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Editorial/Description:Description: In 2004, Franti and his team traveled to the core of the red-zoned, war torn neighborhoods of Baghdad, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip with his guitar, video cameras, and the intent to experience first hand the human cost of war. Out of this journey, he created a compelling documentary ("I Know I'm Not Alone") and a searing, reflective album of original songs. "Yell Fire!" is his most compelling, engaged collection of songs, fired by a fury at the injustice of war, and a rediscovery of the love and community that supports those doing the fighting. It embraces reggae, blues, folk, hip-hop, and the anthemic politics of rock artists like U2 and Springsteen. With massive grooves and soaring choruses, Franti and Spearhead have produced an album to inspire and ignite. More from Michael Franti 
I Know I'm Not Alone (DVD), Directed by Michael Franti
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Stay Human, Michael Franti and Spearhead
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Everyone Deserves Music, Michael Franti and Spearhead
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Songs from the Front Porch: An Acoustic Collection, Michael Franti
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Love Kamikaze: The Lost Sex Singles & Collectors' Remixes, Michael Franti,
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Live in Sydney, Michael Franti and Spearhead
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Amazon.com: One thing you know you'll get from Franti and Spearhead is a certain kind of crystal clarity--on the production, musicianship, and, of course, in the righteous political message. Released two years after Franti traveled by himself to war-ravaged Baghdad, Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, each of these songs deals with the human cost of war poignantly and pointedly. The lyrics may seem simplistic when removed from the songs--"Those who start wars never fight them/And those who fight wars never like them" and "The F15 is a homicide bomber"--but very few artists have the honesty and balls that Franti does. Bless him for that. Spearhead might lose credibility with some by tying Peter Tosh's chant to "legalize it" to their call for revolution, but those folks are not in the target demographic, anyway. Those who are will thoroughly dig this. From the jam band accents of "Time to Go Home" to the reggae of "Light Up Ya Lighter" to the U2-ish ballad "I Know I'm Not Alone," it's easily Franti's best album yet. --Mike McGonigal
Tracks:Disc: 1
1. Time To Go Home
2. Yell Fire
3. I Know Im Not Alone
4. East To The West
5. Sweet Little Lies
6. Hello Bonjour
7. One Step Closer To You
8. Hey Now Now
9. Everybody Ona Move
10. See You In The Light
11. Light Up Ya Lighter
12. What I've Seen
13. Tolerance
14. Is Love Enough?
Customer Reviews:
exellent
October 24, 2008
this album is brilliant,Michael has his finger on the pulse of all right thinking peoples all over the planet
great album
October 2, 2008
I've been a fan of Franti's earlier work with Disposable Heroes but honestly becamed disenfranchised with his pop leanings on Spearheads earlier albums "Home" and "Chocolate Supa-Highway". I kind of gave up on him but always wondered what was up with him and if Spearhead was still putting out albums. A close friend of mine asked me to go to this years Earthdance festival but I couldn't go. My interest being rekindled decided I to check out some of their new stuff. Their website had the first half of yell fire on streamer to listen to for free and me and girlfriend both thought it sounded really good so I ordered it.
The energy is rocking and heavy, the message is urgent and focused, and the album as a whole is very balanced knowing when to get angry, when to get tender, and when to get you moving!!! Of what I have heard so far this could arguably be Franti's best work yet. Those who suggested maybe it's too pop at times should check his back-catalogue out and get the Disposable Heroes album it's like Public Enemy on steroids!!!
Another thing folks should really check out the companion DVD documentary "I know I'm not Alone" that he shot when visited the middle east. It's a very touching and eye-opening account of a part of the world we know little about except what the mass media been feeding us. His experience there was the catalyst for this album.
sweet
September 13, 2008
Awesome CD! Hits home with the war and all too. Not his most hoppin cd, but its got an important message. Ya can't help but sing along to most the tracks though, he makes sure you have fun!
great music, great message
September 7, 2008
Michael Franti seemlessly unites various musical styles on this upbeat disc charged with political and social commentary. It's positive, it rocks, it's danceable, and Franti is an artist who is actually living his life to make this world better. Yell Fire!
Michael Franti & Spearhead - Yell Fire
August 10, 2008
Micheal's music is amazing! His music speaks the truth. Powerful. Ironic how he sings/writes about war & world poverty, yet his music is so uplifting. Everyone should own a copy of Yell Fire!
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