About two and a half years ago, I jettisoned my prosperous Jai Alai career in exchange for the champagne wishes and caviar dreams world o’ blogging. At the time, I distinctly remember mocking music writers who championed the most esoteric music possible: ’40s Turkish Jazz. ’60s Croatian Psych. 18 th Century Prussian Waltz Music (Frederick the Great: Great enlightened monarch? Or greatest enlightened monarch?)
30 months later, I’m proud to report that my subconscious has decided to punish me for my sneering, self-righteous roots (a stark difference from my sneering, self-righteous, present, mind you.) Indeed, I’ve sipped the the Mint Tuareg Tea-flavored Kool-Aid, with a once fledgling interest in African music turned total obsession–my latest favorite, a compilation of 1970s Underground Algerian Rai released on the aptly named Sublime Frequencies label.
Dusted has the informative, thorough review , but in brief, conceive a cross between the smoky, wraith-like guitars of Tuareg Bedouin music and the heavenly bronze blast of classic 70s afro-beat. The lyrics are in Arabic so don’t look to me for an interpretation. All I know is that track two is called “Mazal Nesker Mazal (I’m Still Getting Drunk… Still.)” Ideal for that very special lush in your life.
Buy 1970s Algerian Proto-Rai Underground
Download:
MP3: Bellemou & Benfissa- “Li Maandouche L’Auto (He, Who Doesn’t Own a Car)”
MP3: Groupe El Azhar-”Mazal Nesker Mazal (I’m Still Getting Drunk… Still)”
6 comments
whalofi says:
October 28, 2008 at 3:47 am (UTC -7)
That is awesome. Can’t help you with the Arabic though.
floodwatch says:
October 28, 2008 at 5:33 am (UTC -7)
This is fucking phenomenal. Keep sipping that Kool-Aid… I love these esoteric drops.
Blackleg says:
October 29, 2008 at 1:35 am (UTC -7)
Great stuff – any chance you could parlay your new obsession with African music into a beginner’s guide?
Passion of the Weiss says:
October 29, 2008 at 9:57 am (UTC -7)
If I find time I will. I might not have enough knowledge yet. Let me think about this one. Good idea definitely.
Sublime Frequencies « Awesomeness For Awesome’s Sake. says:
February 5, 2009 at 7:09 am (UTC -7)
[...] to Passion Of The Weiss Blog to hear those bad boys perform “Mazal Nesker Mazal (I’m Still Getting Drunk… Still.)” [...]
Passion of the Weiss » Blog Archive » Beards, Blazers & Bruins: Tinariwen Take Over Royce Hall says:
February 24, 2010 at 3:55 am (UTC -7)
[...] The Grateful Dead, The Wu-Tang Clan, and the sublime frequencies of the Sublime Frequencies comp of 1970’s Algerian Rai underground. Crossroads dirges. Six weary travelers singing traditional arrangements turned electric, a nomad [...]