REVIEW: Zen Mafia, California (RCA)
- Scott Hudson
Victor Murgatroyd worked as an A&R executive with Epic Records shepherding such acts as Ian Astbury, Masters of Reality, Buckcherry and American Pearl. Multi-instrumentalist Chris Johnson worked as a producer for a wide variety of acts, with his most notable credits including producing the Trey Parker/Matt Stone and Goldfinger cuts on the BASEketball soundtrack as well as John ("Bisexual Chick") Oszejca's debut album for Interscope.
Murgatroyd and Johnson's paths crossed six years ago when the two worked together on Epic recording artist Kate Gibson's album. From that experience, a professional relationship turned into a personal friendship, and Zen Mafia was born.
When the two recorded their first song together, "Sweet Home California," it was given to a friend, who played it for her friends - friends who just happened to be in the record industry. Zen Mafia were promptly signed and sent to the studio to record their debut album, California.
Murgatroyd and Johnson enlisted members of Blind Melon, Immature, Buckcherry, Goldfinger and American Pearl to complete the project. The finished product is a work that defies categorization.
California is a conglomeration of dance music, hip-hop and rock that meshes perfectly with Murgatroyd's Lou Reed narrative-styled vocals.
The aforementioned "Sweet Home California" is a shuffling blues-rock/hip-hop anthem that utilizes Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" as it's infectious chorus. Three other songs include re-creations of classic choruses, like the Willie Dixon/Foghat hit, "I Just Want To Make Love To You," Free's "All Right Now" and Bad Company's "Feel Like Makin' Love."
"Another Way" is an acoustic-driven rocker replete with Latin American horns, while "I Keep Comin'" is propelled by classic wah-wah rhythms amidst a turntable frenzy. The record is also graced with two outstanding tracks in "Hold On" and "Show Me" that showcase the bands' penchant for writing great hooks behind a scrim of wonderfully layered harmonies.
All in all, California is a record that features top-notch production, clever, yet very personal, lyrics, and brisk arrangements which makes for a strong freshman effort for Zen Mafia.
Because it defies categorization, it may be difficult to decide which bin your favorite record store will house this one in. But when you find it - Grab it! You won't be sorry!
