>But it was an interesting read like always Bombay. I get the
>feeling that I'm still always interested in their records
>cause I'm looking for something different. I've never really
>seen them as a good singles group....or anthems or that type
>of thing. They're like the opposite of Naughty by Nature.
>They can never make that one track that makes people crazy.
>But for me, there is always something interesting in every
>song. Even if I don't like the melody/hook/chords.....there's
>just always some of thoughtful production technique.
>
>The most obvious thing....is the drum engineering. The Roots
>have what? maybe 100 officially released tracks? That means
>they got 100 distinctive drum set sounds right there. Moreso
>than any other band in any other genre....the drum sounds on
>Roots records are so incredibly varied and experimental. I
>might have voiced this opinion here before...but yah. Every
>song has a different drum kit it seems. And I'd say a HUGE
>part of Quest's artistry is exercised through his drum
>engineering...experimenting with gear, mic placement,
>treatment.
>
>The other thing...I'd say the Roots have become alot more
>artsier. As I was saying before....I've never really seen
>them as great at anthemic stuff. I'm just about to check out
>the new album...but I think you're right when you say they
>haven't added to the cannon of Roots-type half-hits (that was
>kinda mean) like 'you got me' and 'the seed'. But as I said
>before...my liking of them isn't much about that. I think
>they've just become an interesting kinda reflective listen.
>It's intellectual. Lyrics too....but mostly in the
>production. There's alot of conceptual approach in all the
>arranging and recording. I see it as intellectual and artsy.
>Even with all the production techniques...I'd say these
>things:
>
>-Quest has gotten more subtle with production techniques that
>play off of the lyrics/theme of the song. But while being a
>little less heavy-handed...he's also become more adventurous.
>
>-They've become more conceptual and almost....theatrical in
>the content. I don't mean theatrical in the sense of hype hip
>hop jumpoffs....there's less of that. I mean that some of
>their stuff is almost starting to sound like a radio play.
>Less focus in finding that wicked riff/groove....more focus on
>trying to service a story. So from a writing
>perspective...they've become much more focused. No more
>banging beats that just happen to have a narrative. The
>narrative is coming before the music.
>
I agree the narrative is coming before the music, problem is the narrative isn't fully defined or presented in an interesting enough way to carry the day.

And this is a band, the music and energy it created around it has always been more vital than any narrative.

>So I can see how someone might suggest they're getting boring.
> I think it depends on what you're looking for.