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 01/2007

    TARTIT
    Abacabok

  • reviewed 01/2009

    FEMI KUTI
    Day By Day

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Cibelle
    The Shine of Dried Electric Leaves

  • reviewed 09/2008

    FUNKADESI
    – Yo Baba

  • reviewed 04/2014

    PALO!
    Live

  • reviewed 03/2007

    GIPSY KINGS
    Pasajero

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.