Customer Reviews

Army Arrangement

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Fela was by no means a perfect man, but did not live his life in pretence like most Nigerian Men do. He liked women, and he made this an obvious part of his life! He was always quick to point out the soical injustice in Nigeria, and was consistent in his message throughout his life. This one Nigerian Bad boy that could not be bought! His music is a reflection of this, and even though his music is superb, raw and authentic in the ears of all (including non-nigerians), his lyrical contents may not be as clear cut unless you are aware of the Nigerian society!
FELA is the best that ever came out of that part of the world, period!

Excellent album. Although Fela lived his life as he wished, he was a disappointment for a lot of people in this manner But his music is truly original and reflects an ideal wished for. His criticisms of Nigerian government corruption and the orientation of corruption prominent in most Nigerians is evident in this album. The GCBoy track is absolutely wonderful if you take the patience to listen to it as opposed to skipping it for more popular tracks like Army Arrangement. FELA RIP

Fela created and lived his life. Army arrangement is a reflection of his believe that military governance is an aberation and his disgreement with military rulers in Nigeria. The music is classical, the rythm is excellent and the total quality of the album is a combination of Fela's prowess as a saxophonist as well as an instrumentalist.

Bill Laswell's production tries to make Fela sound like early 80's disco. There are dubbed on parts. Probably a misguided attempt at making Fela seem new wave or something. YUCK! There is an undoctored version of this, listen to that instead.

Fela is (was) one of the most incredible musicians on the planet, but this is one of those discs that you just don't want. I've never heard a Fela disc I didn't like, but this one made up for that.

It is banished at the very bottom of a pile of CD's that are practically unlistenable. Try Beast of NO Nation or Black Man's Cry or any other offering first, but if you haven't heard Fela, you're missing out. Big.