The
Top 10
Kobo
Town: Independence
It may have come out in 2006, but I discovered this in 2007 and can't pry my
ears away from it. Great, catchy songs with conscious lyrics. Solid throughout,
it's easily one of my favorite albums of the year. Can't wait to hear more from
this talented Toronto-based crew. (more
info)
Forro
in the Dark: Bonfires of Sao Joao
Globalized Brazilian folk music may be the best way to describe what NYC-based
Forro in the Dark do, taking forro beats and flutes, grinding them through
a modern mesh, and sprinkling with a dash of David Byrne.
(more
info)
Andy
Palacio: Watina
It is isn't necessary to be entranced by the story of the Garifuna people to
enjoy the music of Andy Palacio. The rhythms and melodies give hints of Afropop,
yet the swing and the maraca infuse a distinctly Latin-Caribbean flavor. Along
with Aurelio Martinez (who was our favorite
new artist of 2005), Palacio is spearheading a resurgence of interest in
Garifuna culture, a good thing for all of us. (more
info)
Gipsy.cz:
Romano Hip Hop
Czech rapper Radoslav Banga, aka Gipsy, brings together a panoply of musical
styles and creates a new, unique form of Roma music, brimming with newfound cultural
pride.
(more
info)
Autorickshaw:
So the Journey Goes
Along with original Indian-fusion tunes, Autorickshaw's sophomore album includes
adaptations
of
Bengali
and
Tamil
folk tunes, an effective 7-beat version of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on a Wire," and
a Bollywood offering penned by the legendary RD Burman. (more
info)
Don't
Be a Stranger: One
From Dutch composer/producer Onno Krijn comes this global mix of styles from
Africa (Senegal, Ethiopia), Iraq, Asia (India, Tibet, Indonesia) Scotland, the
USA,
and the Netherlands
that has
reviewers
using
words
like brilliant, hypnotic, and astounding. I can't disagree. (more
info)
Mercan
Dede: 800
It's rare for a musician who's sold hundreds of thousands of albums to bow out
so abruptly. Heck, it's rare for a "world music" musician to get popular
enough to sell so many albums in the first place! Dede's music seems to have
found a balance that appeals to both the club/dance set and the traditional world
music fans. Mercan Dede's final offering, this album pays tribut to Persian/Sufi
poet
Rumi, born 800 years ago.
(more
info)
Lo'Jo:
Tu Connais Lo'Jo?
Even if you can't tell what they're singing, you can appreciate Denis Péan's
dark growl, the unique vocal harmonies of sisters Yamina and Nadia Nid El Mourid,
and the tight sound of Lo'Jo collective of musicians. A wonderful introduction
for Lo'Jo newbies, that also has plenty to please long-time fans.
(more
info)
Sola
Akingbola: Routes to Roots
The best-recorded Yoruba drumming we've heard in some time, a fantastic sonic
voyage into the spiritual and musical roots of
so
much
music
from West Africa to Latin America to modern blues and rock. Sample: Olokumi (more
info)
Justin
Adams: Soul Science
Justin Adams (who has been called the British Ry Cooder) teams up with Gambian
master musician Juldeh Camara to create a musical dialogue that Adams refers
to as "the ancient Soul Science of
music," but I just call rip-roaring great.. (more
info)
Favorite
2007 compilation:
Si,
Para Usted - Funky Beats Of Revolutionary Cuba
While the story (told in the liner notes) of nationalization,
censorship, and creativity is fascinating, one can be blissfully
ignorant
of the politics
and still enjoy the Afro-Cuban-Soul-Funk sounds of bands
both well known (Irakere, Los Van Van) and obscure (Grupo
Los Yoyi). (more
info)
10 more great albums, 'cause I just can't help myself:
Tastes,
of course, are personal. So please consider
this list as a jumping-off point for further explorations
in
world music. I've left off a lot of great music; what
I've listed are the albums to which I've returned again
and again. Albums that, to me, have an enduring charm
and appeal. I expect you may agree with some, and disagree
with others. I'd love to know how your own favorites
from
the past year differ from mine, so keep
in touch.
©2007
Scott Allan Stevens, Earball Media
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