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1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die
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Transfiguration of Vincent
M. Ward
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Let It Roll: The Best of George Harrison
George Harrison
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Songs Around the World
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Robert Randolph & the Family Band
Robert Randolph and the Family Band may be ‘Colorblind,” but they sure are colorful. From the first strains of “Ain’t Nothing Wrong with That” to the last notes of the album closer “Homecoming,” Randolph and his band switch styles more often than Christina Aguilera changes outfits. Whichever direction they lean, though, the band brings on the righteous funk with an energy that is almost supernatural. “Colorblind” is a nasty funk lollipop dipped in sanctified soul, then sprinkled with rock and roll energy. I dare you to listen to this CD while sitting down – this is music that could make a paraplegic do the moonwalk.
“Colorblind” is a high energy romp that demands participation, both physically and emotionally. Personally, I think it’s great that a musician as talented as Robert Randolph can use his outsized talent for something greater than simply blowing my socks off. While the playing is never less than stellar, the message always takes precedence; family, brotherhood, faith and happiness are in abundance here, but the material never sinks into a sea of platitudes. There is simply too much energy for any of the songs to get bogged down by their message. “Jesus Is Just Alright” is an old Doobie Brothers warhorse that had been sent to pasture years ago but by some miracle (and with a bit of help from Eric Clapton) Randolph and the family band make it sound like a Derby winner. Randolph might be one of the most exciting guitar players alive today, but “Colorblind” proves that he also has the smarts to let the band play like a band, and to let the songs speak for themselves.
Grade: 
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