1. There's a War Going on for Your Mind
2. Mayday!!!
3. Same Thing
4. Stand Up
5. Fight with Tools
6. Handlebars
7. Never Had It
8. Combat
9. The Rhythm Method (Move!)
10. Anne Braden
11. We Are Winning
12. Rise
Amazon.com
Formed as a cohesive alternative organism in 2005, the FLOBOTS `good-fight' mythology can be traced via Denver's underground vines and creative community of the late `90s when various members enlivened each others' gigs and creative events, setting the charge that would eventually power up the band's contagious and rollicking rock/rap pedigree. Their rousing live show, seasoned by classically trained viola player Mackenzie Robert's innovative playing, sparked an impressive undertow of across-the-board support (including both coasts and off-the-grid territories such as Nebraska and Utah) as the group honed its glowing activist edge with a refreshingly positive message and bristling musicianship.
The prescient "Handlebars," currently holding down a coveted `Top request' slot at several key radio stations as well as being the Most Added at Alternative Radio, has placed FLOBOTS among the most buzzed-about newcomers in rock and rap circles. "'Handlebars' was written in the same way the group kind of blossomed," says Jonny 5. "I had a friend a few years ago who asked me if I ever tried to ride my bike with no handlebars. I hadn't, so I tried it. Got to thinking about all the other things I could do - we could do. The song came so fast to me I actually called my mom's answering machine to record the lyrics and make sure I got it all down. Of course it's also about how even our best intentions are laden with some sort of opposite. We like to think that FLOBOTS are about directing that positive energy into real change." Flobots Photos
Album Description
Explicit Version. When a pair of intelligent, visionary emcees joins forces with a battle-hardened, groove-fusing rhythm section, a classically trained violist, and a jazz trumpet player, the result is a sound that explores and expands the frontiers of live hip-hop. Progressive in both style and message, the band's ability to drop from symphonic rock-infused crescendos into stripped-down string-laden breakbeats has earned Flobots a reputation for both originality and authenticity. After originally forming as a side project in 2005, Flobots brought together Emcee's Jonny 5 and Brer Rabbit with violist Mackenzie Roberts, guitarist Andy Guerrero, bassist Jesse Walker, trumpet player Joe Ferrone, and drummer Kenny Ortiz. By the end of the year, it was clear that the band's refreshingly positive message and nontraditional instrumentation gave it both a universal appeal and a marketable buzz factor. Whether sharing the stage with jam bands, indie rock acts, or hip-hop groups, Flobots connected with audiences and quickly reached a tipping point to became one of Denver's most influential bands.
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Fight With Tools
- Audio CD: 0 pages (2008-05-20)
- Publisher: Universal Republic
- Label: Universal Republic
- Format: Explicit Lyrics
- Studio: Universal Republic
- Average Customer Review:
 based on 42 reviews
- Sales Rank in Music: #1487
Avg. Customer Review:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating: 
Summary: A fantastic album 2008-11-25
Comment: I was first introduced to the Flobots while I was driving to pick up Rock Band for a party. The guy in the car with me popped in his mix cd and put on Handlebars. I thought it was a pretty okay song. After hearing it on the radio a few times, I decided to go buy the album. This was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Fight With Tools is one of my favorite albums ever, now. I'm not normally a fan of rap music, but this album spoke to me on a level that few other albums have. I kept saying to myself as I listened, "Yeah! Alright! These guys totally get it!" The thing you have to understand before you listen to this album is that these guys are about as liberal as you can get. If you voted for Bush both times, avoid this album. If you've ever protested the war in Iraq, but it twice. The Flobots combine hip-hop stylings, masterful delivery, rockin' instrumentals, and a truly meaningful message to create a true masterpiece of an album. Even though iTunes says it is "hip-hop/rap", Fight with tools can't really be shoehorned into one genre. There are wicked guitar riffs in "Same Thing", a wonderful and unexpected jazzy saxophone solo in "Handlebars", and an interesting beat-box track in "Combat". The lyrics are politically charged and angry, but optimistic about the future. I half expected "Rise" to start playing everywhere when Obama was announced the President Elect. I guess my point is this: If you want something truly different, and you want an album that makes a point instead of just blabbing on about nothing, pick up Fight With Tools. You won't regret it.
0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating: 
Summary: -facepalm- 2008-11-17
Comment: Yeah, brag about your ability to ride your bike with no handlebars and you have the hit of 08.
Jeez, I wonder what other things these guys can do...
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great songs, Great Message 2008-10-28
Comment: This band is outstanding, their songs flow seamlessly and they have great instrumentals as well. The songs also send out a great message about current events and the songs get you pumped. I would definitely recommend this band and this CD
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating: 
Summary: This One Gets Me Pumped!! 2008-10-16
Comment: First off, let me say one thing about how the group has been tagged. Yes, this album is very political. I suppose it's all about where you stand, but I personally don't think it leans that far to the left, as I have seen them described. Maybe I should listen again. There are some Left-Wing things discussed, and what would a liberally-charged album be without the call for that elusive "revolution" that nobody really wants but wants to want?
I will say this though: Since when did talking about helping your fellow man become a left-side thing? Why is anti-racism, anti-sexism, and other "anti-isms" a liberals-only value? Shouldn't it be an American value?
Anyway, I'm sure what you really want to know is what it sounds like. I don't have time for a song-by-song review, but I'll give you something.
As my review title clearly states, this is loud and in-your-face. I dig that sort of thing, so of course, I dug this album. 3 stars because it's a hell of a start, but it's missing something. Musically, most tracks sound the same. There are a few times when the music drowns out the lyrics, which isn't something you want when you're trying to hear what the guy's saying.
Standout cuts: Anne Braden, Handlebars, Rise, and the title track. I would suggest listening to those and going from there.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating:
Summary: If you dont like Hip Hop this album may not be for you 2008-10-01
Comment: Really enjoyed the song Handlebar and bought the cd when I first heard the song. I did not do any research and bought based on impluse. I was very surprised to find out that it was more hip hop than alternative. The lyrics are very charged and remind me somewhat of a cross between Eminem and Rage Against the Machine. It is nice to hear a band trying something new and the Flobots are very fresh and original. The price is right and if you are into new sounds give it a try.
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