13/02/2008

The Indestructible Beat of Soweto Vol. 1 (1985)

«This has to be one of the seminal series of recordings of what has come to be called "world music." When Trevor Herman collected and released these albums of South African township music from the 1980's on his Earthworks label, it pretty much created the genre with music that demanded a bin of its own in the record store. Here was a rock solid collection of folk, jive and groove that told the world what South Africa already knew, that this music could absolutely rock you to your bones. It introduced us to Mahlathini, the voice of mbaqanga. His groaning style, an outgrowth of a gimmicky style developed by studio producers in the 70s, became a respected and important sound, and with the Magaona Tshole Band and the Mahotella Queens, he became one of South Africa's most unique artists.

It was our first taste of the Zulu neo-traditional style of acoustic guitars, bass and drums, often with fiddle or accordion, brought to life here by the amazing Moses Mchunu, whose "Qhwayilahle" is still one of my all time favorite recorded works with its grinding fiddle (reminiscent of a good Holy Modal Rounders set) and thumping bass line.

The driving bass, drum and accordion sound of Nganezlyamfisa No Khambalomvaleliso was a revelation. And it was the proving ground for the classic vocal sound made famous by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, whose mix of traditional choral music and a touch of American gospel laid the foundation for Graceland a few years later. The Indestructible Beat Of Soweto is world unto itself, still one of my most frequently visited recordings, both at home and on my radio program. It sings of a time of political unrest and cultural hope. It is one of the few compilations I would ever call "perfect."» (Cliff Furnald, Rootsworld)

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14 comments:

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Anonymous said...

can't wait to check it out!
many thanks for all your hard work and generosity

Anonymous said...

An absolute classic.
Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing this classic. Martin from Canada.

Anonymous said...

Un magnifico aporte

Gracias

Anonymous said...

muy bueno

Anonymous said...

Thanks a lot. This compilation is exciting, fantastic. I have the vinyl from that year, but now is better, more comfortable, in computer format. Millón de gracias. Merci.

Unknown said...

thanks!

Papy93 said...

thanks

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much!

Anonymous said...

great music on your blog thanx !

Anonymous said...

It would have been nice to ask the author for permission to copy his review for "your" blog. But that's the internet for ya... take what you want.

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