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LIVE AT THE FILLMORE
Cypress Hill
(Columbia / Sony)
There's a good reason why you don't hear more live rap albums; it's because the very phrase "live rap album" is pretty much an oxymoron. Many performers lip-synch, and even those who don't usually rap over tapes instead of using live musicians. For years, hemp-happy L.A. hip-hoppers Cypress Hill were in the latter group. But since these doobie brothers decided to woo the lucrative rap-rock market, they've been recording and touring with a full band. The tack has its pros and cons, as heard on their Live at the Fillmore CD. On the plus side, the propulsive, in-your-face energy of a band (especially an actual human drummer) adds plenty of kick and a fresh spin to pachuco dope-fiend anthems like Insane in the Brain, I Wanna Get High, How I Could Just Kill a Man and I Ain't Going Out Like That. On the downside, that spin can be too fresh. Many of these live jams pale next to their studio counterparts (a mix that's murkier than Sen Dog's bong water only adds to the buzz-kill factor). But while it has its highs and lows, when it all comes together, Live at the Fillmore is a smokin' joint.
Track Listing
1. Hand On The Pump
2. Real Estate
3. How I Could Just Kill A Man
4. Insane In The Brain
5. Pigs
6. Looking Through The Eye Of A Pig
7. Cock The Hammer
8. Checkmate
9. Can't Get The Best Of Me
10. Lick A Shot
11. A To The K
12. I Ain't Goin' Out Like That
13. I Wanna Get High
14. Stoned Is The Way Of The Walk
15. Hits From The Bong
16. Riot Starter
17. Superstar, (Rock)