From the mysterious ninja’s face on the front cover, long-time fans and new listeners alike of Thievery Corporation will be bewildered, but equally intrigued by the group’s fifth studio album: Radio Retaliation

The band captivates its listeners, both old and new, by creating and releasing a unique amalgamation of sound in its original and unique music. Founded thirteen years ago by Dj duo Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, Thievery Corporation has been characterized by the mysticism behind its addictive smooth beats and versatile vocals.

The band’s sound, a cross between electronic, reggae, jazz and many other styles, has come to be known as “lounge” music and is recognizable in coffee shops and suave restaurants in many localities worldwide. Interestingly, Thievery Corporation recruits exquisite vocalists from around the world and, thus, many of the group’s songs are sung in what has become a spectrum of world languages.

The first song, Sound the Alarms, transports you into the vastly appealing world of the Washington, D.C. based band. A siren sounds, leading to a familiar, yet original soothing, reggae beat blended with an enigmatic mixture of resonating instruments and the polished voice of Sleepy Wonder.

For anyone unfamiliar with the “Corp.”, a reoccurring component to the essence of the band is the aforementioned diverse selection of singers who contribute to its music. Radio Retaliation is no exception as it features ten different artists spanning over the fifteen tracks.

Sleepy Wonder—who audaciously commences the album—reappears on the title track, Radio Retaliation. This low key but catchy track subtly carries the entirety of the album with a powerfully unexplainable vibe.

The name “Radio Retaliation”—and the album as a whole—according to the group’s co-founder Eric Hilton, is about the lack of freedom in the music industry and more specifically, on the radio. Hilton’s comments describe the hundreds of TV and radio channels that are owned by six major companies.

This apparent lack of musical freedom is a fundamental reason why Thievery owns its own record label.The influence behind the album is ambiguous, however, Hilton has said that there is more political influence behind this release than in previous albums.

In returning to the music on the album itself, it is easy to say that no track is disappointing. Each song is unique in its own uncanny way though some elements repeat themselves. The reggae beats, lounge atmosphere, and mellow cultural tones are ubiquitous in the album but in a reformed manor.

Possibly the greatest aspect of the Thievery Corporation and Radio Retaliation itself is that a listener can find—at the very minimum—a hint of any genre imaginable. Some songs will make their way to your dance party playlist, others to your work playlist and still some to your sleep playlist, but rest assured, there is something for everyone.

If you like a jazzy, dubbed Latin track just press play on El Pueblo Unido, featuring Verny Varela. If that’s not for you, consider checking out 33 Degree featuring the tripped-out vocals of Zee, some space age feel and a peaceful percussion line. Another honorable mention (though there are really too many to place some above the rest) is the closing track, Sweet Tides, featuring LouLou. This easy-to-grove-to charming song features soft, alluring vocals with a rollercoaster of energetic beats to faded trumpets that appropriately close out the album.

The CD is a must buy for anyone who appreciates going out on a limb to experience new music. Nobody can genuinely dislike this genre of music, because after all, it is unclassifiable. If you need convincing, check out a few of the songs on iTunes or YouTube first and you will likely find yourself entranced in the innovated dynamic Thievery Corporation brings to the table.

Click here to purchase Radio Retaliation for $13.99

photo credit: BryanSereny, LaCorparacion,