CD Review

Artist: The Streets 

Label: Warner Music

Released: September 16th, 2008 

Reviewed by: Sarah Miller (Vancouver Correspondent)

Six years ago, Mike Skinner emerged from the UK garage scene with a new sound and his own unique take on garage. Skinner released his critically acclaimed debut album, Original Pirate Material, under stage name “The Streets.” This album peaked at #10 on the U.K. charts in 2002. Then in 2004, his follow up album, A Grand Don't Come For Free took him to a completely new level success. It was a concept album, following a short period in a man's life and it debuted at #2 on the UK charts.

2006’s The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living was much darker than his two previous endeavors and explored the ups and downs of fame that The Streets had experienced since the success of those albums.  Everything is Borrowed will be The Streets' fourth studio album, and it takes things in a more positive direction. The Streets is back with his distinctive Birmingham accent and witty observations about middle class life in England, with emphasis on life.

The title track, 'Everything is Borrowed' is a tongue in cheek look at the journey of life, and how all of our experiences can be fleeting, "Just when I discover the meaning of life they change it" he laments.  'Heaven for the Weather' features a sing-song chorus where Mike Skinner and co. declare they "Want to go to Heaven for the Weather/And Hell for the Company", along to handclaps and tambourines. On 'The Edge of the Cliff', The Streets tells the story of one human being helping another out in their darkest hour, set against a jazzy bed of sound provided by a muted trumpet and an electric Rhodes.

The Streets has his own special brand of hip-hop, it's not quite rap, but it doesn't really fit into any other category either. Everything is Borrowed is a more a mixture of clever samples, insightful observations and the spoken word. It’s a hip hop album for people who don’t usually listen to hip hop.  And for those who do, The Streets brings a unique voice and perspective to the genre.

Track Listing:

Everything is Borrowed

Heaven for the Weather

I Love You More (Than You Like Me)

The Way of the Dodo

On The Edge Of a Cliff

Never Give In

The Sherry End

Alleged Legends

The Strongest Person I Know