What field recordings ought to be
a superintelligent shade of the col | minneapolis | 07/11/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ethnomusicology suffers from one of the diseases of Western science... the idea that you can, and *should*, observe without contact. They go out with the best intentions, do their field recordings of genuine peasants, and go home, with no more emotional contact than a hooker and a john.This album (and others from the World out of Time and Sweet Sunny North series) is different. Henry Kaiser and David Lindley aren't scientists - they're musicians, adventurous ones with profoundly personal styles and great ears. They don't just record the proceedings, they participate as well. But they don't just use ethnic musicians as spices for their own recipes, a la Paul Simon or David Byrne. Instead, they adapt themselves to the local music - or stay out of it altogether, when appropriate. I have never heard a field recording with so much *respect* for the musicians being recorded, much less such excellent taste. When i got this album a few years ago, i called it the best album i bought that entire year. It might just be the best album i've bought since then."
Can't get it outta my head
a superintelligent shade of the col | 03/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Heard it once and looked for it for 3 years and I've just recently found it again.It is a magnificent collection of intricate and rhythmic music. The emotion displayed in the singer's voices is just gorgeous. The album sleeve translates lots of the songs so non-malagasy speaking people can understand what the songs are all about. Some great stuff here."
And excellent "new" listen again and again
S. K. Remold | New Haven CT | 09/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have owned this CD since the year that it came out - over a decade ago now. Yet again and again when it goes into my player I hear something new. More often than not it makes me stop what I am doing and listen, eyes closed, to something beautiful I have never noticed before. This innovative and varied collection gets better and better with each listen."