Tinariwen + TV On the Radio = Awesome

Dig this new video for "Tenere Taqqim Tossam" from Southern Sahra-natives Tinariwen featuring Brooklyn's-own TV On the Radio. We are big champions of both bands and to see them come together musically is truly awesome. This is a great low-key summer jam! Enjoy!

Tour Alert: Tinariwen

After discovering Tinariwen's 2007 release, Aman Iman: Water is Life, as suggested by the Hold Steady via the NYT celebrity playlist back when they were cool, we realized something: we were 26 years late. Tinariwen's influence is far-reaching, finding the likes of such renowned critics as Rolling Stone, All Music, Pitchfork, Uncut and more. Their African roots bring forth bold-rhythmic guitar lines and driving-choral vocals making their music simply original. We are elated to announce Tinariwen's return to the U.S. See tour dates after the jump.

2009 U.S. Tour:
April 16 - Palace of Fine Arts -- San Francisco, CA
April 17 – Rio Theatre -- Santa Cruz, CA
April 18 – Coachella -- Indio, CA
April 19 – Santa Fe Brewing Co -- Santa Fe, NM
April 21 – KTAOS Solar Center -- Taos, NM
April 22 – Old Town School -- Chicago, IL
April 24 – Le Poisson Rouge -- New York, NY
April 25 – Heineken TransAtlantic Fest -- Miami, FL

The Voice of Lightness

Tabu Ley Rochereau "Kelya" - mp3
Thanks to Cem for turning us on to this gem of a record from African vocalist Tabu Ley Rochereau. Released earlier this year, the double disc Voice of Lightness (Stern's Africa) spans Rochereau's career and touches all the major high marks. On the back of similar African records we've been loving this year, (Nigeria Special, Orchestra Baobab, Nigeria 70, Toumani Diabate, Tinariwen etc...) Voice of Lightness may take the cake as one of the best we've come across. More info below...

"The Tabu Ley set is especially satisfying. Ken Braun's fine essay hits the nail on the head, cleanly decoding the complexities of band transitions - Tabu Ley sang in six different formations between 1961-77! - while keeping the focus on this remarkable and visionary vocalist. Tabu Ley was decidedly a modernizer, the first Congolese singer to use a trap drum kit, to develop a choreographed stage show, and to perform at Paris's prestigious Oympia Theatre (1970). As Braun points out, Tabu Ley's penchant for modernity sometimes led him in unfortunate directions, particularly after this period. This well chosen selection is a pot of gold by comparison, and really clarifies exactly why he remains such a towering figure in Congo music."
-Banning Eyre, Afropop.org

Rainbow Arabia - The Basta EP - "Let Them Dance" mp3

Rainbow Arabia "Let Them Dance" - mp3
Coming from the deserts of... Los Angeles, is a new sound and single from Rainbow Arabia. This track plays out like a crazy El Guinchino-style clash of the arid sounds of Tinariwen and Yeasayer, the dance rhythms of M.I.A and the yelping of Ponytail, with a little Of Montreal indie rock thrown in for good measure. Since lengthy comparisons are often the blogger's easy way out (and kinda cliche) - I must make personal note that the sounds of Rainbow Arabia are crisp, unique and highly, highly danceable. I'm also just a little lazy this morning. Rainbow Arabia are currently prepping an October tour with Gangi and will drop their debut EP The Basta on September 2. Play the track loud in your cube this morning. You will be all the better for it.
Thanks to Terrorbird for throwing this our way. They rock.