MANU CHAO

LA RADIOLINA

2007-09-17

As the enfant terrible of Latin alternative music, Manu Chao once again creates a frenzy by mixing rock, punk, salsa, French pop ... and by bouncing from Spanish to French to English. Chao bleeds enthusiasm and creativity and, in his first studio album in six years, he foregoes traditional song structure (choruses, etc.) in favor of guitar scribble. Chao's anti-establishment, anarchist values are present in La Radiolina's 16 tracks (plus five bonus tracks). Track 3, "Politik Kills," is particularly potent, and track 7, "Tristeza Maleza" is a defiant message regarding "senor presidente." But this album is far from dismal. Track 3, the peppy "Rainin in Paradize," and track 7, the flamenco-inspired "Me Llaman Calle," are two danceable highlights. The accessability and worldwide popularity of Chao's work proves that no one blends protest and party quite like he does. - Sara Cosgrove

More reviews tagged #World

  • reviewed 09/2007

    ANOUSHKA SHANKAR and KARSH KALE
    Breathing Underwater

  • reviewed 08/2004

    David Darling and The Wulu Bunun
    Mudanin Kata

  • reviewed 09/2006

    SI SE
    More Shine

  • reviewed 07/2009

    SILA AND THE AFROFUNK EXPERIENCE
    Black President

  • reviewed 06/2006

    BANCO DE GAIA
    Farewell Ferengistan

  • reviewed 09/2008

    RAM DASS & KRIECE
    - COSMIX

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.