Tom Morello and Boots Riley have made their careers by interweaving their leftist political ideals into their music. One as the genius guitarist for groundbreaking rap/metal band Rage Against the Machine and the other as the genius lyricist for funk-driven Oakland rap duo The Coup. Now, as each approaches twenty years in the industry they have collaborated on what was supposed to be a politically fueled rock/rap party album as the Street Sweeper Social Club. Yet the outcome seems unfulfilled as each comes off subdued as to not try and outdo the other. "Clap For the Killers" is an example in which Morello's arrangement seems to be fitted to showcase Boots' lyrics but instead, Boots sounds unusually low-key as though he doesn't want to show-up his SSSC counterpart. Which is upsetting because Boots is an amazing rapper; he can do political raps, funny raps, drop excellent puns and even narrate a story (the truly amazing "Me and Jesus the Pimp in a '79 Grenada Last Night" is the best story rap ever). But nowhere does Boots really let his talent shine. The same goes for Morello. The opening track "Fight! Smash! Win!" is vintage Morello as he stomps his pedal, lays down a hard riff, and blazes through a distortion heavy solo, but he doesn't come off that tight again until the closing "Nobody Move (Til We Say Go)." Instead he lays down cheesy 70s riffs ("The Oath"), a kind of disco-influenced jam ("Promenade") and even includes an acoustic (!?!?) guitar to "Good Morning, Mrs. Smith." The album is not a complete failure though as there are tracks that shine both in their communist/leftist stance/lyrics and call for a revolt while pulsing with Morello's guitar ("100 Little Curses" has Boots in full anti-bourgeois mood). However, the duo hired Stanton Moore (drummer, Galactic, various jazz projects) and he just doesn't have the energy and strength that an album with this kind emotional drive deserves. SSSC is a group with enough talent and passion that this album should be viewed merely as a template in which future releases will be worked off of. And hopefully, Morello and Boots will each pour themselves into upcoming efforts like they have been doing for years and years.
3.2/5.0
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