'Those who start wars never fight them / and those who fight wars never like them'. War and peace - especially the lack of the latter - are the themes on Yell Fire! from Michael Franti. In 2004 Franti traveled through war zones and 'conflict zones' such as Iraq, Israel and the Palestinian territories. The journey was documented in the movie I Know I'm Not Alone (hfd0171) and formed the basis for
… this CD. Franti has always been a socially engaged musician, and on Yell Fire! he shows an almost activist optimism. 'War is over! If you want it, 'said John and Yoko in 1969, and Michael Franti seems to agree completely. Yell Fire! was partly recorded in Jamaica with the legendary duo Sly & Robbie on bass and drums, and reggae influences are clearly present. But also guitar pop รก la U2 and hip-hop pass by in a cheerfully moody mix of styles. (IV)more
