Atmosphere, You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having

Why does everyone love to hate on Atmosphere in the music reviewing business? 2003’s Se7en’s Travels seemed to be the breakthrough album that everyone loved to hate, as if Atmosphere had sold out or lost their skill. But these were the same people who had trashed the duo’s previous three records and I sense the trend continuing in response to You Can’t Believe How Much Fun We’re Having and therefore, I take the road less traveled.
With factors like Slug’s slightly, drowned out vocals and Ant’s complex, gritty cuts, Atmosphere’s fifth outing sounds closer to a live recording as opposed to a studio album. You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun Were Having is with out a doubt a product of the group’s year and half long excursion around the globe in promotion of Se7en’s Travels. Slug’s typical ruminations around philosophy, booze and ex-girlfriends are all accounted for, but what he throws into the mix this time around is a heavy dose of insecurity and lyrics that lack resonance. This is Slug’s “I’m 30! What the hell do I do?” record, that boasts the same mid life crisis phenomenon that has hit many MCs in the last few years.
But if anyone deserves praise on this record it should be Ant. His DJ and production skills have shown immense growth over the years and here they are at their best. On tracks like “The Arrival” and “Musical Chairs”, you can close your eyes and feel as if you’re in a dark, cramped little club with them.
This is a departure for Atmosphere and as many will miss the subtle, esoteric beauty of this album, Slug and Ant will continue to be two of hip-hops few foot soldiers in trenches, defending us from the P. Diddys and Mike Jones’s of the world. ~ Dan Brian

Atmosphere, You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having

Why does everyone love to hate on Atmosphere in the music reviewing business? 2003’s Se7en’s Travels seemed to be the breakthrough album that everyone loved to hate, as if Atmosphere had sold out or lost their skill. But these were the same people who had trashed the duo’s previous three records and I sense the trend continuing in response to You Can’t Believe How Much Fun We’re Having and therefore, I take the road less traveled.
With factors like Slug’s slightly, drowned out vocals and Ant’s complex, gritty cuts, Atmosphere’s fifth outing sounds closer to a live recording as opposed to a studio album. You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun Were Having is with out a doubt a product of the group’s year and half long excursion around the globe in promotion of Se7en’s Travels. Slug’s typical ruminations around philosophy, booze and ex-girlfriends are all accounted for, but what he throws into the mix this time around is a heavy dose of insecurity and lyrics that lack resonance. This is Slug’s “I’m 30! What the hell do I do?” record, that boasts the same mid life crisis phenomenon that has hit many MCs in the last few years.
But if anyone deserves praise on this record it should be Ant. His DJ and production skills have shown immense growth over the years and here they are at their best. On tracks like “The Arrival” and “Musical Chairs”, you can close your eyes and feel as if you’re in a dark, cramped little club with them.
This is a departure for Atmosphere and as many will miss the subtle, esoteric beauty of this album, Slug and Ant will continue to be two of hip-hops few foot soldiers in trenches, defending us from the P. Diddys and Mike Jones’s of the world. ~ Dan Brian