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The Aggrolites

IV (2009)
Hellcat Records

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Contributed by: FatTony
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on July 3rd 2009

Just one year after the release of Reggae Hit L.A. comes IV, the appropriately titled fourth album from soul-reggae outfit the Aggrolites. With it, the band continues their track record of creating great summertime albums that are both relaxing and energetic at the same time.

If you've heard any of the band's previous efforts, you should have a pretty good idea of what to expect with this album: reggae mixed with healthy doses of soul, R&B and a little bit of funk that works perfectly as background music but is also highly rewarding for attentive listeners. It's all set against the same raw, lo-fi production utilized on past albums. The band saw something that wasn't broke and decided not to fix it, and for the most part that's fine by me.

The only complaints about the album are those that I have about other Aggrolites albums. First, the album is a bit long-winded. While none of the songs are outright bad and this is easily the band's most consistent album to date, some songs are definitely weaker than others. It hurts the album's flow, but it's still easy to listen to from start to finish. Second, the lyrics almost entirely lack substance, which is a damn shame given Jesse Wagner's gruff soulful delivery. It's this limitation that relegates the band's music primarily to summertime spins for me. Finally, a few too many of the songs fade out at the end, but that's a personal pet peeve of mine.

In spite of these flaws, this is still a fantastic album that's bound to receive plenty of spins from me this summer. For fans of the band, this is an easy one to recommend and for the uninitiated, this is as good a place as any to start.

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fattony (July 16, 2009)

Haha, I just realized that Reggae Hit L.A. actually came out in 2007, not 2008. Oops!

hayman (July 6, 2009)

This album is good for lazy Sunday afternoons. Only problem is it's cold here in Australia at the moment and this really is a summer disc. Good times all the same.

paulrulzdood (July 6, 2009)

now that's a perfect review

Paul

oldpunkerforever (July 6, 2009)

CD of the year so far, absolutely brilliant and having just seen them live, just makes it hit home that much more, dam these guys are good-oldpunker-

Phantom_Maggot (July 5, 2009)

This album is good background music, but it is too long with too little variation to be considered great, I also agree that the lyrics are weak. I can understand when music is just for fun, but sometimes it comes across like the band is trying to write something a little bit deeper, but falling flat on their face. Good summer music.

COMMODORE_STRYCHNINE (July 5, 2009)

One of my favorite bands! This is a scorcher! Don't hesitate to go out and purchase this one, it's Great!!! However, the real way to hear these guys is Live, be sure to look for when they are coming to a town near you. They do not disappoint.

xIxKilledxJesusx (July 4, 2009)

the lyrics are meant to be the way they are.. its supposed to be a fun, good times album

hooverstreet (July 4, 2009)

All of their songs sound the same. They really do. It's a decent song but enough is enough.

muckymuck (July 4, 2009)

you guys didn't read their amp interview. one guy said like: "i never understand why people say an album's too long. i figure you come back and listen to the other half next time."

muckymuck (July 4, 2009)

mad maga zine > amp maga zine

baseball (July 4, 2009)

Also, to the guy below, the LP version is probably shorter so it fits on one LP. The digital download that comes with it has all 21 tracks.

baseball (July 4, 2009)

I agree with Matt. LP is the better version. It's got the best tracks and they come right at you. The long version works well as background music at work though.

sleepwalker (July 4, 2009)

Does anyone know why the LP version is missing 10 songs? I want the vinyl, but would prefer the full album.

ryannn (July 3, 2009)

Great record, sure it is a little long but none if it is weak. It is just smooth soulful jam after jam. I like the greater inclusion of vocals and less instrumental filler because Wagner has some serious chops.

mattramone (July 3, 2009)

LP is the superior version.

MN_punkmaster-skaman (July 3, 2009)

Good and fair review. What I enjoy about the album is how the production/sound changed. Yeah, I enjoyed how the last three sounded like they were recorded in the 60's/70's, but with this it sounds better. And their sound has expanded. Makes me think of War, one of the better funk bands from the 70's (and also from L.A. like these guys).

holy_hack_ben (July 3, 2009)

I like it.

mikexdude (July 3, 2009)

it's a little long. but still good. the boys deliver again!

That's what she said.

This isn't bad considering I wasn't a huge Aggrolites fan.