Gamingforce Music Exposure Club™

Miriam Makeba - Africa
Label: Jive/Novus
Released: 1991, recorded 1965
Genre: World, African Folk



Track List

1. Mbube
2. Nomeva
3. Olilili
4. Suliram
5. The Retreat Song
6. The Click Song
7. Saduva
8. Iya Guduza
9. Lakutshn Ilanga
10. Umhome
11. Amampondo
12. Dubula
13. Kwendini
14. Umhome
15. Pole Mze
16. Le Flueve
17. Qhude
18. Mayibuye
19. Maduna
20. Kilimanjaro
21. Kwazulu, In Th Land Of Zulus
22. Nongqongqo, To Those We Love
23. Khawuleza, Hurry Mama Hurry!
24. Ndodemnyama

Review:

This collection features recordings made by Mariam Makeba from 1960 to 1965 in the USA. These recordings were responsible for the introduction of South African music to a larger international audience. Makeba's amazing personality shines through all of these songs, affirming her position as the queen of South Africa music. Later Makeba married one of the leaders of the Black Panthers, which caused the Authorities to deport her to Europe. Previous reviews mentioned "the retreat song" and "the click song" as outstanding. I love these songs but for me the second part of the CD (songs 12-24) is even more spectacular. A song of praise for Kenyan leader Jomo Kenyatta ("Pole Mze"), a song of love to the leading quatert of South African revolution - Subukwe, Lutuli, Mandela and Sisulu ("Nogqongqo" from 1965) and the everlasting "Kwazulu". Makeba delivers these with the utmost love that radiates straight into the heart. Through these songs I started to love South African music.

review from amazon

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Värttinä - Ilmatar
Label: NorthSide
Released: 2001
Genre: World, Finnish Folk



Track List

1. Itkin
2. Kappee
3. Laiska
4. Liiqua
5. Milja
6. Aijo
7. Kivutar
8. Linnunmieli
9. Lieto Listen
10. Sanat
11. Meri

Review:

Following the demise of Wicklow Records in 2000, it looked for a while as if this album would never see the light of day in the U.S. But Northside stepped in, a very apt home as it is a label that specializes in Nordic music, and it's well worth the wait. Stripped-down, lean, and mean, Värttinä have come up with a concept album of sorts, dedicated to the sun goddess of Finnish myth. Their trademark runo songs have largely given way to original compositions, although they're not afraid to delve back into the tradition when necessary, updating it with electronic touches and bits of studio wizardry. Given its subject matter, it's not too surprising that it's an album of magic -- even down to the spell incantation on "Aijo," while the keening voices and harmonies of the four singers tear through the air like lovely witches. Musically they stick very much to acoustic instruments (as they have in the past), without creating a backdrop that feels like folk music -- long-time fiddler Kari Reiman and the rest of the crew are simply too good for that. The arrangements they create are complex, but with ample space for the voices that are the band's hallmark. Earthy and airy, Värttinä are a perfect mix of the elements. Producer Hughes de Courson coaxes more from them than others have managed in the studio, pushing them out of the comfort zone they appeared to have established, and, in doing so, giving them a path for the future. Their 1998 release, Vihma, had seemed a good step forward after a period of treading water and going pop. In comparison, the energy, melodies, and singing are a quantum leap. Their very best to date.

review from AMG

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