2009-05-31
The Revolution is a collaboration of nine producers and various Cuban performers from Havana's hip-hop scene. The product gives us an idea of what the current music scene is about around the Havana area. This is no Buena Vista Social Club, but you definitely get that Latin essence. Most of this is ordinary-sounding dance-pop stuff such as "Cuba Boom". A few tracks do stand out, though, such as the danceable hip-hop of "14me" and "Guatanamero". There's also ambient rock in two songs from Rich File (from UNKLE). Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) gets things started with "Shelter" and later with "Siente Mi Ritmo". (This, from what I can figure, means Feel My Rhythm.) This album should satisfy the person who is curious about the current grass-roots music scene around Havana. Rebecca Ruth
RAHIM ALHAJ
When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq
Salsa Celtica
El Agua De La Vida
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
Ilembe - Honoring Shaka Zulu
Tony Tuff
Say Something
Various Artists
Bridge to Havana
ELJURI
En Paz
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