Washington, DC-based sophisticates Thievery Corporation (producers Rob Garza and Eric Hilton) made several albums of superb down-tempo electronica prior to THE COSMIC GAME, and each release refined the duo's sensuous blend of deep, head-nodding beats, exotic world-music melodies, and lounge-ready atmospherics. This 2005 record builds on the strengths of the Corporation's previous albums, offering more stylish, club-targeted soundscapes to excellent effect. The series of all-star guests that parades through the album raises the Corporation's profile even higher.
The Flaming Lips contribute additional instruments and vocals to the dreamy opener "Marching the Hate Machines (Into the Sun)," while the trip-hop-flavored "Revolution Solution" features Perry Farrell on vocals. Indian themes surface with vocalist Gunjan and sitar player Arjuna Pashwami on "Satyam Shivam Sundaram," and Verny Varela's singing gives the crowning touch to the bossa nova track "Ambicion Eterna." Even David Byrne makes an appearance, on the spacey mariachi boogaloo "The Heart's a Lonely Hunter." This fine mix of elements results in Thievery Corporation's most pop-oriented and accessible release, without sacrificing any of the group's ear-pleasing artistry.
Recording information: The Consulate, Washington DC (2003-2004).
Photographer: Daniel Lima.
Guests: Perry Farrell,David Byrne,Flaming Lips
Thievery Corporation: Eric Hilton, Rob Garza (various instruments, electronics).
Personnel: The Flaming Lips (vocals, guitar); Gigi Rezende, Gunjan, Loulou Djine, Notch, Perry Farrell, Sleepy Wonder, David Byrne, Verny Varela, Patrick DeSantos, Sista Pat (vocals); Robertito "La Guira" Santos (berimbau, percussion); Arjuna Pashwami (sitar); Brad Clements, Rick Harris , Jim McFalls, Bryan Mills (horns); Frank Orrall (tabla, percussion); John Nelson (percussion).
Additional personnel: Frank Orrall, Gigi Rezende (vocals); Perry Farrell, The Flaming Lips, David Byrne, Sista Pat, Robertito "La Guira" Santos.
Rolling Stone (No. 968, p.73) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[THE COSMIC GAME] displays much of what we've come to expect from Thievery: lush, down-tempo beats laced with authentic Jamaican and Latin flair. One notable change? Big-time guest spots..." Uncut (p.108) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[With] some soulful reggae vibes." Mojo (Publisher) (p.89) - 3 stars out of 5 - "Washington DC's favourite loungecore dubheads embellish their gently pulsating, reggae-tinged house style with Latin and Indian influences."
Globlal musics,east and west in one. In the line of Washington mixers,good job for relax our minds. Submitted by gasparllor (Benicasim,Castellon,SPAIN) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Innovation Synthesis Thievery Corporation continues its success with their innovative synthesis of pop sensibility and world music forms. Submitted by theresa_kendrick (Miami, FL, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Good, but not great I've had this disc going on 2 weeks now and still I have that opinion of the disc.
If you are a fan of the Corporation, you won't be disappointed. While I like nearly everything on it, there just doesn't seem to be the strong tracks like that of previous releases (esp. Mirror Conspiracy and Richest Man) here. Most of the tracks seem to have the usual sound you'd come to expect, maybe that's why I don't feel like there's much of a stand out single to this project. Sol Tapado would have to be the stand out track on this one, and probably the reason they released it as the first single off the album, it's a good strong piece, pretty much the only track on the album that might could hold it's own against Lebanese Blonde.
Those that have grown accustomed to vocals by Lou Lou, Gunjan, & Sleepy Wonder will still get their fill with this album. Tracks featuring other vocalists on the album just don't seem to fit the Thievery sound like the above mentioned (and a few others not mentioned from previous works), they are still good tracks, but again, they just don't seem to fit the sound that long time fans have grown accustomed to.
While I don't think this is their best album to date I'd definately still have to say that it is worth owning, especially if you are already a fan. Submitted by okcclimber (Oklahoma City, OK, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Good Grooves, Good Times Great album to listen to while driving at night. Perfect for chilling on the back porch smoking cigars with friends on summer nights. A good lounge CD with TC's signature blend of multicultural music and intelligent beats. Highly recommended. The Album sleeve also makes a stylish shelf decoration. Submitted by Frederick (Kansas City, KS, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Good I think I still like "The MIrror Conspiracy" a lil better, but this still has some excellent tracks. I particularly like the tracks with The Flaming Lips, Perry Ferrell & David Byrne (1, 3 & 10 respectiveley). Far better than "Outernational Sound" and "The Richest Man In Babylon" in my opinion and a very good album regardless. Submitted by Justin (Weehawken NJ) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Globlal musics,east and west in one.
Good, but not great
Good Grooves, Good Times
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