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 "seƱor 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 12/2008

    LUCKY DUBE
    RETROSPECTIVE

  • reviewed 08/2016

    Corbu
    Crayon Soul

  • reviewed 05/2015

    Jason Vieaux
    Play

  • reviewed 10/2006

    JACKIE MITTOO
    Wishbone

  • reviewed 01/2005

    Soweto Gospel Choir
    Voices from Heaven

  • reviewed 06/2011

    DELEON
    Casata

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.