For those of you who are fans of bands like Khruangbin, you will certainly enjoy Sons of Zöku, a band that hails from Australia. There are far more vocals here, but that funky, nearly Afrobeat-ish pulse underneath and the psychedelic vibe make this fine listening.
Afrobeat
Nkwitchoua – Love Tones
First, an introduction to this YouTube channel. African Grooves has long been a favorite of mine, as the curators have introduced their audience to some fine, funky releases from the African continent. This particular release comes from Cameroon, and the funk/disco vibe from Nkwitchoua is wild.
Odion Livingstone – Where Are Our People
There doesn’t seem to be much info available about Odion Livingstone, but this is a nice, sunny, mellow Nigerian psych album.
Vaudou Game – Fintou
Vadou Game’s Fintou is a James Brown-tinged funky masterpiece, easily the most danceable work to come out of West Africa in a while. Respect to French record label Hot Casa Records for this one.
Various Artists – Analog Africa: Roots Rocking Zimbabwe – The Modern Sound of Harare’ Townships 1975-1980
“Roots Rocking Zimbabwe” is one of the many incredible compilations that Analog Africa has produced in recent years. If you’re not familiar with the label, I recommend visiting their Bandcamp site to explore the full story behind this release. Here’s a brief overview: “The 25 songs presented in this project Continue Reading
Tidiani Kone et le T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo – Tidiani Kone et le T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
From the release’s Bandcamp site: “Over the past few years Acid Jazz has been the proud custodian of the legendary Albarika Store label, which produced some of the finest, deepest West African cuts of the last century. Based in Benin, the label was a melting point of local sounds and Continue Reading
The Brooklyn Sounds – Libre-Free
Though it has tones of underground and perhaps even a type of mafia culture (certainly the imagery of Hector Lavoe records could spread that misconception), salsa is fun music by its very nature. It’s danceable, rather passionate at times, and full of horns. The Brooklyn Sounds are a long-forgotten group Continue Reading
Mulatu Astatke & Hoodna Orchestra – Tension
From Mulatu Astatke’s own Bandcamp site: “Formed in 2012 on the south side of Tel Aviv, the 12 member Hoodna Orchestra is a collective of musicians and composers who initially bonded over a shared love of Afrobeat. They have gone on to incorporate psychedelic rock, hard funk and soul, jazz, Continue Reading
The Beaters – Harari (1975)
I will be preparing for travel and starting a new job in August, so no review today. I leave you with The Beaters, a rock band out of South Africa. From their YouTube page: “Step into the pulsating rhythms of South African Afro-rock with The Beaters and their iconic album Continue Reading
Oluko Imo – Oduduwa
You would be forgiven, I’d imagine, if you thought this release came to us from Nigeria, but as it turns out, Oluko Imo comes from Trinidad. I had no idea they had Afrobeat there. Imo is ably supported by both the legendary Fela Kuti and his son, Femi. Quite an Continue Reading