I've been a longtime fan of Thievery Corporation.  Ever since I first purchased Sounds of the Thievery Hi-Fi, they have been one of my most listened to groups, if not the most listened to, in my entire collection.

I've liked some of their albums better than others (Sounds of the Thievery Hi-Fi, Abductions and Reconstructions, and the Mirror Consipracy are my favorites) but I still love (and own) every one.

My concern with their new album, Radio Retaliation, is that they may be getting too political, and that could mire what is in my opinion the "purity" of their music.  I'm not concerning myself with what the message is, only that there is indeed a message, and that it could overpower the essence and purity of their "outernational" sound.  (Although some may argue that being outspoken about your feelings on world issues is the essence of their sound.) 

Admittedly, many of their other albums are political or at least have some political themes (read: The Richest Man In Babylon) and I have never minded, since it seems well-integrated into the music.

The preview on MySpace (ugh, I know, but it has a preview) sounds great, though, and I already like what I hear... a lot... and I will buy immediately.

So what do you think?  Do you think Thievery is doing a great thing by becoming more outspoken, their new album representing a strong, lyrical political statement?

Or do you wish they'd return to their less lyrical, trip-hop roots that they exhibited in their first album - and keep messages out of their music?