Bad Dreams

The second LP from L.A.-/Vancouver-based Swollen Members is a natural and overwhelmingly positive evolution from 1999's Balance. An 18-track movement with banner production, an incredible lineup, vital energy, and a quiet confidence rarely found in hip-hop, Bad Dreams is an inspired and unique set from front to back. With appearances from Jurassic 5's Chali 2Na, Evidence, DJ Babu, Planet Asia, DJ Revolution, Joey Chavez, Son Doobie, Moka Only, and other key members of the Battle Axe crew, the album both takes itself extremely seriously and throws a great party at the same time. The record's highlights are many, though the appearance of the highly acclaimed 2NA with Dilated Peoples' Evidence on "Full Contact" is easily the record's biggest asset in a paramount rap-along collaboration. "Take It Back" and "Total Package" feature music from the sensational DJ Revolution, who makes funk-hop sound groundbreaking all over again. And while their rotating DJs and producers make the whole set progressive and lively, it's the tag-team duo of Mad Child and Prevail who pull everything back into SM's familiar fold. ~ Nic Kincaid

昨年モカ・オンリーらを正式メンバーに迎え、4人組として新作をリリースしたばかりの彼らの2001年作がめでたく日本盤で登場。DJレヴォリューションやDJバブーらの超絶スクラッチを配したトラックを中心に、ジュラシック5のチャーリー・ツナらをゲストに迎えた本作は、かつて大いに盛り上がりを見せた西海岸の（当時の）新世代の勢いをそのまま詰め込んだかのよう。いま聴いても色褪せてない仕上がりに驚き。名盤です。
bounce (C)卯之田 吉晴