2007-09-17
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 "senor 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. - Sara CosgroveDouglas Dare
Aforger
Curumin
Achados E Perdidos
Symbolic Olives
The Scene That Celebrates Itself
NII OTOO ANNAN AND STEVEN FELD
Bufo Variations
FORRO IN THE DARK
Light a Candle
THE REVOLUTION (VARIOUS)
Revolution
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.