Ole Ole

Rachid Taha | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 7, 1996)
• Original Release Date: May 7, 1996
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mango
• ASIN: B000003QLL
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #474,400 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #71 in Music > World Music > Africa > Algeria

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This album was released in 1996, two years before the superb and rootsy Diwân, and the signs for Olé Olé are apparent from the cover, where the singer appears with trendily bleached hair. Formerly in the band Carte de Sejour (whose album had been produced by ex-Gong guitarist Steve Hillage), Rachid Taha can be political but here also tries to play heavily to the Euro-dance crowd. Heavy on the beats, and ultimately light on the Arabic content, this CD is an attempt to win as wide an audience as possible. For example, check out the surf music references on "Jungle Fiction." The disc is not without its moments (indeed, "Kelma" is a song ahead of its time as far as crossover goes), and with Hillage behind the board there is some sense of adventure. But while perfectly enjoyable, it's not Taha at his best. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Really different for a pop/dance/rhythm kind of thing., February 11, 2000

By 

Martian Bachelor (Feminacentric America) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ole Ole (Audio CD)

I've liked this album a lot since I got it two years ago. My favorites are "Comme Un Chien" and "Zaama". The album has some really interesting rhythms and mixtures of sounds and instruments and vocals, so it's not for everyone. The lyrics are unintelligible if you only know English. It's not what usually passes for "World Music" because it's very Western/contemporary (while still having a distinctly Middle Eastern flavor). The legendary Steve Hillage's contributions as producer really show through, and I'm sure his involvement is a sign of his belief in Rachid's innate talent, which is obvious from the music. Anyway, I think most of this CD will stand up quite well over time. Kind of surprised to see only one other review here. 4 1/2 stars.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Played this album to death., November 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Ole Ole (Audio CD)

Ole, Ole was the first album by Rachid Taha that I bought after hearing one track in a local Middle Eastern hotspot. I immediately had to know who it was! I have played this album over and over. My two favorite songs are Valencia and Kelma and I can't sit still when I hear them. I love Rachid Taha's gravelly voice and interesting lyrics.. paired with the mix of new and old in hip hop and traditional Middle Eastern instruments, it makes for great listening. Jungle Fiction will amuse anyone familiar with Miserlou (the old Greek song made popular by surf guitar). I'd like to see more "Sharqi Rock" or "Sharqi Hip Hop" come out and get more airplay. It might follow the same trend here in the US as Flamenco fusion music has recently and do very well. As well as opening up a whole new world of great music for Americans.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Undercover?, April 23, 2000

By 

Koen Olie (Bangkok, Thailand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ole Ole (Audio CD)

Brilliant CD, great music and inspiritianal.... Compare Taha's 'KELMA' with track 8 'MIGRA' on Carlos Santana's new album and apart from Santana's guitar & the vocals it's a perfect copy! Taha's music is that good, even Santana 'borrows' it.