| · Out of Africa
Ladysmith Black Mambazo's latest release offers more of the same familiar South African gospel sound that audiences have come to expect from the band. After such a long career one would hope the band would do something new (or old even) and expand their sound with instrumental accompaniment – at least on a few songs. But you can't argue with success, even if there is little to distinguish this release from any of the others that the band has put out. Joseph Shabalala's songs address social issues – drinking and driving ("Fak' Ibhande"), promoting South Africa ("Selingetlethu Sonke") and celebrating religious faith ("Udidekil' Umhlaba") – all are topics tried and true and all are well presented.
To call Youssou N'Dour's Seven Seconds a "best of" compilation is a bit of a misnomer. It would be more correct to call it a best of the recordings controlled by Columbia and Sony. As these constitute approximately 15 per cent of N'Dour's total recorded output, more than a few gems have been forgotten. The result is often less than exciting with the title track (a duet with Neneh Cherry that constitutes N'Dour’s big North American hit) vying for most insipid track on the album with a cover of that Lennon-McCartney chestnut "Oh-Bla-Di, Oh-Bla-Da." Indeed life goes on – preferably without my having to listen to that song again.
All is not lost, however, as there are some good songs here. The trick is to avoid the ones that have been contaminated by North American influences and producers who seemingly fail to appreciate the beauty of other cultures without wanting to change them. N'Dour deserves better. And so do you.
LADYSMITH 4/5
N’DOUR 2/5
BRUCE POLLOCK
|
Copyright ©2004 FFWD. All rights reserved.