Customer Reviews

Mali Music

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I went into this CD expecting a westernized take on Mali music... Don't do that. It's not bad, but it's not all Damon, all the time. With that said, it's probably clear that I'm a white boy Blur fan who was pleased with Gorillaz & hungry for more Damon Albarn-related side projects. So the "bad" news (if you even want to call it "bad") is that it's not as Blur-like or westernized as I thought. But on the other hand, it's very faithful to the Mali culture. True, I'm no expert on that, but let's just say I know western music very well & this certainly isn't western!

People have called this album Damon Albarn's Graceland, but I would disagree. Whereas Paul Simon dominated Graceland, Damon Albarn kind of plays second fiddle to the native musicians & songwriters. It's really their album- which is why I consider it "true" Mali music. It's a very unselfish act of Damon's (not to mention the fact that proceeds of the album's sales benefit UNICEF). I think this album's clear intention is to turn the western world onto some pretty amazing African music.

But hell yeah, there are some westernized tracks- you can tell which ones just by looking at the names on the track listing ("Spoons," "Tennessee Hotel," etc)- & they are excellent. I enjoy the other songs, but I'd be lying if I said I bought the album b/c of them. With that said, the best song on the album has to be "Sunset Coming On." Yes, it is a song sung by Damon, & it sounds like it'd belong on Blur's 13 or Think Tank.... & it'd stand out on that album too, just as it does here. It's a beautiful, tender song. I can't think of a song that captures the essence of its title so well. It really feels like a sunset, as silly as that sounds. Give it a listen.

I'd recommend this album to anyone. If you're a Blur/Damon Albarn fan then you'll instantly like a lot of it. But it's the rest (& majority) of the album that will make you appreciate Mali music a little more. Enjoy the songs & broaden your horizons.

damon albarn's latest exploration of world music has taken the forn of 'mali music', an enjoyably subtle mix of native traditions and modern formats, blended with a strong ear for style. infused with a warm,languorous funk and rich, varied instrumentation, the majority of the tracks evoke startlingly vivd emotions. on 'sunset coming on' in particular, the sense of hope and struggle grows out of a goldenly melancholic intro, creating a voyage of sorts. perfectly fitting with the african influence as well as albarn's traditional rock background, it simply shines. the entire album is very mature, touching many points of intensity and inspiration. definitely not something for people who only know albarn from blur's 'song two' (woo-hoo), but for those willing to take a chance and explore his beautiful interpretation of malian sources....and for those in search of the perfect dinner party music.

This CD is acessible enough to "Western" audiences without being a watered down assimilation of the Malian artists' music into Western tonality. I had a genuinely good time listening to this for the first time, and it gets better with each listen. Very refreshing. Fans of Albarn's work (esp. Gorillaz and Blur's "13") will love this CD. Even if you aren't into his work and just want something unique to listen to, give this CD a listen.

Do you need a change? Are you in the mood for something new and exotic? Well then, how does a trip to Mali sound? Good? Then let yourself be carried away by Mali Music, an album conceived and produced by Damon Albarn (leader of Blur and Gorillaz) and the musicians he befriended during his stay in Mali in July 2000. Let them take you along on their adventures, to the very places where Damon recorded over 80 hours of traditional music, accompanied at times by Damon's melodica and humming. This musical project (initiated by the Oxfam charity organization) represents the merging of two different musical landscapes. Damon edited and worked on the recordings in his London studio, enriching them with dubbing and electronic effects. The result is an eclectic album, a total of sixteen pieces marrying Malian and Western music, which takes the listener on a musical journey. A ride on the ... River, a visit of Bamako's Institut National des Arts, and stops at the Kela and Griot Villages are all on the itinerary. You will be surprised and happy to discover how delightfully Toumani Diabaté's kora (a 21-cord harp), the njurka (a traditional violin), the balafon, the ngoni and the Griots' singing mesh with the piano, keyboards, guitars and electronic music. The 40-page booklet accompanying the CD is equally superb.

Do you wish to become acquainted to Malian music without getting bogged down by it? Opt for Mali Music then, the first release of Honest Jon's Records, a label founded by Damon Albarn and his friends from the Portobello Road record shop. With Albarn having given up his rights from this album, some of the proceeds from the sale of the CD will be used to support Oxfam's programme in Mali. Have a good trip!

This record is a fine piece of work and represents a spirit of music that seems to be loss in the hype of manufactured bollocks. It truly defines and explores music as a universal language - appealing to both locals and new listeners.

To be fair, below is a quote to disprove what review djiembefola "a do-it-your-selfer" has to say above in his review 'Africans get Ripped-off Again'. I feel it is only fair that someone stand up to loose slandering. The quote was taken from an interview with Alburn that spoke all about his work with the Malian musicians...

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yes I think this is a darn good piece of work. I think you should throw away the reasons for Albarn doing this record and just add this to his career in being a part of some of the best music to come out in the last 10 years. I can't give him all the credit for this album the other memebers of this artful work fill in their roles nicely. This album has a vibe that is probably unmatched in the year of 2002. its good, probably better than good, ok, it's better than good, but no need to bog it down with silly sayings. it has great instrumentation and a wonderful feel along with glorious texture to it. done.

For those of you out there in Brit Pop land who long for the days of the overly-hyped battle between the uppers (Blur) and the lowers (Oasis), this album is not for you. But, if you want to experience the coming of age of an underestimated, yet very talented musician, Damon Albarn, this is what you get with Mali Music. Even though "Sunset Coming On" sounds like it could have been a b-side from Blur's last album, 13, the rest of the album is pure magic.

This is a beautiful record. Hands down. The musical textures and rhythmic layers are soothing and gorgeous. Listen to it with an open ear, it grows on you after 1 listen. From there on out, its musical bliss! Damon and Co. rule!

I like this album a lot. I first heard the song "Sunset coming on" off a compilation CD. The music should be considered world music but not in the vain that they try in push all the musical culture of Mali through your head in 12 songs. It flows nice and varied as any album should in my mind. If you like world music with a new twist then you should enjoy this CD.

Two years ago Albarn leaved for a country with population ten times less than his albums sold. Where Niger flows and scorching Kharmatan blows. Himself! Hats off!
Note that Mali music attracts foreigh perfomers as a merry-go-round. Eminent Taj Mahal has released corresponding album three years ago; and Toumani Diabate was there, here and everywhere.
From all brit-pop stars DA is more sober-minded, but light on his feet: Gorrillaz, Island electronica, Blur sound experiments and Afrika now.
It is understanded that more Damon's music IT IS, rather than Bamako city's as a result of his trips, plays and records.
First six seconds sound like Salvatore Adamo, but after certain special electronic effects all adamisms desappear. Less authentic, but good. Saxophone, violin, electro-guitars, melodic, kalimba, etc. even griots are there.
And last, but no least photo of Damon himself in alboms's booklet. You have to own it!