Customer Reviews

Muso Ko

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Muso Ko (Talking of Women) is a wonderful album, a little less produced than the recent Ma Ya, but just as polished. Koite takes traditional rhythms and combines them with western pop structure to create upbeat (but never cheesy), joyful songs. Exploring the middle ground between tradition and Afro-pop agrees with Koite: he was trained as a classical guitarist but grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and the Rolling Stones. He comes from a musical family, and shares his roots in Kayi with Boubacar "Kar Kar" Traore, the mournful desert bluesman. Koite loves Mali, and has no plans to leave it for Europe or America like some of his fellow African musicians. His songs discuss love, social values, fatherhood, and national pride. He tours the US and Canada at the end of 2000, so don't miss him - he puts on a great live show! If you like Habib Koite, you should also check out Cheikh Lo and Henri Dikongue, who also make modern, fresh music using traditional rhythms and melodies.

I've worn out my first copy. Language need not be a barrier to anyone. I use this music with my special education pre-school class; it inspires instant bliss, which is preferable to a time out any day. Gorgeous layers of sound and lyrics. See them in concert if you can.

A couple of Kabib Koite songs came stock with my new computer, and the soothing rhythms, vocals and well, amazing musicality stunned me. He is now one of my favorite artists. His music is so completely human it can be instantly recognized and appreciated by a ear of any nationality.

Habib Koite is a modern guitar and vocal virtuoso who uses a mixture of traditional African (Mali) styles of playing and languages to deliver beautiful, moving and pure music. It is a must-buy for any lover of World Beat Music. I saw his music video on Link-TV and had to have much more.

J'ecris egalement pour le moment en Francais, mais, ecoutez mois quand je dit tres emphatiquement qu'il y a beaucoup des gens qui parlent Anglais et qui aiment cette musique vraiment ! bien sur !

Anyway, for you English speakers, I was just saying that, to answer a bit what the previous reviewer said in French (that not many English-speaking readers would be interested in this music). NOT SO ! This music is fantastic !! Why, it even manages to *gasp* cross language barriers ! Imagine that !

Seriously, folks, this is is great stuff -- a real find. I listen to music from all over the world all the time, and when this artist rolled around on my random 400-shuffle CD carousel I said "Wow ! What is THAT ?" and proceeded to take it OUT of the carousel player so that I could enjoy it repeatedly in my car.

Est-ce que cela suffit pour l'evidence de l'appreciation de cette musique d'Afrique selon les "anglophones", mon ami ? ;-)

Muso Ko is Koite's first album, strong on ethnic, Malian rhythms and less Westernized. It has incredible "talking drum" and harmonica solos.

When I first heard Habib on the radio, I had to pull over and call the station immediately to find out who this new genius was. If you are a fan of King Sunny Ade, Ali Farka Toure, Femi or Fela Kuti, you will consume this CD like a pig in nectar. Bursting with rhythm and energy, great talking drums and balafon, wonderful guitar, poignant lyrics, intense call and response harmonies, the whole package absolutely guaranteed to tweak your head off your shoulders if you are a devotee of African music. Track 3, Den Ko is a stunning achievement. Spare in the beginning, building gradually to a magnificent fullness, while maintaining the integrity of each component of the sonic landscape. Also unusual for an African album, there are no turkeys on this album, only good and great songs. Ma Ya is great, too, but for those who want the driving beat tinged with sweet minor key sadness, this is the disc to get. Buy it now!

I wake up, all groggy, after a late night at the pub. Get in the car, half asleep, and turn on Mr Habib Koite ... and its an instant transformation. Great music, clean sounds, energizing rythms, feel good beats. I do not understand any of the words, but who needs to, early in the morning.

PS: Similar side effects have been noted after a long and tiring day at work.

I love all different types of music and was so excited when I heard Habib Koite's music. I had to buy the CD and was not dissapointed. Every track on this CD was great. There's a mixture of different sounds and rhythms that move the soul. Very soulful and from the heart. I highly recommend it.

I first heard of this album whilst in Senegal and what a gem it is.
If you want to dip your toes into African music, this would be a fine starter,Habib has a great voice with great depth and his band Bamada just add to the great sound.