Florida's Mofro returns with the successor to their critically acclaimed debut, "Blackwater". Their "front porch soul" sound is again represented here, with grooves and anthems that delve deep into the backwoods psyche of ... more »songwriter JJ Grey. The music weaves in and out of this piney woods world of undulating joy and sorrow with a rare warmth and sincerity. "Lochloosa", a place in Florida unknown by most Floridians, sings of places you may never visit and people you may never know, but JJ's voice delivers it like a postcard from your best friend.
Originally released in July 2004.
This is an ENHANCED CD: In addition to more than an hour of boombox-optimized barbeque soul, this CD can also be placed in the CD-ROM drive of most computers for a multimedia experience that includes a video of a performance of "Lochloosa" from San Francisco and a bonus audio track entitled "Pray For Rain"
Florida's Mofro returns with the successor to their critically acclaimed debut, "Blackwater". Their "front porch soul" sound is again represented here, with grooves and anthems that delve deep into the backwoods psyche of songwriter JJ Grey. The music weaves in and out of this piney woods world of undulating joy and sorrow with a rare warmth and sincerity. "Lochloosa", a place in Florida unknown by most Floridians, sings of places you may never visit and people you may never know, but JJ's voice delivers it like a postcard from your best friend.
Originally released in July 2004.
This is an ENHANCED CD: In addition to more than an hour of boombox-optimized barbeque soul, this CD can also be placed in the CD-ROM drive of most computers for a multimedia experience that includes a video of a performance of "Lochloosa" from San Francisco and a bonus audio track entitled "Pray For Rain"
It's got soul, and it's superbad!
Member CD Reviews
Brett H. (BlooZRocker) Reviewed on 3/10/2009...
These guys really kick-it with a blend of soul, assshakin' funk and slide-slippin' blues in their own unique style that makes THIS is one of those CDs that always gets stuck on REPLAY. Even gets my teenagers bobbin' their heads right along with my baldy. Go figure!!! Watch their Lochloosa video on allmusic.com or listen to Dirtfloorcracker, but all the songs on this CD hit paydirt!
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
CD Reviews
Long-awaited follow-up: No disappointment here!
Elliot Knapp | Seattle, Washington United States | 12/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mofro's finally got a new record (a number of unfortunate car crashes on tour played a big part in the wait), and it's a winner! LOCHLOOSA is more focused than Blackwater, but the essentials are still there--J.J.'s soaring, soulful vocals, the funky grooves, the heart in the song, and the sentimental attachment to Florida that first made the band's music so accessible. This record is a bit more bluesy than its predecessor--the acoustic slide guitar is more prevalent (as well as J.J. on harmonica), and the bass isn't quite as thumpy. Also gone is the otherworldly sound of songs like "Blackwater," but what we're left with is a truly organic, soulful sound that you might expect to hear on somebody's porch in swamps of Florida. Some highlights are "Lochloosa," similar to "Florida" from BLACKWATER, "Dirtfloorcracker," which gets down to dirty, funky business, the soaring "Fireflies," the punchy "Six Ways from Sunday," the hot harp riff in "How Junior..." and "Pray For Rain," an excellent acoustic song reminiscent of Dylan's "Ballad of Hollis Brown," in its aching human pain. Overall, LOCHLOOSA is more cohesive and has much fewer throwaway, jokier tracks, but still utilizes that trademark Mofro funky soul groove. Check it out especially if you're a fan of the Meters, Galactic, funky jam bands...but really, I'd recommend it to pretty much anybody who likes music with heart. Check it out!"
These boys got soul
J. Riggins | Springfield, MO USA | 10/08/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've always been a fan of great soul singers like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and James Brown. On Lochloosa, Mofro does these legends proud. The first time I listened to this CD my subwoofer shook the floor and I couldn't help but dance around the room like a fool. I've played the disc many, many times since and it just gets better with every listen. Unfortunately, my dance moves still suck. This is authentic southern music performed by genuine live musicians making the best soul recording since "Blackwater." I highly recommend both of these extraordinary CDs."
Soul Funk For an Aussie Girl!
H. Ringland | QLD, Australia | 09/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first time I ever heard Mofro, I was travelling through the Pacific Northwest. One night, a friend from Florida came to visit, pumped about a debut cd by a band from his hometown. That cd was Blackwater and that band was Mofro. I was instantly hooked on their sound - listening to JJ sing was like hanging out with your mates for a bbq and someone picking up a guitar, his voice is that soulful. When I found out that Lochloosa was going to be released, I pre-ordered it after almost wearing Blackwater out. I am not disappointed! With it's punchy bass and awesome melodic sound, Mofro is making a permanent place for themselves on a universal music scene. In a time when synthesised electronic sounds are the norm, there's nothing as refreshing as playing Lochloosa loud and feeling the same way you do at a live music show. I haven't been to Florida (yet) and I'll probably never know any of the people or places that Mofro sing about - but hearing the heart that this band backs their music up with, makes me feel like I'd be welcome to walk up their front porch any day for a cold beer. I'd be surprised if there was another Mofro fan in Australia - whenever I put on their cd in a crowd, I'm always asked who they are. I have to say that finding their music abroad and then bringing it home with me only makes every time I listen to either of their cd's even more awesome. Go on, take the plunge - invest your money in real music made with real instruments - you won't be disappointed either!"
Homesick, but it's alright
Argus Hamilton | Atlanta, Georgia | 01/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mofro is one of the most entertaining bands in the nation. The soul, energy, and thought-provocking lyrics that come from J.J. Grey and company are simply like nothing I've ever heard. Do yourself a favor and go to their website, find a date at a venue near you, and go.
Lochloosa is Mofro's follow-up CD to Blackwater. It features a diverse array of material - no song sounds anything like another. I particularly like "Everybodys", "Pray for Rain" - hidden track,"dirt floor cracka", and of course "Lochloosa".
What can I compare the sound to? Nothing. This is swamp funk. It's got soul, it's got funk, and it's fried up in batter to taste good."
Gator Country Revisited
Music Fan | 04/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What if you crossed Lynyrd Skynyrd with the Black Crowes, sprinkled it with some hill country blues and filtered it through JJ Cale and Tony Joe White? The result would be Mofro.
Put this album on, close your eyes, and you'll find yourself in the swamps of north Florida, surrounded by live oak trees festooned with spanish moss. Storm clouds are brewing off to the west and there's a gator drifting in the dark water. It's downright eerie.
Mofro is one of those rare bands that writes songs because they need to be sung - not because they're looking for a hit. Sometimes introspective, sometimes funky, but always vital, Lochloosa is an astounding showcase for the band's talent. If you don't find your toes tapping or your hips shaking, you're probably dead."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
Brett H. (BlooZRocker)