Sunrise Sessions

This may be the first time the words " " and "genuine" have been used together in a review, but there is something genuine about the critically reviled rock-rap group's 18th studio effort, . They may still be the unhippest thing after and there's absolutely nothing here for the ironic mustache set, but this reggae-fueled effort finds the herb-friendly group aging gracefully and getting turned on to new -- to them -- things, like maybe the jam band scene. They're really enthused about it too, as if they just returned from a good run of jammy festivals with the woozy "Stay Stoned" representing the late-night campfire singalong and "Great to Be Alive" skanking with that positive or vibe. Believe it or not, the album closes with a pleasing series of subdued numbers that are best taken cross-legged and with a slow creeping sativa. With the chill numbers outdoing the rap-rock anthems for a change, the skateboard-riding, bird-flipping faction of the group's loyal following might not be as loyal anymore, but that's their loss. Jam time suits , so think of as a new dawn (and then wonder how the cliche-loving bandmembers themselves didn't save "Wake n Bake" for this one). ~ David Jeffries