The Pharcyde Labcabincalifornia [PA]

"...they've carved out a loose-limbed niche reliant on smarts and allure rather than attitude and mindless menace. A follow-up that strikes a satisfying balance: playful but not goofy; benign but not ineffectual." - Rating: B+
"...a booming...disc reminiscent of early-career Sly & The Family Stone, mid Stevie Wonder, and late Sun Ra. Unafraid of swimming in lyrical streams of consciousness or sailing on the seas of the '70s....they stomp right on through in big tie-dyed boots."
"...finds the clown princes of rap succumbing to outside pressure, diluting their manic energy with generic beats and far-too-earnest proselyting..."
Recommended - "...Me, I'll just marvel at the intricate syllable-gymnastics....Or just slip it in the Discman and forget where the f*** I am..."
"...clever, funny, sometimes downright gorgeous....owes more to the Roots' elastic jazz grooves than it does to the dense, carnivalesque feel of BIZARRE or...glossy G-funk....their word play and in-jokes carry serious messages: personal responsibility, the value of watching your back..."
8 (out of 10) - "...The Pharcyde are sharing more of themselves, but delivering revelations in...straightforward musical packages....they're actually saying something that means something..."
6 (out of 10) - "...gorgeous, soulful harmonies [with]...sublime lyrical delivery...compensating for the absence of youthful exuberance..."