CD-Charts Position 1
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Ethiopiques - the Very Best of Ethiopiques: Hypnotic Grooves from the Legendary Series

CD-Charts > Music > African
by: Various Artists

Release Date August 13, 2007
The 28 tracks on this wonderful double CD are drawn from a series of 23 Ethiopiques albums put together by the inspirational French promoter and champion of Ethiopian music Francis Falceto. This haunting, uplifting music which is an intriguing mixture of jazz, soul, funk & folk was created and recorded in Addis Ababa during the final years of Emperor Haile Selassie's reign(1930-74).
'The Very Best of Ethiopiques' has been described as "doing for Ethiopia what the Buena Vista Social Club did for Cuba" and this marvellous music certainly deserves to reach the widest possible audience.

CD-Charts Position 2
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The Mande Variations

CD-Charts > Music > African
by: Toumani Diabate

Release Date February 25, 2008
Toumani Diabaté, the kora guru of Africa, has outdone himself with this collection of solo instrumental pieces. The virtuosity in fingering the kora, the richness of the rhythms and range of melodies is unmatched by anything this Malian musician has done previously. I enjoyed his earlier solo collection, "Kaira", produced twenty years ago and his "New Ancient Strings" (1999), with which he and the younger Ballake Sissoko paid homage to their fathers' musical genius. Yet now, with this CD he has reached a level of maturity, depth and musicality not previously achieved. For fans of the West African kora, this is a must in their collection; for the "newbies", this is a great introduction into a mesmerizing aspect of Malian music and treat to enjoy ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
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The Brazilian Funk Experience: Patrick Forge Presents Rare Grooves from the EMI & Odeon Vaults 1968-1980

CD-Charts > Music > African
by: Various Artists

Release Date April 03, 2006
Some real gems here. Granted some of the tracks have been released on other compilation records (namely Gilles Peterson's; indeed Forge used to DJ with Gilles back in the eighties; check out their excellent Dingwalls record) but that's because the songs are excellent. There's a nice mix of funk, jazz, folk and soul here that is sure to make your average party goer stand up, take notice, and applaud your unique and well flavoured musical taste.

CD-Charts Position 4
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Ethiopiques Vol. 4 (1969-1974)

CD-Charts > Music > African
by: Mulatu Astatke

Release Date January 17, 2000
seriously fantastic.

this is an obscure set of rare groove tracks.

seriously spaced out funk, my bro found it, that's where i heard it from and just bought this cd for the uncompressed quality.

i believe all the others in the set have ethiopian vocals all over them.

if you like rare groove/funk trust me, buy this and you'll be more than happy ;)

CD-Charts Position 5
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Nigeria Special: Modern Highlife, Afro-Sounds & Nigerian Blues 1970-1976

CD-Charts > Music > African
by: Various Artists

Release Date February 04, 2008
I didn't have great expectations of this album when I initially ordered it, given that there are a fair few albums focused on West African music from the seventies and they are of distinctly varying quality, in my experience. Fortunately on its arrival I was pleasantly surprised to find a double album that was beautifully put together in terms of packaging and one of the most interesting and informative accompanying booklets I have seen for a while. The music was pretty good too.

Essentially this is a compilation of rare tracks that the compiler felt were worth trying to bring to a wider audience. Predominantly it explores the highlife scene of early 1970's Nigeria but without being exclusive. Furthermore, thanks to the excellent sleeve notes, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

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Dimanche a Bamako

CD-Charts > Music > African
by: Amadou & Mariam

Release Date June 06, 2005
If you like Manu Chao, you'll love this. If you want to here Amadou and Mariam, try an earlier album. Manu Chao's inisistent urban rhythms take something away from this fine duo.

It's not bad, but you can find better

CD-Charts Position 7
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Digi Snax

CD-Charts > Music > African
by: RZA

Release Date June 24, 2008
If you like Manu Chao, you'll love this. If you want to here Amadou and Mariam, try an earlier album. Manu Chao's inisistent urban rhythms take something away from this fine duo.

It's not bad, but you can find better

CD-Charts Position 8
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Nigeria Rock Special

CD-Charts > Music > African
by: Various Artists

Release Date May 12, 2008
I took a real punt on this album, knowing nothing about the Nigerian Rock scene of the 70's. (or even that one existed for that matter!) I knew nothing about the musicians on this album. It just sounded really interesting. Listening to the album, I was so pleased that my gamble paid off in spades!

This whole album is a joy from start to finish, a real mix of styles - the classic rock/psychedelic feel of Hendrix, Cream and Santana mixed with an underscore of funk and some fabulous African rhythms. It's a really interesting blend and I think it's great.

More please!

CD-Charts Position 9
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Savane

CD-Charts > Music > African
by: Ali Farka Toure

Release Date July 17, 2006
I have not heard any of this kind of African blues music before and I have to say I am intrigued - is this what blues was originally like, or something that has evolved as a fusion of blues and african music, or something different entirely.

Whatever it is, what is true is that listening and making music is worth more that analyzing it and writing about the results.

Ignore the reviews about it being the best blues album ever etc etc and just buy it and listen to it. It's a good, atmospheric, interesting record.

CD-Charts Position 10
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African Spirit

CD-Charts > Music > African
by: Soweto Gospel Choir

Release Date January 29, 2007
Just brilliant. Inspirational group and really lovely album. Will have you dancing around the room - it does me anywaay! Get the DVD to see their energy in action.