The weather has made quite the turnaround here in Cleveland lately, and nearly nationwide. It feels almost like summer and the warm temperatures inspired me to pull out some of my old music that had been archived away. There's nothing like a little Michael Franti to remind me of summer weather and most of my favorites of his are from 2003 or earlier. Many of you are probably only familial with Michael Franti from his more recent work like Sounds of Sunshine and the dancehall staple Say Hey (I Love You). Based on those current feel-good summertime hits you might be surprised to hear his previous quasi-militant, social activist music.
Here's one of my favorite's of his called Oh My God from his 2001 release Stay Human:
Michael Franti & Spearhead - Oh My God (2001)
Pretty clear message there and a stark contrast to his more recent work. He also makes a turn towards an almost hard-core sound with this track from the same album.
Michael Franti & Spearhead - Listener Supported (2001)
The entire album is worth a listen. The tracks are interspersed with fictional radio segments referring to the case of "Sister Fatima". Woody Harrelson makes an appearance as Governor Franklin Shane in the radio segments.
My favorite track is a remix from an unknown DJ of the title track, Stay Human.
Michael Franti & Spearhead - Stay Human (Stereo Sauna remix) (2001)
Here is something from a little later, a live track taken from Australia's Live on The Panel tv show. It features Katie Noonan of the Australian band Elixer. It's a cover of the ultimate social-activist protest song, Marvin Gaye's What's Goin on?
Michael Franti feat. Katie Noonan - What's going on? (2003)
In 2003, Franti released a full album with Spearhead as well as a solo acoustic album of previously released tunes as well as a few originals called Songs From The Front Porch. Check out his acoustic cover of 2001's Oh My God.
Michael Franti - Oh My God (Acoustic) (2003)
An original song from the same album that has become a perpetual favorite of the stoner sect is the excellent Ganja Babe:
Michael Franti - Ganja Babe (2003)
His album with Spearhead, Everyone Deserves Music, also has a few great tracks. You can really hear his progression from 2001's Stay Human towards a lighter, brighter feel. Listening to his older songs, you can really trace out his career ark from his Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy days to his current party music work.
Michael Franti & Spearhead - Never Too Late (2003)
Michael Franti & Spearhead - Crazy, Crazy, Crazy (2003)
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