Street Signs

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
You generally don't have to listen too hard to hear what's on the mind of Los Angeles music collective Ozomatli. The multi-faceted band is rarely subtle in its politics or its incorporation of countless Latin traditions as well as modern rock, jazz, pop and hip-hop. But on the band's third album, Street Signs, the addition of the Prague Symphony and the distinct influence of Arab and North African music certainly qualify as ambitious curve balls. Announcing its intentions from the get-go, album-opener "Believe" starts with a Rai-style vocal melody before finishing with a gritty rap as Bollywood-style strings provide a sweeping backdrop throughout. Never lingering in one place for long, the band quickly goes from there into some of the catchiest Latin Rock this side of Santana's "Smooth" on such gems as "Love And Hope" and "(Who Discovered) America?" before tearing off in other directions. These fearless hip-hop bambinos truly go their own way, saying what they want, playing what they want. --Tad Hendrickson

Street Signs,Ozomatli,Concord Records,Hip-Hop,Latin Pop,Middle Eastern Pop,Pop,Rock,Rock en Español,Salsa,World Beat,Worldbeat

Street Signs

Tracks:

Believe
Love And Hope
Street Signs
(Who Discovered) America?
Who's To Blame
Te Estoy Buscando
Saturday Night
Dejame En Paz
Santiago
Ya Viene El Sol (The Beatle Bob Remix)
Dona Isabelle
Nadie Te Tira
Cuando Canto

Amazon.com

You generally don't have to listen too hard to hear what's on the mind of Los Angeles music collective Ozomatli. The multi-faceted band is rarely subtle in its politics or its incorporation of countless Latin traditions as well as modern rock, jazz, pop and hip-hop. But on the band's third album, Street Signs, the addition of the Prague Symphony and the distinct influence of Arab and North African music certainly qualify as ambitious curve balls. Announcing its intentions from the get-go, album-opener "Believe" starts with a Rai-style vocal melody before finishing with a gritty rap as Bollywood-style strings provide a sweeping backdrop throughout. Never lingering in one place for long, the band quickly goes from there into some of the catchiest Latin Rock this side of Santana's "Smooth" on such gems as "Love And Hope" and "(Who Discovered) America?" before tearing off in other directions. These fearless hip-hop bambinos truly go their own way, saying what they want, playing what they want. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

Prepare To Get Your Groove On.......2007-04-11

Every song is fabulous and I feel instantaneously cooler just listening to it. I can't get enough of the feel good, latin/jazz/hip hop/middle eastern music vibes. Join the party and prepare to get your groove on!

The Soundtrack of LA.......2007-02-05

Drawing on influences from all over the globe, Ozo continues to amaze. I heard the track Believe on the local Pacifica affiliate right after a horrifying dispatch from Iraq. It was chilling--and the song has had a profound association for me ever since. Ozo truly represents the best that LA has to offer celebrating diversity and challenging the status quo. Ozo = LA.

Eh.......2007-01-10

I took a chance on this one because Amazon recommended it based upon other purchases of mine.

Not a winner for me. One or two cuts were pretty good, but overall this is one I rarely play. Not very inventive. Not much drive. Not of much interest.

Music is good, but I will not spend a cent more for any more.......2007-01-08

I dig the music, that is, when I can play it...

...discovered that this CD is encumbered with DRM. It caused iTunes to crash and it wouldn't let me import the CD... ...I listen to all my music mostly on machines in home/work or on my iPod on the go/in the car... ...what a waste of money on a "gimped" CD... ...and I won't spend any more money on Ozomatli CDs, that's for sure.

I have to say I'm not a rap or hip-hop fan.......2006-11-06

So don't be worried about getting this album if you are in the, um, over 35 generation and "hate rap" - that's me and I thought every song on this album was great! A guy I worked with in Texas recommended this band after hearing some of my CD mixes at work (probably b/c I like Mana). I happened to see Ozomatli live here in Kauai and they give the best concert I have ever seen (sorry about that Bruce (Springsteen) and Tom (Petty) who are the two who used to hold that honor in my pantheon).
I just got this and Live at the Fillmore which is excellent as well, although there's some overlap.
If you just like music (yes, it's like having to go to the ugh, country section, to get your Mary Chapin Carpenter and Townes van Zandt) check it out regardless of your prejudices towards "urban" music

Average customer rating:

Signs and Wonders
King Street Healers
Manufacturer: Blue Fish Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAFM8I
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Tracks:

Alchemist's Dream
High and Dry
Something to Lose
Last Song
Keep It to Yourself
Walk Down to Bourbon Valley
Electrify
Ultra Sound Jam
Revival
Signs and Wonders
Cold Hearted
All Around
Road Goes Ever on....

Average customer rating:

Street Signs
West MacQueen Street Band
Manufacturer: Splash Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000U5GBS
Release Date: 2003-08-13

Tracks:

Will Love Stay
Stand On The Rock
People Are You Ready
Need Your Company
I Want To Tell You
Fallen Chariot
You Are The Light
The Call
Little Man
Touch The Sky

Album Description

Honest music, songs with heart sung from the soul. This nine piece band carries you on a journey of musical life. 4 strong singers accent the horns bourne on a beat that moves. This is the music that the "Industry" forgot how to make. If you like Brittney, you'll hate this! If you like Chicago, the Doobies, Boz Skaggs & The Boss you'll add this to your collection

Average customer rating:

Enjoyable and relevant music

Street Signs
Ozomatli
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music

Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Salsa | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Rock en Español | Latin Music | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0002CH91Y
Release Date: 2004-06-22

Tracks:

Believe
Love and Hope
Street Signs
(Who Discovered) America?
Who's to Blame - Chali 2na, Ozomatli
Te Estoy Buscando
Saturday Night
Dme en Paz
Santiago
Ya Viene el Sol [The Beatle Bob Remix]
Dosabelle
Nadie Te Tira
Cuando Canto

Album Description

UK pressing of 2004 album, from L.A. based worldbeat act described as 'the best live band in the world', features 15 tracks including 2 exclusive bonus tracks, 'Como Me Duele' & 'Believe' (recorded live at Boulder Theatre). Concord.

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyable and relevant music.......2005-01-05

Ozomatli had produced a terrific album here, hard to classify (different stores put the album in genres ranging from "Latin" to "Rock") because it appeals to so many different types of listeners. "Believe" has middle Eastern overtones that evoke many emotions in our turbulent times and its driving beat is captivating. Songs like "Love and Hope," "(Who Discovered) America," and "Saturday Night" are also energizing. Spanish language music such as "Te Estoy Buscando" and "Cuando Canto" are enjoyable without knowing any of the lyrics (although even a basic knowledge of Spanish vocabulary immensely adds to the appreciation of the songs). As a native Californian and Angeleno, I have found a musical group with this album who can express the complexity of our times and the different traditions which make up the musical heritage of the region. My 18-year old nephew likes this album; he says "Saturday Night" was on the i-Pod commercial (need anyone say more?); my 47-year old husband from Asia also enjoys it; my 3 1/2 year old requests Ozomatli in the car.