Thursday, August 01, 2013

add 0363 rachid

Rachid Taha's fifth solo album asks the question Tékitoi (Who Are You?). This is his exploration of himself through his sound. The answer to the question? Liberal doses of Algerian chaabi and rai, French aesthetics, Arabic lyrics. On the musical side alone, this is an astounding album, moving from French banter to a cover of "Rock the Casbah" with a different message in the lyrics back into Taha's bread and butter with Arabic-infused rock. The rock slams as hard or harder than even the big hits from Made in Medina. Also, though, softer sides are explored a bit with love songs, complete with a female backing chorus and something of an underground hip-hop groove. Every aspect of his music previously visited in earlier albums is taken up again here with more energy, more raw power. This album would make a welcome introduction for curious newcomers and an excellent addition for fans of the contemporary Algerian master. 

aCá

No comments: