I really like Michael Franti and Spearhead. They’ve gotten a decent amount of airplay and notoriety over the past few years with songs that radiate a positive message. Songs about hugging people…

 

and sunshine…

 

But I remember Michael Franti from back in the early 90’s, when he was part of a group called The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprosy. Back then, I still liked his music, but the message was a bit more strident. The song “Television, The Drug of the Nation” still rings true to me.

They even reworked the Dead Kennedys song “California Über Alles” with some caustic lyrics for then-California governor Pete Wilson

There’s part of me that still loves the anger and aggression of those songs. But I do like the fact that Michael Franti has evolved, and his positive message is more likely to win fans. It’s like the old saying “you catch more flies with sugar than with vinegar.”