South Africa music reviews

Three Fish is awesome. Like, the band has a lot of good albums, but this is awesome. It's got a couple of good songs, but the ones that I like best are #2, #8, and #11. Tracks #9 and #12 are so great that they make you want to get up and do something. Like, when I listen to these songs, I'm amazed how different they sound in the same sort of way. Have you ever felt like donning a trench coat, going down to the local high school at lunch time, and busting loose? Sure, so have I. But instead, stayed at home a tortured the family pet? Then what you may appreciate is some perfect music for low self-esteem and anti-social tendencies. Awesome. HERE IT IS.

Masterpiece is an understatement. If only words could describe the honesty, craftsmanship, lyrical depth and soul searching power of "The Quiet Table". If I read one more line about "My dessert island" album, I'm going to scream. It's "desert island"! And even "desert island" is a dumb phrase (a desert surrounded by water!) How about "deserted island"? Boys and girls, I'm certainly no Hemingway, but let's get with the program.

Remember that song about the guy and girl standing on the bow of the ship with their arms stretched out, then the ship sinks and everyone drowns? What the heck kind of nonsense is that? Thank goodness, Three Fish isn't at all like that! "The Quiet Table" is one of the Top-10 recordings of the decade. I checked "Keep my name analogous" because I didn't want my friends to know that I was listening to illicit lyrics. Can you still vote? If you vote, I have just 3 words: "Thanks so much. Really."

Well its a great album. It`s like Pearl Jam after a Tibet tirp with some opium in it. Or simply beautyful and amazing

This album is a great spiritual journey through the heart of the Middle East. Just look at the cover, that sums up the feelings you get from listening to this CD. Songs like Myth of Abdou, Timeless, Resonate, and Shiva and the Astronaut stir up emotions that are not produced by listening to other music. A must buy if you've ever wanted to take a trip through India, the Giza pyramids, Tibet, etc.

I agree with Mr Nunes about stodgy pundits who don't know a horn from their - well ahem.

What I LOVE about both Masakela and Fela is their special spirit and energy. Its just no-holds barred, witty, improvisational. I guess it was the time they played - the spirit of revolution and all that. This album has that vibe, definitely. It has that spirit of experimentation and definitely a live club feel.

And what amazes is the occasionaly really soft, wondering song like well - the first one.

If you like this album PLEASE check out "The Boy's Doin' It". That's another amazing Masakela album and a very political one.

And its so ignorant to say that to be "authentically African" means that Coltrane and Miles can't influence you. How short sighted! Like what are Trane and Miles - Swedish? African music isn't just about someone's made-up idea (from National Geo) of people playing thumb pianos in the desert. Masakela is African and therefore, his music is! The nerve of some know-nothing from Texas to presume to tell Masakela what is authentically African and what isn't!

I had a Hugh Masekela collection that began when I was 15 years old, when I became Hugh's number one fan (prove I'm not!). I had both the albums that comprise this one. I loss possession of all of my Hugh albums (moving, relationship break-ups, etc., etc.). I'm ecstatic to recover two of them in one buy. I'm too prejudiced to really rate this CD because when the originals were out, I was about everything Hugh. I loved them then, and I love them now. The songs still sound as good to me now as they did then. But, the good thing is that even if you don't go way back with Hugh like me, the music is still GREAT!

One of the biggest pain points of any musician is hearing some rank-amateur in the crowd complain that they didn't perform with enough proficiency to rank them up with their dutiful critic's standards. They are missing the point of live performance. But, then again, none of these nay-sayers have ever had to pick up a horn and play in their entire life.

This CD (dad's LP when I first spun it) defined live performance for me as a kid. Yea, ther might be a few subtle gaffs here and there, but they are in context with the music. This is more of an inflexion than a mistake. Score Masekela: 1, Grumpy Pundit: 0.

The depth of the recording itself makes it one of my favorites on my CD rotation. It certainly captures the ambiant refelctions of a smokey NYC nightclub that is The Village Gate. If you close your eyes, you can almost see the skinny black ties and dark sunglasses. Try not to pass this off as lounge fodder. You'll be making a gross error in judgement.

MAR AZUL by CESARIA EVORA is just a beautiful cd that I havent stopped listening to since I bought it a few weeks ago. I have 5 of her cd's and I like nothing better to do than just lie back and relax and listen to her music. When I hear her voice and the music, I few that I am being trasported to a different land far from where I presently am. I have to say, it is her voice that truly stands out on her albums. Some have compared her to
Billie Holiday, and I think that might be a fair comparison. I can't think of any weak spots on this album, each songs is just so great. This is a must have for any serious music fan. I also recommend CAFE ATLANTICO and CABO VERDE to add to your collection. I dont think that you will be disappointed.

As someone who lovingly possesses all of Cesaria Evora's albums, I am tempted to call "Mar Azul" her best. It's certainly the best introduction to a wonderful artist, a true world treasure. "Miss Perfumado" is a close second, and "Cabo Verde" is superb. But for seductive dreaminess it's "Mar Azul" all the way.

Her voice is like butter. If you like wonderful, soothing/soulful music this is a wonderful cd to listen to or play in the background.

I was already marginally familiar with Johnny Clegg via his first albums with Jaluka (issued on Warner Brothers in the late seventies/early eighties) and always found his mix of Zulu music with western pop to be interesting. I found out about the new Savuka recordings through of all things, the movie "Rain Man" with Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman! A rerecorded "Scatterlings Of Africa" was included in the movie, so I went looking for the new album.

"Third World Child" wasn't a disappointment, but it didn't sound complete. There are some good songs here, but the production is thin and brittle sounding. So while I heartily recommend that you should have some Savuka in your library, I'd suggest "Shadow Man" and "Cruel Crazy Beautiful World" above this particular disc.

Political lyrics overwhelmed by the catchiness of the tunes.

The production sounds a bit dated (it is from 1987 after all), but this is a great collection of hook-y afro-pop songs. The weakest track is probably "Missing", but even that song is OK, and the rest of the tracks are all really strong.

This is just pop music after all, so I don't think it's going to expand either your mind or your musical horizons, but it's well worth a purchase.

If there ever were a musician who was not getting enough international recognition, it may well be Johnny Clegg. His music is filled with such life and integrity that it I have this fantasy of playing it really loud over some massive sound-system so that everyone all over the world would hear and love it...mmmwwhahahhaa! But really, that's not what this group is all about. This album is probably my very favorite JC and Savuka album, as perfect fusion of international rock, pop, and more traditional Zulu elements. Much of the subject matter is very serious or political, reflecting Clegg's history in South Africa, working to overcome apartheid. (Think "Mandela," Third World Child," "Missing," or "Berlin Wall." (Yes I know that's not in S. Africa.) However, all of these songs have an unbelievably fantastic spirit, with so much life and optimism and pure guts that listening to any of them makes one fantastically happy. That simple.
The album starts off with a burst of strength in "Are You Ready?" This, like all other songs, is a seamlessly bilingual song, another element I love. (Yes, you will find yourself singing along in Zulu, regardless of whether or not you acutally know this powerful-sounding language.) The rhythm gets into your body and your mind, the words and meldody infiltrating thereafter. "Mandela" has some of the most deeply interesting and beautiful harmonies I have ever heard, making it even more powerful as an almost hymn-like tribute to South African activists. "Giyana" is another song with fierce energy, and some of the most interesting lyrics on this album. "Scatterling of Africa" is one of my very favorites, a king of Savuka classic. The message, which deals with the ties of the human race to its origins in Africa, is a raw, rhythmic, melodious song. It seems to almost serve as a backdrop for the rest of the album, a driving force that connects international listeners. (The aformentioned "scatterlings of Africa") "Missing" is dark and poignant, yet empowered and devoted, an almost anxious-sounding song. (Listen for these words in the beginning: "and I was banging at your door, but you weren't there anymore") These aren't really typical lyrics, but something about the way Clegg sings them is perhaps the single most moving moment on the entire album.
"The Ring on her Finger" is the fun song, lighter and utterly catchy, but with that all-important little tangy grain of truth. "That girl is feeling trapped by the ring on her finger." Well that's a new way to look at it...now I THINK this song's about some sort of extra-marital affair, but this song lightens it all up. I sing and dance along with the chorus, and the Zulu parts of the chorus make me pine desperately after learning that language. A fantastic song.
"Third World Child" and "Berlin Wall" are massive songs, true and gritty and empowering no matter where you live, how you live, or the fact that the Berlin Wall fell a while ago now. These are meaningful songs, and "Third World Child" has an especially fascinating perspective that is honestly thought-provoking. Really--these songs make you THINK after you're done singing alone at the top of your exalting lungs. (Uh oh--this is getting flowery.)
OK, is it clear that this album RULES and you should get it NOW? In the end, it all comes down to "WOW" once again.

I bought this album after I heard some of his newer material. From what I read in the customers' reviews -and the rate it had- this was suppose to be textured with african rythm, somewhat true to a tribal reality. All that I found close to tribal was the fact that maybe they didn't have perfected enough instruments to be in tuned with each other. I might sound a bit sarcastic saying this and I'm not trying to take anything away from M. Ibrahim's artistic talents but I'm just wonderously appalled to see people so deliberately praising the feeling coming out of it without really analysing and being aware of the professional side of it all. It is just so irritating for me to even try to listen to it as a musician when the dissonant trompet goes on that I won't ever understand why it got 5 stars on the scale. Moreover, to me this doesn't sound African but Spanish, some sort of Hawaian-Mexican-Brazilian mixture of tropical climates' late evening, departing from the restaurant. And there's nothing about the music that would keep you there. Nothing extraordinary, even Ibrahim's performance is unremarkable, me and my friends have done better than that on a summer gathering in the backyard.

I spent 5 years living, working, and traveling throughout South Africa. My job took me way off the beaten path from dorp to even smaller dorp. This album was in the cassette player of my car...it too was a dub of a dub of a dub.In rotation with Miriam Makeba, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Brenda Fassie, Lucky Dube, ....Dollar Brand and the African Jazz Pioneers offered a more "traditional" alternative to the other more "pop" oriented artists.
You can't imagine the beauty of this music, the rich culture and the beautiful scenery of rural southern africa. Together they evoke the honesty and sincerity of Ibraham's music.
South African music is often slighty off-key,the rythem can be be out of sych.....that's part of the beauty of the material.
Anyone familiar with the culture will recognize how closely this music mirrors the region itself. Years later all I need to do is put this album on, close my eyes, and I'm transported back to the rural reality, beauty, simplicity and complexity of South Africa.
Unless you've lived....understand it....and have a basis for critique....your opinion of "professionalism" matters very little indeed.

There are not too many albums in any genre that paint a consistent picture from the first note to the last. There are even fewer that do this in a hybrid style that is really something new and different. I bless Duke Ellington for bringing Abdullah Ibrahim to our attention, and I thank Mr. Ibrahim for giving us this joyous and colorful recording. The title describes the flavor aptly: the songs are alternately festive and languid, with slightly altered themes recurring throughout. When you play it, don't skip any cuts!

This cd isnt bad at all, however it is not the best among Putumayo's recordings.

Some of the songs in this cd, to my opinion, are pretty "pop" in nature. I was expecting some folk songs or alike from South Africa, but what i got was pretty modern. I have to admit, however, the selection of songs are not bad. It doesnt hurt to try this one out, but sure some other Putumayo labels are more appealing than this one.

I am thrilled to have come across this album while in a Borders Bookstore one night. I had never really listened to African music before and this album just blew me away! I love it more than anything and can't play it enough! It's- fun, bouncy, happy, dance-able music that will make you smile and will wash your cares away. There are also a few somewhat melancholy, reflective songs on the album too but this does not in any way bring the album's theme of joviality down in the slightest. It is a very emotional and spirtual album that will make you feel good all over. Every song on this album is fantastic! I am now hooked on African music and (thanks to Putamayo), will be adding more and more of this wonderful continents' musical treasures to my collection. If you like- happy, upbeat, emotional African music that you can dance to, this is the album to have!

I have always loved African music, so of course when I saw this album, I just had to buy it. It covers a broad range of styles from soul, jazz, mbaqanga, reggae, jive and of course the wonderful a capella style of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. And like the other Putumayo releases, this one is also handsomely packaged with an informative booklet featuring photos and information about each performer. This is an album that everyone should hear, every song is a treat and leaves you wishing that there were more than 10 songs on it. Highly recommended.

I'm not in the habit of writing these things...however I am so enthralled by this music I felt I had to share my thoughts. The CD is a good introduction to the immense variety of music coming out of Africa. My favorites are Ndima Npapedza (#1) by Oliver Mtukudzi and Wassiye (#7) by Habib Koite'. The music is fun and yet has depth to it. I listen to it and while I'm tapping my toes, my soul is singing right along. I recommend this one highly.

"Africa" was one of the first world music CD's I bought - I was involved in a show which included African and African-influenced music and I wanted to do some first hand audio research. This CD is just amazing! One of the things which immediately struck me was the beautiful and distinctive guitar work on many of the tracks, particularly those by Oliver Mtukudzi, Habib Koite, and Les 4 Etoiles. Other noteworthy instrumental work includes the B-3 organ intro on the Soul Brothers' "Thandaza", and the accordion featured in Sam Mangwana's "Ya Mbemba". There are also soul-stirring vocals featuring gorgeous harmonies (like Oom's "Anoma") and alternating call-and-response type melodies, and best of all, a wide variety of really cool grooves - each track has its own unique flavor. My favorites are Johnny Clegg and Juluka's "Love Is Just A Dream", Samba Ngo's "Sa Ntima" and Ricardo Lemvo's "Manuela", but really, there isn't one track here I don't love - five years after buying this CD it's still one of my favorites! I have since gone on to buy more CD's by several of the artists featured here, as well as by other African artists. I've also bought many of Putumayo's other compilations, which all serve as great introductions to a variety of artists as well as to many types of world music. By all means I recommend buying "Africa" - you won't regret it, but I warn you, you won't stop here :)

I have a bar & grill in Bogota Colombia and I play this and other Putumayo CDs to provide an interesting atmosphere. #8 is my favorite, it makes you move and groove. Customers constantly ask about these CDs.

..the begining starts off kinda of weak, singing babyface song..then they pick up with medolies of there own classic songs. highlights include "hurt, no good in goodbye, shining star" they wooed the audience with a redention of Boyz to men "end of the road" the cd is 1st class..a true treasure for any manhattans fan!!!!!

Gerald Alston can sign anything and turn the world upside down. With Blue Lovett and the Manhantans there is no limit! The CD is one of their finest and one can feel the love that South African showed them. No doubt they got more than any price they could have paid and a superb product is the end result.

I love the Manhattans!

A friend gave me the CD to listen to on my trip to Panama City Beach, Florida. I chapperoned my 18 year old daughter and her 3 friends. I drove my surburban and on our way there, we listened to all the RAP music I could stand. We stayed 5 days and had a wonderful time. When we departed at 7:00 a.m. on our way home, I told them to go to sleep because me and the Manhattans were going to drive them home. I put the CD in and turned the volume up real high. The drive is 7 hours and I listened to the CD over and over for 7 straight hours.
All I can say is "I sure wish that I could have been there". The album is AWESOME!!!! And those South Africans certainly appreciate the talent of the Manhattans!!!

Triloka had put out the wonderful series "Trance Planet", which I had to own all volumes for, but Planet Chant really left alot to be desired. In places it was far too "techno" for the subject matter. If you are expecting indigenous chants and slices of life from places around the globe such as the label implies, its best to look elsewhere. It is a good CD, but not one that is memorable in the way that the other Trance Planet series CD's are.

This CD is a compilation of different artists that utilize "chants" in their music. There are twelve separate artists (or artist pairs) represented on "Planet Chant." Some of the chants on the CD are religious in nature; others are not. The compilation's producer has included a short explanation about chanting and brief summaries on how chanting is used by each of the artists on the CD. Overall, I find the songs on this CD evoke a peaceful, meditative feeling. I have even had some success in meditating by chanting along with the Krishna Das and Oberton-Chor Dusseldorf pieces on the CD. However, if "Planet Chant" is overplayed, I find it to be somewhat grating. Perhaps it's because of the love-hate relationship I have with meditation (and all religious/spiritual beliefs that I perceive as seeking to transcend rather than confront and feel emotions). Usually the mood for me to listen to a CD like this is "I am anxious and nothing else is working so what can I do (or not do) to help me let go of my anxiety?" This CD sometimes works on those occasions.

Beautiful CD! My favorites are: Great Litany by Angelite, Polorum Regina by Saraband,Siguga Isiphambano by Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Confirmation by Oberton-Choir Dusseldorf.

All the songs are spiritually enlightening,uplifting,soothing.

I am not letting this one go! Perfect as a Relaxation or for just 'pondering'.

I love the lyrics and most of all the track

My son passed this CD on to me and I wasn't sure what to expect - boy was I impressed. The music on this CD is outstanding. The voices are great, the rhythms and music. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys African music.

This album really captures the soul and sounds of Africa. MAGIC.