Ethiopiques, vol. 1: Golden Years of Modern Ethiopian Music (1969-1975)

Various Artists | Format: MP3 Download

Product Details

• Original Release Date: November 15, 2004
• Label: Buda musique
• Copyright: (c) CRC Edition
• Total Length: 51:33
• Genres: International/Africa
• ASIN: B0014LRAUC
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #116,205 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars True Ethiopian nostalgia, February 3, 2000

By 

nadav haber (jerusalem Israel) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ethiopiques, Vol. 1: Golden Years Of Modern Ethiopian Music (Audio CD)

This collection presents songs from what to me are the best years of Ethiopian music (1969-1975). The first three songs are by Muluken Melesse, who enjoys some kind of a legendary status among Ethiopians. These songs justify his reputation. His voice is really extraordinary, and the band plays in what was then a new style in Ethiopian music, which was more rythmic and smooth than the earlier "police orchestra" style. Muluken is followed by Mahmud Ahmad, in songs that are well known and sound as good as any. The two songs by Seyfu Yohannes are very special "Mela Mela" and "Tizita". These are arranged and performed so well that you wonder why he did not become a star. Four songs by Teshome Metuku are in the highest standard - Jazzy arrangements and mellow singings. There is the classic Tizita by Getachew Kassa, which to me is one of the best two versions ever recorded (the other is Muluken's version). Three instrumentals by Mulatu Astatke's band add to this classic CD, especially "Hewete" which should be recognized as one of the most beautiful Ethiopian instrumentals ever recorded. This collection makes you wonder where has all this talent disappeared, and sure makes you ask for more of the same.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars missing tracks, December 29, 2008

By 

cdrummbks (Polk City IA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ethiopiques, vol. 1: Golden Years of Modern Ethiopian Music (1969-1975) (MP3 Download)

This MP3 download lacks four tracks from the original CD, all by Tèshomé Meteku. Must be a problem with permissions. One of the missing songs turns up on The Rough Guide to Ethiopia (Rough Guide World Music CDs). Both of the Christgau-recommended tracks (Mulequèn Mèllèssè, "Wètètié maré" and Sèyfu Yohannès, "Tezeta") are here.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Different, but definitely cool!, December 30, 2008

By 

B. Swenson "swewdog" (Grand Junction, CO United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ethiopiques, Vol. 1: Golden Years Of Modern Ethiopian Music (Audio CD)

I will keep this short. First, check this out on the MP3 digital download, which is far cheaper, albeit a couple of songs fewer. You definitely need a love for the eclectic, but this music is infectious. It is performed with passion and intensity. There is both ska and reggae influence (or is it the other way around). I know nothing about Ethiopian "pop" music, but this is way, way cool IMHO.