A Grand Don't Come For Free

On his second effort, Mike Skinner goes for a more cohesive narrative rather than a series of vignettes. I don't think this works as effectively as the differing perspectives of "Original Pirate Material" did. Skinner takes a few risks musically, even branching into acoustic guitar anchored bits and using more orchestration, all to solid effect. He had an incredible ear for production, and while it sounds a bit odd at first, it catches on very quickly.

Skinner is not really a rapper. He is a poet. This is modern bebop. His descriptions of the daily travails of a 20 something just trying to figure out life are simplistic, and often simple minded, and ring unfailingly true.

Hot Spots: Could Well Be In, Not Addicted, Fit But You Know It, Dry Your Eyes