Customer Reviews

Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You can tell that Baba 70 put a lot of work into this album. From the lyrics and wordplay, to the tight instrumental arrangement. It has been and still remains my favorite Fela composition.

I never heard this one performed live at The Shrine, so it is not one of those that bring back the memories of late nights - sometimes wet, loud speakers thumping into your gut while you yell out the lyrics of the song along with "Abami Eda" - one of Fela's many nicknames.

It is, on the other hand, one of those albums that I listen to late at night, when it is really quiet and you are able to hear each instrument more clearly. Time and time again you discern a different pattern in the intricate tapestry woven by the many instruments that make up "Egypt 80". It is also one of those in which you listen to the instrumental solos and decide that nothing more could have been added or taken away.

Released on CD in 1986 (I'm assuming the LP was released at this time as well), this album is made up of 2 tracks - the title track and "Look And Laugh"; and was produced by Wally Badarou. I recommend it highly, if you are able to find it.

"Everybody say Yeah Yeah!!"

Everyone's got their favorite Fela record... For me, there is something amazing about the music he made towards the end of his career, and TDTMN is one of the best. The horn lines got more complex, the band sounds HUGE, the guitars even more intricate, and the beats sometimes slower than earlier (better to feel with your whole body). The production is so clear on this album. A beautiful recording

As with all legends this is a masterpiece amongst all masterpieces. Each time you listen to this it will take you back to the days of pepple street Akara, Dun dun and palm oil. those who appreciate rich jazz will be enveloped instantaneously and I hope they would not be overwhelmed with the passion they are sure to feel.

It is a very social, political, historical, and cultural album. Sadly, I don't know any other artist who sings about African politics, -history, -culture, and social life the way he does. It's a shame that he was a misogynist (read the book called Fela:This Bitch Of A Life for more information). His instrumentals are very unique. It is very sad that none of the songs on this album were included on his best best compilation. Both of the songs are great. He truly is a legend! Look for the copy with the bonus song called Just Like That. It's worth buying.

Fela's music here sounds clean and clear, with just the amount of echo that the masses want to hear, and the horns and vocals are just elaborate and complex enough to tickle the ear. Everything is in a commercially acceptable place, it sounds like one of those records that win Grammies ...

Musically, everything is in the right place. The band is able to maintain long grooves smoothly and effortlessly, and call little attention to themselves while providing smooth/"quiet storm" vibe. Fela uses the vocals and especially the backing vocals, on tracks 1 & 3, to provide complicated patterns that add to the music. The music resembles Fela's earlier music, but more relaxed

His aim here seemed to be to incorporate more African elements into the record (make it just a bit more Nigerian and less Western), and to provide a very well-engineered recording. He succeeded in these aims and produced what is a very fine and satisfying record; all 3 tracks are more or less masterpieces.

TEACHER DON'T TEACH ME NONSENSE was released in 1986, a time when Fela Kuti's output was slowing considerably. Performed with his band Egypt 80, the album continues his Afrobeat style and love of long, slowly developing songs. We have only two tracks here, "Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense" and "Look and Laugh", each around 30 minutes long.

Compared to the classic achievements of the 1970s and early 1980s, TEACHER DON'T TEACH ME NONSENSE feels like a minor effort. The production is far too smooth, and the pace lacks fire and is downright lethargic. Fela's vocals sound bored, and the songwriting of the track, another defense of African values, retreads old ground to much reduced effect. The strong horns and exotic drumming that were a staple of Afrobeat are largely absent here. The result strips Fela's music of that wild passion that he made his name with. If you want to start with Fela, better get ZOMBIE, J.J.D. or UNKNOWN SOLDIER.

FELA KUTI was the king of afrobeat and still he is despite his loss in 1997 .IF you are curious to know who was the duke of funk the answer is simple JAMES BROWN .The referense is not accidental because FELA used a lot of funk elements in his music .Every record of FELA is AMAZING but this one is more stable and matured than ever.also the sound of the recording is SUPER. FIVE STARS IS A RESTRICTION FOR FELA S MUSIC VALUE IN THE MUSIC SCENE WORLDWIDE. ONE BILLION STARS AND MORE DESCRIBES BETTER THAT THERE IS NO COMPARISON .