SPEECH Vinyl Records and CDs

The latest solo effort from Arrested Development refugee Speech is so cheerful, Big Bird and Ernie should star in the video. Close your eyes and you can feel the bright sunshine and grass between your bare toes; you may even be possessed to jump naked into a lake or go chase some butterflies. The drums and booming bass that traditionally dominate most rap tracks play second fiddle to jug band instrumentation here, as washboard, guitar and harmonica are the unlikely stars. Speech?Æs positive vibe-flavored vocals offer a definite change of pace from the urban flavor of most hip-hop. Blow bubbles as you listen.