2/14/13

Alla Pugacheva- How Disturbing Is This Way





How awesome is the Soviet Dali deal on the album cover. Alla is a Russian superstar- her career started in Siberia, she's had a string of inappropriately young and careerist husbands, she's a judge on the Russian version of one of those talent shows and she nade some great records. This one has the traditional epic pop balladeering and some moments of A-Grade Eastern Bloc disco funk. It's here.

2/2/13

Ensemble Instrumental National Du Mali






At a point when poor old Mali is embroiled in yet another stupid conflict, here's some seriously fine mid 70's musical culture. The national orchestras were a hotbed of talent from straight up traditional styles as you get here, to the wild and wonderful griot/funk ensembles (definitely invest in the mindblowing L'Orchestre Kanaga de Mopti reissue for that side of the sound). In this version of the group (formed in 1961) you have Djelimadi Sissoko (of The Rail Band) on track 3 and Mande Kouyate on the last track amongst other fine singers. My vinyl is a little worn so there's pops and ticks, but it's still worth the effort. Download.

Here's the band doing what they do so well, sometime in the early 80's apparently.