Customer Reviews

Cover the World: World Music Versions of Classic Pop Hits

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

 

 

As with most compilations, there is a certain amount of unevenness to the selections. Highpoints: Catalan Albert Pla's absolutely hysterical lisping flamenco version of Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side;" Beninois Angelique Kidjo's nearly guitar-less version of Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)" (though nothing can match the absolutely ferocious version she does live in which she sings the lead guitar part); and the female Okinawan band Nenes' sanshin-driven version of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" (which, when you think about it, a female sanshin-driven version sung in Okinawan is pretty good evidence for the case that Bob Marley is indeed the world's best loved musician). Some of the covers are less successful to my ears, at least in part because I don't like the originals. One exception is the Ivorian trio Les Go's version of Hall and Oates' "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)" - for me, having successfully repressed the original in my consciousness, their cover is simply a pretty good dance track, typical of Les Go.

If you're the typical target audience of Putumayo and appreciate the label for bringing excellent lesser-known world musicians to the forefront, then you'll probably find these compilations offensive to the ear. Speaking as someone who adores Putumayo, I found this cd so bad that I felt I had to write a review to warn other Putumayo fans. That being said, if you're just interested in hearing some bizarre and quirky arrangements of popular songs, then you might like it. Do yourself a favor and if you think you might be interested in this album, go to Putumayo's website first and listen to the samples. You'll either love it or hate it.

I used to work at a store in the mall, that often circulated several putumayo titles on our sound system which we also sold. We had Cuba, Samba Bossa Nova, Asian Groove, Arabic Groove, Zydeco, World Lounge, African Groove, Euro Lounge, Global Soul, just to name a few! I loved them all, even after listening to them every time I worked for almost a year...except one! Cover the world, drove me up the wall the first few times I heard it. Now, there are a few good songs on here ("Ain't no sunshine", is my fav) but overall, not for long term listening in my opinion. Hearing Asian women sing "No woman no cry" gets flat out annoying after awhile! Would recommend the titles I stated above, over this one.

This could have been a good CD but there are just too many tracks that are too close to the originals eg Toto, Phil Collins to make it worthwhile. Hit the Road Jack swings and No Woman No cry is a good interpretation of the Marley song but other than that it plods along. There is just so much more interesting 'world' music out there to explore than this.

Most of the Putomayo I own are CDs I can play over and over. "Cover the World" was interesting the first time around, but I doubt I will be revisiting the collection as often as I do "Celtic Tides" or any of the others with more original works.

Standouts are Kidjo's "Voodoo Child," and the 2 selections by Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

This is one of the most annoying world music albums out there. Next to the Rough Guide to Yodel,it's custom-made to drive away unwanted guests,solicitors,and relatives overstaying their welcomes. Putumayo had an interesting concept:cover songs from around the world. As a concept album,it works in theory. In practice,it doesn't do so well. There are a few highlights-but they are few and far between. The album works as novelty,like the "Annoying Music Show" compilations,or the Leonard Nimoy/William Shatner album.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo's "Ain't no sunshine" and "People get ready" are wonderful,and sound like gospel songs. Les Go's cover of Hall&Oates is given an Afropop vibe. Toure Kunda shows the African roots of a Peter Gabriel song. Angelique Kidjo's Jimi Hendrix cover shows that even at the beginning of her career she was a diva. Her take on "Voodoo Child" is magical.

However,the misses outnumber the hits. Yannick's French take on "Oh what a night" is corny.Cornier than a car running on ethanol. Cornier than an Iowan chowing down on corn on the cob at the state fair. Fatal Mambo&Chris Ardoin do zydeco takes on "Your love keeps lifting me" and "In the summertime" that are gushier than okra in overcooked gumbo. The usually great Mo'Horizons has a weird trip-hop take on "Hit the road Jack" that doesn't really work. Albert Pla's flamenco version of Lou Reed's "Walk on the wild side" is a novelty song. When it comes to flamenco versions of hits,I prefer Rodrigo y Gabriela's flamenco covers of Metallica's "Orion" and Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven." Finally,Bob Marley would be wailing if he heard the Nenes' screeching,shamisen-driven "No woman no cry." An Okinawan cover of the reggae hit works--in theory.

"Cover the World" as a concept album ends up working...as a concept.Angelique Kidjo's "Djin Djin",Rodrigo y Gabriela's self-titled album,and Senor Coconut's ultra-lounge salsa covers of Kraftwerk and Yellow Magic Orchestra provide more fun,and in a sense,more faithful,cover versions.

I don't know, maybe it's just because I cut my teeth on world music three and a half years ago with this CD and Putumayo's "Global Soul", which came out at about the same time. I love both of them. "Cover the World" takes a very fresh look at some standards that you may already be familiar with.

As mentioned elsewhere, the two songs by Ladysmith Black Mambazo - "People Get Ready", with Phoebe Snow (originally done by The Impressions), and "Ain't No Sunshine" with Des'ree (originally by Bill Withers) - are alone worth the price of the CD. I played "People Get Ready" over and over when I first got the CD, and still haven't tired of it. Angelique Kidjo puts her own unique spin on the Jimi Hendrix standard "Voodoo Child", as do Les Go ("The Girls") on "I Can't Go For That", originally performed by Hall and Oates. Chris Ardoin and his group Double Clutchin' may give you a new appreciation for zydeco with their rendition of "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher" (originally done by Jackie Wilson), and may even motivate you to check out his brother, Sean Ardoin & Zydekool, as well. Finally, Tukuleur, two brothers from Senegal whose music I cannot locate in the United States with the exception of the one song on this CD, make the song "Afrika (Africa)" (originally by Toto, whom I don't remember) their very own. There are no bad songs on the CD, but those are the best of the lot.

"Cover the World" and "Global Soul" almost single-handedly provided me with the bridge I needed to the wonderful, amazing universe of world music, and they may just do the same for you.

This CD is unlike any other. One culture takes on another's idea of a popular hit, and reinterprets it through their own set of cultural lenses. The result is utterly fascinating. It is a fun listen...but also a study of people, of music, of psychology, of music, of intercultural interaction. Don't miss this one!

This is a must have for world music lovers, especially those who have American or British favorites they love to hear in new ways. This is one of my favorite world music CD's and probably the one I listen to the most.