SWOLLEN MEMBERS
Bad Dreams (Battle Axe)
Reviewed by Jason Thornberry

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It's only momentary, but I'm guessing now that Bryan Adams or Alanis Morrisette are what the world automatically thinks of when someone mentions musical artists from Canada. Hip hop is no longer limited to the Five Boroughs. You have emcees and producers in Blighty (Gamma), Texas (Geto Boys), Japan (K-Dub Shine), Croatia (Tram 11), California (Dr. Dre), the Dirty South (Outkast), Portugal (Black Company), IPM (France), Terror X Crew (Greece), and even South Africa (Mr. Mann & Pointblank) all optimistically repruhzentin' their districts at present.

Mad Child and Prevail are Swollen Members, the duo responsible for my Pick of The Year recently with their preceding disc "Balance," which boasted production by The Alchemist, Kut Masta Kurt, and Joey Chavez, etc., as well as guest shots from Evidence and Iriscience (Dilated Peoples), Everlast, Divine Styler, Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, Son Doobie, Thirdrail Vic, and Aceyalone. There's an equally long list of guests on Bad Dreams (Chali 2Na, DJ Babu, Buc Fifty, Planet Asia, and Moka Only, among others), but like their earlier effort, this album is only enhanced by the guest work.

This collection is right up there on my substantial list of favorites for 2001. I don't want to add to the pressure that they're undoubtedly feeling to keep the quality control level high, and grace us with an equal follow up. Even if it's almost as good as what they've issued so far I'll be wearing stereos everywhere out with it.

© 2002 - Jason Thornberry