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| Fight With Tools | 
 enlarge | Artist: Flobots
Label: Universal Republic
Category: Music
List Price: $10.98
Buy New: $6.49
You Save: $4.49 (41%)
New (48) Used (20) from $5.94
Avg. Customer Rating:  44 reviews
Sales Rank: 1246
Format: Explicit Lyrics
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
MPN: 001125802
UPC: 602517689787
EAN: 0602517689787
ASIN: B0017PE9I6
Release Date: May 20, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
| • | There's a War Going on for Your Mind | | • | Mayday!!! | | • | Same Thing | | • | Stand Up | | • | Fight with Tools | | • | Handlebars | | • | Never Had It | | • | Combat | | • | The Rhythm Method (Move!) | | • | Anne Braden | | • | We Are Winning | | • | Rise |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Formed as a cohesive alternative organism in 2005, the FLOBOTS `good-fight' mythology can be traced via Denver's underground vines and creative community of the late `90s when various members enlivened each others' gigs and creative events, setting the charge that would eventually power up the band's contagious and rollicking rock/rap pedigree. Their rousing live show, seasoned by classically trained viola player Mackenzie Robert's innovative playing, sparked an impressive undertow of across-the-board support (including both coasts and off-the-grid territories such as Nebraska and Utah) as the group honed its glowing activist edge with a refreshingly positive message and bristling musicianship.
The prescient "Handlebars," currently holding down a coveted `Top request' slot at several key radio stations as well as being the Most Added at Alternative Radio, has placed FLOBOTS among the most buzzed-about newcomers in rock and rap circles. "'Handlebars' was written in the same way the group kind of blossomed," says Jonny 5. "I had a friend a few years ago who asked me if I ever tried to ride my bike with no handlebars. I hadn't, so I tried it. Got to thinking about all the other things I could do - we could do. The song came so fast to me I actually called my mom's answering machine to record the lyrics and make sure I got it all down. Of course it's also about how even our best intentions are laden with some sort of opposite. We like to think that FLOBOTS are about directing that positive energy into real change." Flobots Photos
Album Description
Explicit Version. When a pair of intelligent, visionary emcees joins forces with a battle-hardened, groove-fusing rhythm section, a classically trained violist, and a jazz trumpet player, the result is a sound that explores and expands the frontiers of live hip-hop. Progressive in both style and message, the band's ability to drop from symphonic rock-infused crescendos into stripped-down string-laden breakbeats has earned Flobots a reputation for both originality and authenticity. After originally forming as a side project in 2005, Flobots brought together Emcee's Jonny 5 and Brer Rabbit with violist Mackenzie Roberts, guitarist Andy Guerrero, bassist Jesse Walker, trumpet player Joe Ferrone, and drummer Kenny Ortiz. By the end of the year, it was clear that the band's refreshingly positive message and nontraditional instrumentation gave it both a universal appeal and a marketable buzz factor. Whether sharing the stage with jam bands, indie rock acts, or hip-hop groups, Flobots connected with audiences and quickly reached a tipping point to became one of Denver's most influential bands.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 39 more reviews...
Power to the People December 17, 2008
The Flobots are not your typical band. They didn't get big by selling out. Instead they acquired fans similar to the way a grassroots organization would although they call them "Street Teams". Their fans told people who told people. It's a great early effort by a band with a lot of potential. Their themes are political but not over the top. They seem more interested in getting people to think then necessarily siding with a political ideology. Of course, there is a bit of pro-liberal/anti-conservative messages but it doesn't detract from the quality of the music.
'Handlebars' is by far the track most will recognize but there are other gems here. 'Rise' and 'Stand Up' seem to reflect the feeling of the band that it's time to get off the sidelines and do something. One almost thinks of Public Enemy in the late eighties early nineties or Rage Against the Machine in the nineties for inspiration. They want people to start questioning the world so it can change for the better. I'd love to rate the album higher but this is simply to early in the bands career. I am eagerly looking forward to their next release
 Takes you on a substantive journey December 3, 2008
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
Admittedly I had only heard "Handlebars". Being a fan of the band Cake (ex:Fashion Nugget), it really reminded me of their genre-bending style. Since Flobots were going to be playing at a music festival I picked up the CD so I can enjoy their show. I got much more than I bargained for. I was inspired by their social consciousness and the urgency they give to get up and do something, make a difference, take a stand. Go out and seek knowledge, information, action. Just by doing that, you are separating yourself from the mass consumerism message we are constantly being assaulted with.
From the beginning we are warned about this with quickfire references such as dodging "silicone shrapnel". Progressively we are led through political stances we should re-examine and prophetically the calling of change in the Presidency. Then we are taken further down to examine the exponential capabilities of us as humans which the song "Handlebars" is about. Our capabilities are as limitless as they are dangerous. A very deep song and not just a constant blithering about riding your bike as some seem to think. The disc culminates in the encouragement that we have come a long way, but we need a call (Rise) to action if we want to make things better in the long run. The beauty of it all is this journey the Flobots take us on is without bitterness, specifically toward the country, and is simply an enlightenment to educate yourself and take some form of action (Fight with tools). The melting pot of musical styles just made it all the better. 70s retro funk? Rapping with a violin? An elderly lady freestyling? They make it work. So go fight with tools, rise, we are winning.
A fantastic album November 25, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I was first introduced to the Flobots while I was driving to pick up Rock Band for a party. The guy in the car with me popped in his mix cd and put on Handlebars. I thought it was a pretty okay song. After hearing it on the radio a few times, I decided to go buy the album. This was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Fight With Tools is one of my favorite albums ever, now. I'm not normally a fan of rap music, but this album spoke to me on a level that few other albums have. I kept saying to myself as I listened, "Yeah! Alright! These guys totally get it!" The thing you have to understand before you listen to this album is that these guys are about as liberal as you can get. If you voted for Bush both times, avoid this album. If you've ever protested the war in Iraq, but it twice. The Flobots combine hip-hop stylings, masterful delivery, rockin' instrumentals, and a truly meaningful message to create a true masterpiece of an album. Even though iTunes says it is "hip-hop/rap", Fight with tools can't really be shoehorned into one genre. There are wicked guitar riffs in "Same Thing", a wonderful and unexpected jazzy saxophone solo in "Handlebars", and an interesting beat-box track in "Combat". The lyrics are politically charged and angry, but optimistic about the future. I half expected "Rise" to start playing everywhere when Obama was announced the President Elect. I guess my point is this: If you want something truly different, and you want an album that makes a point instead of just blabbing on about nothing, pick up Fight With Tools. You won't regret it.
 -facepalm- November 17, 2008
0 out of 10 found this review helpful
Yeah, brag about your ability to ride your bike with no handlebars and you have the hit of 08.
Jeez, I wonder what other things these guys can do...
Great songs, Great Message October 28, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This band is outstanding, their songs flow seamlessly and they have great instrumentals as well. The songs also send out a great message about current events and the songs get you pumped. I would definitely recommend this band and this CD
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