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 08/2012

    BIBI TANGA AND THE SELENITES
    40 Degrees of Sunshine

  • reviewed 06/2010

    ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING FELA!
    FELA! – ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING

  • reviewed 01/2011

    LOS FABULOCOS
    DOS

  • reviewed 01/2007

    SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR
    African Spirit

  • reviewed 02/2007

    VIEUX FARKA TOURE
    Vieux Farka Toure

  • reviewed 06/2010

    SERGIO MENDES
    BOM TEMPO

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.