Search - Fela Kuti :: Expensive Shit / He Miss Road

More anti-establishment afro-funk

dasmith@iei.net | U.S.A. | 05/31/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Like "Coffin for Head of State" and "Unknown Soldier", the "Expensive Shit" album gives Fela plenty of room to detail and decry official devilry. In this case, he was detained by police in order to produce a "sample" they could then test for hemp. According to Fela, a renowned hemp smoker, the sample came back clean. In the fashion of all his mid-70s recordings, the title tune is uptempo and utilizes a choppy James Brown-ish rhythm guitar riff as an introduction and driving force (Fela's use of funk guitar patterns, by the way, generally fills the role taken traditionally by percussion in African music, setting up a basic pattern around which the rest of the composition is arranged.) His lyrics reflect not only detestation of the regime but also a kind of incensed pragmatism - detaining a musician in such a way is ludicrous, Fela basically says, even if does have THC in his blood. Where Side A of the original album is tense with its polyrhythms, Side B represents the cleansing, and is titled "Water Get No Enemy." Its sound is lilting and cool. Also on this reissue is the entire "He Miss Road" album, produced by Ginger Baker. This is also a mid-70s release, and the only difference in sound due to Baker's presence is a better separation of instruments than on most of the other Fela albums. The lyrics of the title track reflect an unwillingness to become involved with those whose actions betray their better judgement. Throughout this entire disc, the classic elements of Fela's music can be heard: developing call-and-response; a blend of funk, jazz, and Yoruban music; and an unwavering politicized drive."

A Fistful Of Afrobeat

Michael Sean | Seattle, WA - US | 04/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These marvelous reissues of Fela's work present two of his albums on each CD, with the booklets featuring the original artwork, lyrics & translations, and an overview of his phenomenal life. The "He Miss Road" album, from 1975, contains three blistering tracks of interwoven rhythm patterns and deadly grooves. During this period, Fela and Africa 70 were an unstoppable force, releasing new music at a dizzying pace (six to eight albums a year!). The title track is a lethal dose of jazzy organ and punchy horn lines, laid over the hypnotizing interplay between the skeletal funk guitars and Tony Allen's drumming. There's also a new workout on "Monday Morning In Lagos," which Fela had once recorded back when the group was known as Nigeria 70. "Expensive Shit," also from 1975, is one of several Fela records chronicling his confrontations with the authorities. This particular incident involved a police raid on Fela's commune, which he had dubbed the 'Kalakuta Republic'(named for the prison cell, Kalakuta, that he had occupied after a previous arrest). The intent was to plant weed on him, but when the police presented Fela with the evidence, he snatched it, and much to their surprise, ate it. As he describes the event on the album's cover: "My sh*t was sent for lab test. Result -- negative." The record became a hit, boosting Fela's reputation and further embarrassing Nigeria's military government. With his music getting much-deserved attention again, a new generation can now discover how Fela became a household name in his country. If you are unfamiliar with Fela's work, this disc will surely convert you."

Sounds vibrant and fresh even 30 years later

loce_the_wizard | Lilburn, GA USA | 04/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This single CD is actually a twofer featuring "Expensive Shit" and "He Miss Road," two classic examples of the infectious, wide, deep Afro-beat groove. Up-tempo and rollicking, Fela Anikulapo Kuti and his stalwart band and choir generated a funk-laced, organic stew laced with psychedelic pacing and jazzy spacing. The musicians deliver a hypnotic river of sound, powered by drummer Tony Allen's superb energy, which propels the various guitars, keyboard, sax, and other solos.



Sometimes the beat is menacing as on the title track on "Expensive Shit." (Just read the liner notes for the lowdown on the title-it's quite a tale!) Other time, the band slips into a flowing froth as on Water Get No Enemy.



The tracks on "He Miss Road," while less political, chronicle more of the life and times of Fela, who must have had quite a sense of humor considering the abuse he endured. When you listen to the 17-minute final track, It's No Possible, all of a sudden you understand one of the main sources for derivative bands such as Traffic. Compare this track with Traffic's jams on the "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" and "Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory."



All five tracks are all long jams: typically the instrumental solos build up to Fela's vocals. Though he was the heart and brains of the outfit, he doesn't hog the limelight but lets everyone have some time to shine. And what an instrument his voice was: wailing, strutting, and vexing. These sessions are a true group effort. Both the band and choir churn along in deep grooves, the equal-is not better--of any soul or funk back from what George Clinton and James Brown were dishing out in the `70. For the record, Ginger Baker produced (but does not play) "He Miss Road." All the tracks sound vibrant and fresh even 30 years later, and the sound quality on the combined CD is excellent.



If you want to try Fela Kuti and do not know where to plunge in (his discography is amazingly long and there are some uneven sessions), I would recommend this CD as a fine place to start.

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