MANU CHAO

La Radiolina

2007-09-13

As the enfant terrible of Latin alternative music, Manu Chao once again creates a frenzy by mixing rock, punk, salsa, French pop ... and by bouncing from Spanish to French to English. Chao bleeds enthusiasm and creativity and, in his first studio album in six years, he foregoes traditional song structure (choruses, etc.) in favor of guitar scribble. Chao's anti-establishment, anarchist values are present in La Radiolina's 16 tracks (plus five bonus tracks). Track 3, "Politik Kills," is particularly potent, and track 7, "Tristeza Maleza" is a defiant message regarding "señor Presidente." But this album is far from dismal. Track 3, the peppy "Rainin in Paradize," and track 7, the flamenco-inspired "Me Llaman Calle," are two danceable highlights. The accessability and worldwide popularity of Chao's work proves that no one blends protest and party quite like he does. Reviewed by Sara Cosgrove

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #World

  • reviewed 07/2006

    BLACKMORE’S NIGHT
    The Village Lanterne

  • reviewed 01/2005

    Pauline Scanlon
    Red Colour Sun

  • reviewed 01/2006

    LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
    Long Walk to Freedom

  • reviewed 11/2009

    PALO!
    This Is Afro-Cuban Funk

  • reviewed 06/2006

    BANCO DE GAIA
    Farewell Ferengistan

  • reviewed 09/2009

    NII OTOO ANNAN AND STEVEN FELD
    Bufo Variations

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.