| Mind & Body Sold (Ohm Grown, 2005) *GUEST REVIEW* This is a cool album; though it kind of annoys me at times, there are a few tracks that I really enjoy. Johnson has a very solid voice that reminds me of Peter Tosh in texture as well the type of melodies that he tends to sing. "Fire in the Hole" is an energetic, anthemic rock-inspired type that is uplifting and full of powerful imagery. "Signs" is a beautiful jazzy tune with a Hammond foundation that grabs at your heart and tugs with its haunting melody. "Jah Son" sounds more along the lines of "Fire in the Hole," but still rocks like its nobody's business. Usually, his lyrics are well written and delivered well, as on the title track, though there are some points where taking him seriously is a little trying. "Crazy Bumpheads" is a good song, and I enjoy it, but after hearing it a few times, it starts to be a little redundant the way Wailing Souls tend to be. Besides these tracks, though, I've struggled to find any other material on the album that lives up to the two first-rate opening tracks. The only exception is the album closer, an extended version of "Signs," which reminds you of how exceptional Odel Johnson can be as a songwriter. - Trammell Scruggs |
| Track Listing 1. Fire in the Hole 2. Signs 3. Iron Curtain Man 4. Crazy Bumpheads 5. Mantos Santos 6. Freementality 7. Lazarus 8. Neva Lonely 9. Jah Son 10. Mind & Body Sold 11. Signs |
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