BETTER ANGELS

Bop (Harvey) formed in 1984, and over the next decade earned the reputation of being the first American band to successfully integrated American pop, R&B and funk with island and African grooves. The media coined the genre 'World Beat', and soon Bop (Harvey) and like-minded acts were having a major moment at college radio across the USA. At their peak, the band performed for Bill Clinton and on late night TV with Conan O' Brian, then signed to Max Weinberg's BMG boutique label Hard Ticket. Over the years the band would get back together for one off reunion shows in Michigan and Rhode Island, but as their 40th anniversary approached they rolled up their sleeves and recorded a new album. 'Better Angels' contains 10 new original Bop (Harvey) songs and one cover, and as you'd expect it features all of the elements from their illustrious past (lefty politics, great hooks, hot grooves with fabulous horns), and a wonderful mix of musical styles including reggae, ska, soul, Latin, funk, and psychedelic rock. From the hot ska of 'Orange King', 'O, Alexabdria' and 'Motor City Ska', to the folk rock charm of 'Better Angels', and 'Inside & Out', to the psychedelic reggae of 'Time Waits For No One', 'You Ain't So Grand', 'Good Trouble' and 'Love Will Dry Your Tears' - Bop (Harvey) delivers an enjoyable platter from start to finish. Tracklisting Side A 1 Orange King 2 Better Angels 3 Inside & Out 4 Notre Dame 5 You Ain't So Grand 6 Time Waits for No One Side B 1 Too Late (To Turn Back Now) 2 O. Alexandria 3 Motor City Ska 4 Love Will Dry Your Tears 5 Good Trouble