Chocolate Genius, Godmusic (V2) 9-
Chocolate Genius, aka Marc Anthony Thompson, is a Brooklyn-based boho-iconoclast who's been around long enough to have released two albums on WB in the eighties. 1998 saw the release of Black Music, his first in a trilogy (or possibly, um, quadogy?) under his new nom de plume. The mostly impenetrable album redefined the meaning of "dark music." Part two is Godmusic, probably just as lyrically downbeat and personal, but with slightly more upbeat, accessible sound. At least after the first few cuts (and "Birth Control"), which are low-key throwaways that recall the similarly unclassifiable Basehead. A grab-bag of styles range from slick soul ("Love") to Isaac Hayes funk ("The Eyes Of The Lord"), and even gruff-voiced folk that is downright Beck-like ("Bossman Piss"). The surprises continue, when "To Serve You" sounds like a lost Peter Gabriel outtake. Godmusic has sincere depth, intensity and occasionally lyrical beauty. Rewards well worth the trip for those who don't get lost in the cluttered maze.
