2008-05-15
DJ Dolores (aka Helder Aragao de Melo) goes back to his Brazilian roots on this album full of percussive backdrops, politically astute global grooves, quirky humor and an eclectic selection of lyrical topics. The title is a pun on Brazil's currency, the real. And Dolores is concerned, like many of his musical countryfolk, with the accessibility of his sounds, their relationship to the vast economic inequalities of his potential domestic audience, and their connection with outer foreign styles. Pleasingly, all of this conceptualising doesn't interfere with the dancing. Electronic beats and clatterclaps cut across compulsive basslines, and call-response vocals retain a local (Brazilian) feel. This album will keep you dancing as well as thinking. Reviewed by LaRae WYCE ProgrammerLADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
Ilembe - Honoring Shaka Zulu
Reza
Ray of the Wine
FEMI KUTI
Day By Day
SOMI
Red Soil In My Eyes
Nortec Collective Presents: Bostich + Fussible
Tijuana Sound Machine
Alpha Blondy
Elohim
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.