Customer Reviews

South African Legends

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I am thrilled to have come across this album while in a Borders Bookstore one night. I had never really listened to African music before and this album just blew me away! I love it more than anything and can't play it enough! It's- fun, bouncy, happy, dance-able music that will make you smile and will wash your cares away. There are also a few somewhat melancholy, reflective songs on the album too but this does not in any way bring the album's theme of joviality down in the slightest. It is a very emotional and spirtual album that will make you feel good all over. Every song on this album is fantastic! I am now hooked on African music and (thanks to Putamayo), will be adding more and more of this wonderful continents' musical treasures to my collection. If you like- happy, upbeat, emotional African music that you can dance to, this is the album to have!

If you listen to Miriam Makeba or Johnny Clegg, you might want to pay very special attention to <<South African Legends>>. The music is not something you will encounter and tune into radio. In fact, you won't be able to appreciate the music until you change your attitude (about the music). One has to look for the underlying textures and levels of music. Pay attention to the beat underneath. The music will touch your soul. Imagine yourself wandering through the safari and conquering the nature in Africa. A brilliant recording!

Here we have a good taste selection of the big offer of music from the African Continent... the music have textures, that can make us travel trough our minds to another places. Recomendable for those who want to open their ears to another experiences

I have always loved African music, so of course when I saw this album, I just had to buy it. It covers a broad range of styles from soul, jazz, mbaqanga, reggae, jive and of course the wonderful a capella style of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. And like the other Putumayo releases, this one is also handsomely packaged with an informative booklet featuring photos and information about each performer. This is an album that everyone should hear, every song is a treat and leaves you wishing that there were more than 10 songs on it. Highly recommended.

Just adding my enthusiastic endorsement of this CD for anyone who's a world music fan. I found it much more interesting and enjoyable than several of the other Putomayo African collections (with the exception of "African Groove, which is phenomenal). The selection of songs is very diverse, and all are first-rate. I especially love the song by Johnny Clegg & Juluka, and am now a great fan of their music. The Miriam Mekeba song is heartbreaking and powerful, even if one doesn't understand the lyrics. Overall, the collection is spiritual and upbeat, and puts me in a joyful mood. A wonderful collection of songs from a very beautiful part of the world!

This cd isnt bad at all, however it is not the best among Putumayo's recordings.

Some of the songs in this cd, to my opinion, are pretty "pop" in nature. I was expecting some folk songs or alike from South Africa, but what i got was pretty modern. I have to admit, however, the selection of songs are not bad. It doesnt hurt to try this one out, but sure some other Putumayo labels are more appealing than this one.

Definitely a good overview for someone trying to get a feel for the variety of material available from South Africa. A CD that I enjoyed checking out from the library and hearing once, but definitely not something for any serious collection. Dig deeper to understand and explore more about your favorites among these and other tremendous African musical artists.