Something In The Air (15)
Olivier Assayas's film on the aftermath of May 1968 is infantile ultra-leftism
Jingoism and war-worship must be overcome
JOE GLENTON explains his need to respond to a world that is unsustainably divided
La Boheme
ENO's production of La Boheme is a triumph,
Fela Kuti
The Best Of The Black President 2 (Knitting Factory)
Tuesday 05 February 2013
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EmailAfrobeat inventor Fela Kuti may have passed away more than 15 years ago but the timelessness of his music will ensure it always has an audience.
This best-of is a prelude to the re-release of his near 50-album back catalogue and the fact that none of the chosen tracks are shorter than 10 minutes is testament to the journey that many of his songs take you on.
Their greatness is not found in short catchy tunes but the richness of their overall sound, in which frequently sharp political statements are found wrapped within arty jam-outs or jazz improvisation.
Included is an extended version of the Soweto uprising-inspired Sorrow, Tears and Blood as well as Underground System (Part 2) about Burkina Faso's revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara and his assassination.
The deluxe edition also features a DVD recording of Kuti's performance at the Glastonbury festival in 1984. Great stuff.
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