MANU CHAO

La Radiolina

2007-09-13

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 "seƱor 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. Reviewed by Sara Cosgrove

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #World

  • reviewed 10/2004

    Tinariwen
    Amassakoul

  • reviewed 01/2009

    MO' HORIZONS
    TEN YEARS OF

  • reviewed 06/2006

    BANCO DE GAIA
    Farewell Ferengistan

  • reviewed 03/2007

    Tony Tuff
    Say Something

  • reviewed 02/2007

    YOUNG DUBLINERS
    With All Due Respect: The Irish Sessions

  • reviewed 10/2004

    dZihan & Kamien
    Live in Vienna

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.