Monday, July 7, 2008

V.A. - African Scream Contest - Raw & Psychedelic Afro Sounds From Benin & Togo 70s (2008)



After releases by Zimbabwean 70s bands the Green Arrows and Hallelujah Chicken Run Band, the Analog Africa label now delves into the amazing history of music from 1970s Benin and Togo. This compilation highlights forgotten raw and psychedelic Afro sounds, and the well-researched liner notes tell fascinating stories to accompany the mind-blowing music. The essence of Analog Africa is clear; searching in dusty warehouses for forgotten music to keep the sound alive. Label owner & vinyl collector Samy Ben Redjeb arrived in Cotonou, Benin, "without any special expectations, just hoping to lay my hands on few good records--what I found in the process cannot really be described in words".

Like most modern music in French-speaking West African countries, the music of Benin and Togo was influenced by a few main musical currents: Cuban, Congolese and local traditional music, as well as Chanson Francaise. Additionally, the geographical location of Benin and Togo--sandwiched between Ghana and Nigeria--exposed Beninese and Togolese musicians to Highlife music.

The cultural and spiritual riches of traditional Beninese music had an immense impact on the sound of Benin's modern music. Benin is the birth place of Vodun (or, as it is known in the West, Voodoo), and some of the rhythms used during traditional rituals - Sakpata, Sato, Agbadja, Tchenkoumé and many others - were fused to Soul and Latin music as early as the mid-1960s and later to Funk. In the late '60s and early '70s rock and soul music started creeping into the region. In particular, the music of James Brown and Johnny Halladay became immensely popular with university students. It was then that the music scene in Benin really started to take off. That fusion is the essence of this compilation. The CD includes a well researched 44-page booklet & rare photographs. (amazon.com)

1. Lokonon André & Les Volcans - Mi Kple Dogbekpo
2. Picoby Band D'Abomey - Mi Ma Kpe Dji
3. Gabo Brown & Orchestre Poly-Rythmo - It's a Vanity
4. El Rego et Ses Commandos - Se Na Min
5. Napo De Mi Amor et Ses Black Devil's - Leki Santchi
6. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo - Gbeti Madjro
7. Roger Damawuzan - Wait For Me
8. Ouinsou Corneille & Black Santiagos - Vinon So Minsou
9. Orchestre Super Jheevs des Paillotes - Ye Nan Lon An
10. Tidjani Kone & Orchestre Poly-Rythmo - Djanfa Magni
11. Discafric Band - Houiou Djin Nan Zon Aklumon
12. Le Super Borgou De Parakou - Congolaise Benin Ye
13. Vincent Ahehehinnou - Ou C'est Lui Ou C'est Moi
14. Les Volcans De la Capital - Oya Ka Jojo


African Scream Contest-Raw & Psychedelic Afro Sounds

Edip Akbayram & Dostlar - Nedir Ne Degildir (1976)



A later gem from the Turkish scene of the 70s -- one that's got a bit more funky touches than earlier Anatolian rock! There's still a fair bit of Eastern styles running through the mix, but most of the rhythms are really straightforward and use heavy basslines that really set the groove nicely -- a bit psychedelic, but almost more funk-inspired at times -- jamming in a way that's progressive, but never too noodly. The blend is a great one, and makes this record one of the best for those searching out the funkier side of the Turkish scene -- and this version has 4 bonus tracks added to the original record! Titles include "Yaralarim", "Arabam Kaldi Yolda", "Adam Olmak Dile Kolay", "Birak Beni", "Dar Agaci", "Mehmet Emmi", "Haberin Varmi", "Affetmem Seni", "Sen Actin Yarayi", and "Zalim Zalim". (dustygroove.com)


1. Yaralarim
2. Arabam Kaldi Yolda
3. Adam Olmak Dile Kolay
4. Dar Agaci
5. Kolum Nerden Aldin Zinciri
6. Ayrilik
7. Birak Beni
8. Haberin Varmi
9. Mehmet Emmi
10. Kaslarin Karasina
11. Affetmem Seni
12. Sen Actin Yarayi
13. Kahpe Felek
14. Zalim Zalim


Edip Akbayram & Dostlar - Nedir Ne Degildir [Audio CD]