“Blindstream” is turning on the album for the very first time. No stopping and sharing whatever comes to mind.

Woah! This isn’t jazz, it’s rap. Well, afrobeat with rap. What’s up Blue Note? OK, there’s an amazing rhythm so I’m sticking around. Layering in multiple levels of rhythm and sound means I am staying. Not crazy about fake claps but it does fit. Before I know it we are to track three, “Crushed Grapes”. This is VERY approachable and it really is close to rap! It is obviously well thought out while still being a bit abrasive and that keeps me here. Real instruments are always welcome. I really like the sampling here and, for me, that is rare. I got to track 5 before the N-word and that *&*(% annoys the (*^$ out of me. Why? Cut that out. That word needs to disappear no matter how it is used. Too much shit tied to that. BUT, “Tres Magnifique” is interesting sans the N-word. Lots of layers, a big beat, warm. Good stuff. Here comes “Mau Mau.” Enter disco and Caribbean sounds. I’m moving. This is good. Happy. Next up, grrrr. really? “Coonta Kinte”. A white guy from the south original reaction, where you from dude? Ohh. Tony Allen was born in Nigeria and hung with Fela Kuti, creating music, and ended up in Paris where he passed in 2020 at age 79. Track seven = “Rich Black” and the N-word returns. Maybe I am just old. Ignore it and move on because this is another great cut. I head to Wikipedia for more facts, and AllMusic, and…….sorry for the pause. Here comes “One Inna Million” to interrupt my brain with another great beat and rhythm. I got lost. Track 9 “Gang On Holiday (Em I Go Way)” breaks me outta the stare and sidetrack. Yeah, it’s good but it’s Track 9 for a reason. “Deer In Headlights” rolls in more like what the step-teenagers listen to…. but still better. The N-word returns. I want to leave every time I hear that fu–ing word. I heard that enough growing up in the south. The song is lost on me now unless something crazy happens. It’s still better than most of the rap I hear but, once again, it didn’t have to go there. OK. Next. “Hurt Your Soul”. The damned N-word remains but this is good. I think the quick but laid-back beat. This makes me want to understand and there’s plenty here that I don’t. I lean forward to its pull and try and “understand the game” behind the sampled dirty vinyl hiss and pop. I’m wondering if the step-teen is listening. Track 12 is “My Own” and somebody asks me if I am ready. Back to a trad rhythm but still progressive. Cadence is major here and upbeat. Out Front. Track 13 wants to talk about the science of how things break. Track 13 is “Cosmosis” and opens with a narrative of what we are going to talk about. OH my, why is this track buried at 13? This is good. Dramatic. Good beat. enough layers to be interesting but not overwhelming. Someone is drowning but I am not sure who and it burns. The present moment. It began with fire. Last track. #14. The title cut is Tony telling us he is exploring and doesn’t know when to stop. There is no end.