YOU GOTTA CHECK THESE GUYS OUT!!!
Darrell L. Lee | Jackson, MS | 08/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm truly astonished that no one has reviewed this album in the entire 4+ years it's been out...What? These guys aren't popular or something--or is this yet another amazing group that got overlooked by the masses because they were "different"--or perhaps Two Banks of Four is just in the business of producing good music instead of trying to sell records? Whatever the reason this group is so low key is a mystery to me, but Two Banks of Four have most assuredly put together a phenomenal CD that utilizes experimental jazz, abstract funk and a whole lotta style. City Watching comes highly recommended--the stand out cut "Hook and a Line" is reason enough to go out and get this one!"
Good CD, but get the U.S. release version!
bluesjunkie | Osaka, Japan | 02/20/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The Japanese version actually has two bonus tracks, but they're both remixes of "Street Lullaby." In the 1st one, the "2 Banks of 4 Remix", the instrumental portion of the track is more prominent. You get a really full sound. I prefer this one to the regular album version.The other one is the experimental (?) "Fourtet remix". It sounds like they've chopped each individual lyric into pieces and looped the fragments randomly over a programmed drum beat, with some keyboard loops in the background.These bonus tracks are interesting as just that - bonuses. They're not worth paying the import price though, which is why I gave this excellent album only 3 stars."
Very Fresh...
Audiophile | Atlanta, Georgia | 06/20/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For those that like jazz, but are tired of experimenting and getting burned, this is your pick. I'm not familiar with the history and makings of this CD, but its funky, smooth, good variety, likeable, but not commercial....similair to a "Kind of Blue" meets acid jazz meets a touch Roni Size. About half or so of the tunes have vocals mostly female, one or two male. This is the kind of music you hear at a cool Bronx cafe, and wish you knew who was playing. Its got that "Massive Attack" laid back flavor with "Morcheeba" style."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1