Former Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong goes it alone on 2007's A POET'S LIFE, and turns in a thoroughly enjoyable (if somewhat surprising) solo effort. Rancid fans may be expecting blazing guitars and punk rock fist-pumping, but therein lies the surprise: A POET'S LIFE is a reggae album through and through. Armstrong revitalizes the long-lived connection between punk and Jamaican music by giving this album a deeply groove-centered, roots-conscious sound (courtesy of backing band the Aggrolites) and turning in a batch of songs that nod to rocksteady and dub. The album isn't without its uneven patches, but overall the songwriting, and especially Armstrong's passionate vocal performances, make it sugar for the ears. There's hardly a trace of punk aggression on the disc (save Armstrong's naturally gruff delivery), but it doesn't detract from the fun bounce and sway of this roots-centric release.
This began as a thank you from Tim to Rancid fans, to be released one track at a time on the Internet to tide fans over until the next Rancid full-length. But when KROQ in LA began heavily playing the explosive track, "Into Action", plans changed. So here's Armstrong's first solo release, backed by some of the strongest radio support since the days of "Time Bomb" and "Ruby Soho". With a killer old-school two-tone groove, helped along by Hellcat label mates The Aggrolites, "A Poet's Life" is loose, punky, infectious, and shamelessly dancable. Bonus DVD features videos of every song and a cool featurette on the making of the album and videos.
Personnel: Tim Armstrong (guitar); Brian Dixon (guitar); Roger Rivas (organ); J. Bonner (bass guitar); Korey Horn, Scott Abels (drums); Saliva Cano (percussion); Jesse Wagner (background vocals); The Aggrolites.
Additional personnel: Belinda 'Bibi' McGill, John Morrical, Hunter Perrin (guitar); Booge Jones, Jubal Jones (saxophone); Ethan Eveneri (trumpet); Martin Sullivan, Tom Cook (trombone); DJ Odi Of the Circle (turntables); Ritchie Stites, Skye Sweetnam, Daphna Dove (background vocals).
Kerrang (Magazine) (p.49) - "[T]his is life-affirming ska-punk....An American-wide postcard from the road..."
his best yet every song is awesome Submitted by slim_penelope (annapolis, md) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
GOOD STUFF!!! This CD has some good stuff. All Tim Armstrongs songs are a pleaser. You wont be dissapointed. Get this one you will be happy you did. Submitted by areyan (Bakersfield California) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Get this One of the most enjoyable albums I've heard in awhile. Submitted by Dave (Virginia) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Simply amazing Tim Armstrong goes straight to the roots with this one. My favorite album that Tim Armstrong has been involved in is Life Won't Wait (Rancid) but this album was surprisingly solid, and a lot of fun to listen to.
Amazingly, this album was also originally released online for FREE by Tim. So...if you're looking for it, the album IS free (legally, and intendedly) if you do some looking around. Submitted by nerull (Port Huron, MI, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Classic This is a classic disc in my opinion, and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys music in general. Submitted by St.Alphonzo (Spokane,Wa, US of A.) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
his best yet
Classic
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