MANU CHAO

LA RADIOLINA

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 Cosgrove

More reviews tagged #World

  • reviewed 08/2007

    COREY HARRIS
    Zion Crossroads

  • reviewed 06/2017

    Pascal Bokar
    American Shores

  • reviewed 03/2007

    TINARIWEN
    Aman Iman

  • reviewed 06/2011

    DELEON
    Casata

  • reviewed 05/2004

    Ozomatli
    Street Signs

  • reviewed 12/2007

    APHRODESIA
    Lagos By Bus

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.