Ozomatli, 'It's Only Paper' -- Song Premiere
- Posted on Feb 11th 2010 11:00AM by Benjy Eisen
- Comments (39)
Like most things that Ozomatli create, 'It's Only Paper,' the first single from the band's upcoming album 'Fire Away,' infuses a socially-conscious message with a dance-heavy sonic mosaic of hip-hop, funk and Latin grooves. It's a tapestry that Tony Berg, who produced 'Fire Away,' tells Spinner is "like visiting seven continents simultaneously."In addition to its apparent ability to transcend the time-space continuum ("musicians without borders?") by traversing across genres, 'It's Only Paper' speaks to the universal issues attached to money. Turns out, money itself isn't the root of all evil. After all, it's "only paper."
Speaking of money, who's that rich kid contributing vocals to this track? Not to worry -- it's only Jack Johnson. Check it out below.





Reader Comments(1 of 2)
Reeechieat 2-11-2010
I LOVE Los Lobos....those guys rock! Nice song, Ozomatli, c'mon, this song sounds like a Los Lonely Boys cover meets Los Lobos. Someone send them an email and let them know it's 2010. Wait, do they have email?
Fritz13at 2-11-2010
What do you all mean its 2010? No S*@t and everyone has to try new road in there adventure called life. I think you all (Ozomatli) should just keep doing what you all do.
wha happen to Ozo?at 2-11-2010
Where are the horns? The raging percussion? Where's that "world music" sound I sooo loved about OZO. This is such a slow and boring song. What happened to Ozo's energy. This is a mediocre attempt at a "pop" song at best. Why is Ozo trying to be something they are not? Please go back to what you were good at. There are soo many avenues to explore with "ethnic" style music. Why go pop and boring???? Congrats on joining the cookie cutter crew. Sorry to be so harsh, because I really do like these guys....but this song is no bueno.
mordakaiat 2-11-2010
@wha happen to Ozo:
It's called evolution from a band. Don't judge the entire CD based on a musicians natural instinct to explore other grounds.
Reechieat 2-11-2010
BTW.....I did neglect to mention, AT LEAST they've moved away from that WORLD music CRAP! World music is an excuse to dilute culture and homogonize it, to make people with little or no culture or customs more comfortable with it.. Not too Latin, not too Black, ah just right....I can dance to this with my fake dreadloks and pretend to accept people of color. Your welcome.
Raquelat 2-11-2010
Agreed. It needs some more flavor. I'm hoping the other songs on their album are ten times better.
Celloat 2-11-2010
Agree also. Give the guys a break if it takes them to a new level or exposes them to a bigger fan base then more power. They've worked hard for their music. Wouldn't be surprised if this song is used in commercials but still.
Henryat 2-11-2010
Ozomatli is not the same and nor did expect them to be but come on! I'm all for evolution but these grounds have been explored! Whatever....... I've heard 3 other songs and they have that same 50's and/or 60's sound. And "Gay Vatos In Love?" Geez! What the fuck is that? Look if gay individuals want to be in love, go on ahead. But sing or play a gay love song? I mean we are talking about OZOMATLI! To be honest, I don't even know where to begin. It is what it is!
What happened to the Dj, the trombone and the MC's? What happened to the Latin music? What happened to the hype? I can't stand these bands that have super talent and they fuck it up!
antoinette hernandezat 2-12-2010
awesome i loved it... can't wait to here on the 26 of feb. hob... can't wait...
Fritz13at 2-11-2010
Henr, Henry, Henry....
We cant hate on them for tryin something new. Alls we can hope for is that the true talent that these guy have will prevail over this POP stuff that thay have choice to play. And YES we all LOVE the HORNS and PERCUSSION that make Ozomatli who they are....
Moses Moraat 2-11-2010
Ozomatli has grown and matured, too bad some of their "so called" or "ex" fans haven't. Saw them live just last week and the are still fresh and lively. The new song, Gay Vatos In Love is fun and unique and what other band would have the guts to do it?
Henryat 2-11-2010
Fritz13, Fritz13, Fritz13.....
Do you really feel it? lol I absolutely, love when bands try something new but......f**k! Try something new that JAMS! It's really not even something new! That's a blend of Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys and Los Lonely Boys is booorrrrinnng!
It really bothers me that I'm here writing like this. I somewhat felt the same way about Don't Mess w the Dragon but Don't Mess w the Dragon blows this out of the water. I pray the other song are great. It kills me that this is Ozomatli. This Ozo "mothaeffin" matli!?!?
paz
Panchoat 2-17-2010
saludos OZOMATLI, Como estan , aca en Guadalajara jalisco, no se les puede olvidar...
esperamos que vengan pronto, para hacer otro asado en casa de los tios de paty
JoeJoeat 2-11-2010
Any true Ozomatli fan knows that their style is that they have no style. They always make music that makes you feel good. And that's why people are fans. Every successfull band changes through time. Their sound has matured with every new album. I really like the hip hop salsa groove from their earlier albums. But I would hate to hear that same sound from album to album. I like the bluesy sound of the guitar in this song. I think that's why people are comparing the sound to Los Lonely Boys. Ozo must be big fans of Jack Johnson to put this callabo together. I bet they slowed the tempo a bit so that they could match his vocals. I for one love this song.
Dave "Tha MUZIK Man"at 2-12-2010
WOW!!! Some of you are BRUTAL... Reechie & Henry... And, you are forgetting ONE thing. We are blessed to live in a country where we have choices. U have the CHOICE to buy a CD, u have the CHOICE to skip to the next song on any CD, u have the CHOICE to buy a concert ticket, u have the CHOICE whether to GO to that show.. These guys have devoted their LIVES to expressing themselves thru there music, and visiting countries that are NOT soooo fortunate to have CHOICES, and do there lil part to try to make the WORLD a better place !!! What have u guys done to help???
I respect the fact thats your opinion, but maybe next time u voice it... stop and think of the people u are talking about. All the minutes, hours, days, and nights they are away from their families... just so they could bring beautiful music to the world. Of ALL types...
Moses.. u are SO RIGHT.. their LIVE shows is STILL one of the BEST in the biz!!! I was fortunate to see them BOTH nights at Club NOKIA in December... and let me tell you... they KILLED it... brought Chali 2Na & Jabu out.. Martha & Jabu singing "La Segunda Mano"... Cut Chemist was in the house.. Not too many bands out there could pull that off. It's because of the LOVE that REAL FANS have for them, why they are still selling out shows, and bringing so much love & happiness to people.
And Joe Joe... THANKS... u took the words out of my mouth.. Not too bad to be talked about in the same convo as Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys & Jack Johnson.. These are all GREAT artists... including my homeboys OZO-"muthaefffffin"-MATLI...
One Love Y'all... TMM....
Stevenat 2-12-2010
WhO cares! It's just music! You chill out, relax and enjoy...no need to spend even a min just to blog about how you think it sucks. Compose your own Music if it's so important to you. "OMG the new Ozo CD Blows... the world's gonna end...why can't we go back in time...like in that movie with MJ Fox...OMG!" give me a break! If Ozo wants to go Pop then so be it. Composers write music for themselves and not fir you or me. If you're enjoyment is a result of their efforts then good and If not then good too. It's not your music so don't hate and just skip to the next track if you don't like it. I'm not even a huge ozo fan but, I know that Ozo puts out a good message. Stop being a selfish selfish baby just because they dont drop a record that pleases you anymore. "waaaaa! Ozos record sucks...it's not the same!" Do your thing ozo!
maria trejoat 2-12-2010
I really loved the song..It was different and ozo puts their heart and soul into everything they do!! It's NEW it's FRESH and "Fire Away" thats exactly what they did as in take a look @ this I love Ozomatli for doing what they do best..Music for THEIR FANS..They are very dedicated and a hard working band spreading their wings to a higher level and this to me is a beautiful thing!! Nothing has changed about ozomatli you don't like the song then don't you love the song do but please don't judge anyone...OZOMATLI #1 band in my book, always will be!!! I Love you guys...everything you do is Amasin' One more thing..you think this song is "boring" don't listen to it..It's anything but boring to me..."I love it"!! Keep moving~ forward ozo you Rock!!!!........peace!! MARIA TREJO . ;~)
Henryat 2-12-2010
Maybe, I was a bit brutal yesterday! I hold Ozomatli very high on the bands that I listen to and 95% of their songs are great. Maybe I'm spoiled! I know Ozo works very hard and they go over and above for their fans.
Ozomatli is a special band!!! PERIOD!! I'm human! I make mistakes!
paz
Kochiat 2-12-2010
Ozomatli is one of the best bands that unfortunately have no exposure in the main stream arena.
Every song of theirs is different but still is Ozo, and this song is no different.
These guys after 15 years, still play for their fans, still give their time after each show to their fan, who does that? I love Ozomatli and never get tired of their music...so they ventured a bit into POP, what's the big deal?
If you don't like the song, don't listen to it.
I bet it's great live!!!!
A devoted Ozohead!!!
Xavierat 2-13-2010
I totally agree with Kochi, Ozomatli's sound should DEFINITELY get more radio play than they are getting now. Their music transcends all genres and is extremely entertaining to listen to. I cannot wait to listen to this live, and hear them with their new stuff.
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