential to understand Mark has put much of himself into his material. He sought help when needed to achieve a desired end and/or climatic repose. These cooperative efforts, by guest vocalist Veba, Joseph Cotton, and Spikey Tee, translate to a community feel. Perhaps this may explain why the material here is somewhat deja' vu. These are songs about movement, the kind where you snap your fingers and say "yeah". The basic math has been done - addition, subtraction, subjugation, and articulation. If we are what we listen too, then we are in fine form after a few spins. These songs change mood, tempo, shape, and color; their very nature being extremely hospitable. Songs "Lavish", "Skio", "Candystripe", "Fold Or Flower", and "Throne" show a diversity and clever mind at work. This is more like Mrs. Jackson decided against trip around the hood in the low rider, better still; hoist a pint or two at the local pub with some close mates. There is no self-important, ego fulfilling posturing, or posing. Not as edgy as Northern Sulphuric Soul, or prim and proper as Sleepwalking, Rae Road is confident, confirming, and comfortable. It's like the photo on the back of the CD, the one of the fence with the one broken picket. It's not perfect. It doesn't have to be."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1