Those tricks include more expansive production, most apparent on the great "The Heart Gently Weeps," a violence-laden narrative built around the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Cuts like "Unpredictable" — where RZA's ominous, screeching attack evokes a Scorsese flick about crack dealers– also prove that the Wu can still dish pummeling grit-hop as well as anyone. There are a couple of snoozers, including "Weak Spot." And while ODB is missed, his taste for weird abides in "Sunlight," an atmospheric, bullshit-philosophical tone-poem starring RZA, and one of several reminders that the Clan still sound unique as hell.

In the six years the Clan were on hiatus, Ghostface Killah was busy becoming one of the greatest MCs ever. The Big Doe Rehab isn't as distinct as last year's Fishscale, but it's close. Ghost's bouncy, more direct approach on cuts like "Walk Around" shows off his ability to turn crack-slinging narratives into big, hooky pleasures. By the time he lays his inimitable, Ginsu-sharp whine into "White Linen Affair," a gloriously detailed rant that touches on baking soda, polar bears and Norah Jones, this much is clear: Right now is a good time to be a Wu-Tang fan.

CHRISTIAN HOARD

(Posted: Dec 13, 2007)

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