doPE- No Country For Old Men Review

On April 18, Chuck D and John Densmore released their Record Store Day exclusive, No Country for Old Men, under the name of doPE.

When the news broke that Chuck D was collaborating on a new project with The Doors’ John Densmore, I was ecstatic. A large part of my youth was spent exploring the Doors catalog and mystique, and I still love them to this day. I encountered Chuck, and Public Enemy, during my college years, and have been educated every since. I had no idea what to expect, but was blown away by the output. For those pining for record scratching or bass piano, you won’t find that here. What you will find is an eclectic mix of rhyme, spoken word, some fantastic rhythms and deep reflection on what it means to age.

The first song, and single from the record, Every Tick, Tick, Tick kicks off the album in style. It sets the tone with a 70s funk vibe and a surprising breakdown at the minute and a half mark and then a guitar solo at 2:25. Every “tick” refers to aging. There is nothing we can do about it, we just have to keep pushing on doing what we do. Theme established.

The second song is the title track, No Country for Old Men. This track adds a bit of a reggae vibe, with a simple drum beat and pronounced snare. It’s hear that we get the first indication of the Densmore influence. Being overshadowed by Jim Morrison on the Doors, folks don’t realized the incredible job that Densmore did varying his drumming style, incorporating different styles, to match the vocals of Morrison.

No Country feels familiar as it is a bit of an extension from Chuck’s previous record, Chuck D presents Enemy Radio: Radio Armageddon. The song is called New Gens and uses the same line that Chuck uses here:

I’ve been your age, you ain’t ever been mine.

Chuck seems to be speaking to a younger generation who has forgotten those who came before. Those who are older indeed do have value and can offer advice or even be a guide through the travails of life. Densmore joins Chuck here with spoken word and a shared chorus:

Elders are the roof that shelters the youth,

That looks down the road, laying tracks of where to go.

It’s clear, doPE is speaking directly to youth. Listen up, we have something to offer.

The Bones of My Father is another standout. This is spoken word by Densmore, speaking over a simple, bongo-esque drum beat. The music is sparse, just a low thrumming below the drums, letting the words do he heavy lifting. The lyrics are a poem by Ethridge Knight. The theme reflects the narrative so far that the past informs the present which will inform the future. All have value and are worthy of our attention. This one is simply beautiful. I can’t help making a comparison to American Prayer with the poetry of Morrison. We don’t get mainstream spoken word music very often, when it is produced like this, it’s special.

I Love That I Don’t Love really stands out with a super funky groove. It’s a slow jam with background singers, and yet another cleverly placed guitar solo. Chuck speaks here about that fact that he has standards. He is true to himself. He likes what he likes and that’s all there is to it. He isn’t chasing anything, nor is he explaining himself. This self reflection is indicative of aging and accepting who you are.

Breakthru starts off with the drumbeat from Break On Through from the Doors. This rap is fast paced, ripping through the first minute, giving way to a tempo change and introduction of a soft guitar that rides the song out. Ops3ssion , the next song, uses guitar to great effect as well. This one is definitely of the 70s with a Pink Floyd vibe.

Up next is another brilliant spoken word jam by Densmore. This time he is reciting poetry from Kamau Daaood, Dajali II. This one is punctuated by a snappy drum beat, bougarabou, and funky bass line. Nearly half way through, a marimba-esque instrument called a balafon joins the party. Dajali is a term for an oral historian. In the context of this record, Chuck and John are exploring their place in the musical world as they age. They are in a way Dajali for a musical counter culture. Another highlight!

Everybody Dies rounds out the poignant narrative. Chuck and John both do vocal work here with background singers Safiyah Oni and Anime Oscen providing a spirtual-esque background. This one serves as a final word of advice for youngsters. It’s inevitable that we all die; we are running out of time. Be grateful for the time we have. Find joy in your family, your friends, your passions. Avoid things that harm mental health and cause premature decline. And finally, Densmore recites the lyrics from The Doors behemoth The End. This is the end, beautiful friend, indeed.

Overall, this album is a huge success. Their is a sagacity to the lyrics/poems, a freshness to the old-school musical vibe, and a friendship that comes through in spades. I am thrilled that artists I love continue to make relevant music. Now to get a hold of that elusive vinyl…..

Verdict- A must buy