New Manu Chao – La Radiolina
I first came across Manu Chao a few years ago thanks to still amazing Radio Paradise. The song was “Bongo Bong” and was like nothing I’d ever heard – a mix of latin, world beats, jazz, punk. Well, he’s back with that same hard to define blend with his latest release, La Radiolina (his first stateside release since 2001’s Proxima Estación: Esperanza.
The album is full of energy (many of the 21 songs clock in at under two minutes). They’re mini explosions of world rhythms…bringing together some great sounds: horns, wonderful harmonies, loads of cool percussion, police sirens, flamenco-style guitars. It’s really one of those albums that takes you on a journey. Recommended highly!
Manu Chao – El Hoyo
Buy La Radiolina (Amazon note: the Amazon Mp3 Store looks pretty cool. It’s integrated into all of the CD pages, so you now have a choice of adding the CD to your cart, or buying the DRM-free MP3 album)
Manu Manu
Manu Chao was born in Paris to Spanish parents in 1961. In his earlier years, he was in a rockabilly band that went by the name of Les Hot Pants (great name!). He also fronted a popular French rock band called Mano Negra. His music is hard to pin down, but you hear some reggae, pop, and lots of latin rhythms. It’s a grab bag of styles, very interesting stuff…
He’s a very politically active guy, and his bio is pretty interesting. In 92, he toured Latin America with a circus and actors, “aided and abetted by various political guerilla groups.” Anyone who can make the jump from Les Hot Pants to a circus tour funded by guerillas has to be interesting. His web site is an eyeful too.
Manu Chao: Bongo Bong
You can listen to an entire live show (over 2 hrs long) on the Multimedia section of his site.
Buy the music of Manu Chao
