Ethiopiques 13: The Golden 70s

986 193
Ethiopian Groove
Interesting album that takes you back to the golden days of music (1970s) in Ethiopia This album is a mix of soul, rock, pop and everything else. Listen to the horns in many of the tracks...they appear to make a difference to your listening experience. It is a mixed bag with some hits and misses.
Try 1, 3, 8, 9, 11, 15
1. Interesting guitar & drum riffs. Catchy.
15. Slow.Traditional, soulful voice mixed with modern sounds,esp horns.
2. Nice mix of old sound with new music. Like the horns.
3. Soul sound mixed in with traditional sounding Ethiopian vocals. Works.
4. This ballad reminds you a bit of traditional Arabic ones. Horns, the horns make a big diff.
5. Interesting track. Fusion of old & new that is strangely appealing.
6. Ethiopian version of 70s soul music?
7. Labelled as a classic number by some, this song has its moments.
8. Mid-tempo that reflects the overall mood of this album.
9. Instrumental track that pops right out of the album. Bright/funky.
10. Long. There is a mesmerizing quality abt the track.Reminds you of a moving train.The vocalist has a haunting quality.
11. Opening notes lulls you into believing this is a modern, soul song instead it is a classic one.
12. Funky mix of horns/percussion & vocals that works in surprising ways.
13. While the instruments provide a welcome relief, the female vocalist is a tad shrill.
14. The horns & guitar pop right out. Track works.
15. Peppy instruments + traditional Ethiopian vocals = win.
16. Mesmerizing opening sounds. Female chorus singing is a bit shrill.
17. Like the last 2 tracks, this one is also on the shrill side. Does not work.
Kamla Oct 31, 2011