Michael Franti

In an age where bootleg tapers post shows to the Internet the day they're taped, and where companies like Instant Live -- a company Michael Franti has dealt with -- offer you a CD of the show as you're actually leaving the concert, it's strange that Power to the Peaceful 2005 was made available in 2008. Even if it is a nice package, it's not a "three years in the making!" project, and besides some exciting tracks from festival guests Anti-Flag and Saul Williams, there's little here to separate the title from the numerous other live albums Franti has given loyal audience. All that said, the tracks are well chosen, the performances are all top-notch, and the positive vibes and socially aware lyrics present in every track hold the album together thematically. There's an argument to be made that a double-disc would be even better since this feels more like snapshots of the political music festival than something immersive, but it's a solid souvenir or good "you should have been there" sampler. The bonus DVD sweetens the package with some well captured live footage. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide