Juju Music

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Quite possibly the most beautiful and influential West African record ever released internationally, Juju Music remains a revelation. With a phalanx of electric guitars that functions like a percussion section, and talking drums that sound like a gossipy Greek chorus, Nigerian juju star King Sunny Ade and His African Beats, all 20 of them, proved that African music could be as complex, dramatic, and symphonic as any European ensemble. Some thanks must go to French producer Martin Meissonier, who took the basic elements of Ade's sound--unison guitars, Yoruban drumming, seamless song medleys, and self-reflexive lyrics--and added a diverse assortment of Jamaican production techniques to heighten, deepen, and psychedelicize a sound that, with Ade's deliciously sweet vocals and the haunting strains of Demala Adepoju's Hawaiian steel guitar, was plenty wild to begin with. A masterpiece. --Richard Gehr

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Average customer rating: Historical, but conceptual innovation may overshadow a little of the content classic and infectious perfectly great music postmodern africa Regal Juju

Juju Music King Sunny Ade Manufacturer: Fontana Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Nigeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Best of the Classic Years Live Live Ju Ju The Best Best of Fela Kuti Moffou Gems from the Classic Years 1967-1974 ASIN: B000003QI0 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Ja Funmi
2. Eje Nlo Gba Ara Mi
3. Mo Beru Agba
4. Sunny Ti De Ariya
5. Ma Jaiye Oni
6. 365 Is My Number/The Message
7. Samba/E Falaba Lewe

Amazon.com

Quite possibly the most beautiful and influential West African record ever released internationally, Juju Music remains a revelation. With a phalanx of electric guitars that functions like a percussion section, and talking drums that sound like a gossipy Greek chorus, Nigerian juju star King Sunny Ade and His African Beats, all 20 of them, proved that African music could be as complex, dramatic, and symphonic as any European ensemble. Some thanks must go to French producer Martin Meissonier, who took the basic elements of Ade's sound--unison guitars, Yoruban drumming, seamless song medleys, and self-reflexive lyrics--and added a diverse assortment of Jamaican production techniques to heighten, deepen, and psychedelicize a sound that, with Ade's deliciously sweet vocals and the haunting strains of Demala Adepoju's Hawaiian steel guitar, was plenty wild to begin with. A masterpiece. --Richard Gehr

Customer Reviews:

Historical, but conceptual innovation may overshadow a little of the content.......2007-05-29

By no means short of what it's massive reputation suggests, King Sunny Ade's legendary album is not without flaw. It is true that the disc still holds up as some of the most successful fusion of diverse African (and other) instrumentation to date, at least in the ears of lesser informed (ie: all those not integrated into the indie African music scene). The Nigerian classic became such from all the amazing experimental modes this band leader would explore when imparting his own characteristics unto this Juju music. Quite simply, there are still few African imports that have broken as much ground, but that is not too say a few tracks do not become mired in their own ramblings. Despite a few tracks missing perfection, the album's utterly infectious mixture of traditional and alternative groove-oriented elements continues to impress over time, offering plenty of sublime moments inside the tremendously bright experience.

classic and infectious.......2006-03-12

I wore out the grooves on the vinyl ... so I had to get the disc, which sounds great. A staple in any music lover's diet.

perfectly great music.......2003-11-23

I got this CD in a local book/CD store's reggae section. As timeless & beautifully as it is, I just want you to know that the music focuses more on the intricate African rhythms than upbeats, as he's from Nigeria & devoted to carrying traditions of Nigeria. Important thenes here are spirituality, mrality, & honor. This music, from conception to production, is a vision immaculately realized. That's why this has earned its reputation as one of the most monumental recordings of the 20th century, not only of this kind of music but ever!

I hope this review has been helpful to you!

postmodern africa.......2003-05-08

What is astounding about this contemporary masterpiece is its absolute ground-breaking and utterly contemporary fusion of innumerable elements. About as experimental and open-hearted as music gets, the endless interweavings of various guitars, heavenly voices and subtle percussion have been killing me softly since it was first released. A masterpiece in any terms.

Regal Juju.......2003-01-24

Sunny Adé is the legenday King of Juju, a tough dance music that freely draws on the traditions of the Yoruba, Nigeria's largest tribe. The style is rooted in the complex call-and-response between the talking drums and the vocalists. Instruments on this album include electric, rhythm and steel guitars, bass drums, congas, bongos, shekere, maracas, keyboards and the famous talking drums. The imaginative production also includes reggae-style Dub effects. My favorite tracks include the catchy Ja Funmi, the polyrhythmic Sunny Ti De Ariya with its brilliant effects, the melodic and soulful Ma Jaiye Oni with its spectacular Hawaian steel guitar, and Samba/E Falabe Lewe where the steel guitar again comes to the fore. The most interesting thing about Juju is that it lends more importance to the drum and guitar than to the vocals while the melody develops in episodes, as opposed to the familiar verse-chorus format. Although the music is somewhat exotic, this album is accessible enough for the adventurous listener and will soon become a favorite if you give it a chance.

Average customer rating: Un classique! Their Very Best Juju + Kaleidoscope=Greatness. At their absolute best The Absolute Greatest!

Juju Siouxsie and the Banshees Manufacturer: Geffen Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Kaleidoscope The Scream Tinderbox Hyaena Peepshow ASIN: B000000OPL Release Date: 1992-08-25

Tracks:

1. Spellbound
2. Into The Light
3. Arabian Knights
4. Halloween
5. Monitor
6. Night Shift
7. Sin In My Heart
8. Head Cut
9. Voodoo Dolly

Album Details

Same As Domestic

Customer Reviews:

Un classique!.......2007-05-18

Un album excellent du début à la fin et qui passe l'épreuve du temps avec brio. C'est un classique du genre et un des meilleurs de Siouxie & The Banshees. Une valeur sûre autant pour les mordus que pour les néophytes du New Wave. Merci à l'univers pour de la si bonne musique!

Their Very Best.......2007-03-06

If 1980's "Kaleidoscope" proved that Siouxsie and the Banshees were far more than just another post-punk band that wouldn't live past their second album, 1981's "Juju" really proved that great things were coming their way. While the songs on "Kaleidoscope" were all unique in their diversity, "Juju" is their most cohesive album next to "The Scream". The most well known songs are the album's two singles: the storming, kinetic "Spellbound", and the narcotic, Eastern-influenced "Arabian Knights". But the album tracks manage to trump even those two classics. "Head Cut" is a rather disturbing song about Siouxsie wanting to take a severed head "back to the flat with me" . "Halloween" is actually extremely melodic, but it's still very menacing with the late John McGeoch's screeching guitars. "Night Shift" is my personal favorite on the album, and my favorite Banshees song of all time next to "Israel". Siouxsie manages to make a song about the infamous Yorkshire Ripper sound extremely moving. "Voodoo Dolly" is another favorite of mine, with Siouxsie's vocals predating Bjork's similar stylings years later; John McGeoch's guitars are just brilliant, and Budgie's tribal drums give the song a spicy rhythmic twist. The Banshees's later albums would show that they were growing out of their post-punk/goth past, and they never again repeated the sheer up-front intensity of "Juju". There's no other album in their catalouge like it.

Juju + Kaleidoscope=Greatness........2006-09-29

I won't attempt to add significantly to the rave reviews here (everything they rave about is true). Let me just say this: if you are new to this band, Juju and Kaleidoscope are must-haves. Masterpieces. Buy both and then email me to tell me how right I am on this.

At their absolute best.......2006-08-08

This album is one of my favorite albums of all time. I don't tend to like to use the "goth" word to describe this album(as Siouxsie herself does not) however it is significantly darker compared to the rest. The swirling, jangly guitars, the heavy tribal-sounding drums and catchy bass lines take you on a fantastic trip. Everything about this ablum is purely divine perfectly done. Although in my opinion, I would not have included "Head Cut" in the mix, I can't complain as this album is the Banshees at their best.

The Absolute Greatest!.......2006-04-21

This album is intense, dark and not for a moment self-pitying, consious or weak (which seems to be how most people define "goth" music)... my term for this is "Death Rock" but even that is misleading. In fact, Juju is full of incredibly powerful songs . From start to finish, it shines as not only the height of Siouxsie and the Banshees albums but as a highlight of 80s music in general. I cannot possibly do this work justice. It is simply amazing. Songs like "Arabian Nights" and "Into the Light" are absolutely gorgeous. Others ("Monitor," "Halloween") throb with dark emotion and intensity. Of course, this isn't for everyone but for those who are into post-punk existential angst are bound to love it. Again, a suberb album. Completely essential.

Average customer rating: 4 1/2 stars. Must-have 60's Blue note Shorter fronting Coltrane's quartet- can't go wrong WAYNE SHORTER: TENOR CLASSIC!! Coltrane or Wayne?

JuJu Wayne Shorter Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Modern Post Bop | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Speak No Evil Night Dreamer Adam's Apple The Real McCoy Maiden Voyage ASIN: B00000IWVU Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

1. Juju
2. Deluge
3. House Of Jade
4. Mahjong
5. Yes Or No
6. Twelve More Bars To Go
7. Juju (Alternate Take)
8. House Of Jade (Alternate Take)

Amazon.com

When Wayne Shorter recorded this date in 1964, he was asserting his own voice as both a saxophonist and a composer after his years with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. He's joined here by pianist McCoy Tyner and drummer Elvin Jones, essential parts of the then dominant John Coltrane Quartet, but Juju serves to emphasize what was distinctive in Shorter's approach as well as the similarities. Though he shared something of Coltrane's twisting line and hard sound, Shorter was far more interested in crafting conventional compositions, and there's a range of everyday emotions to be felt in this music that went untouched in Coltrane's more intense work. Shorter's a master of tension and release, using contrasting elements in a piece, mixing major and minor, consonance and dissonance, and different rhythms to evoke complex moods of doubt and playfulness or constraint and joyous swing. Those structures are a happy fit with Tyner and Jones as well, who can bring their characteristic welling intensity to "Juju," a relaxed bounce to "Yes or No," or a subtle oriental emphasis to "House of Jade." --Stuart Broomer

Album Details

Japanese Release featuring 24 Bit Remastering and LP Style Slipcase for Initial Pressing Only.

Customer Reviews:

4 1/2 stars........2007-04-17

when it comes to jazz from the 1960's, i have yet to happen upon a bum release from the blue note label. as usual, this is fantastic stuff from their great catalogue of music. mr shorter has a tenor saxophone conversation here with six of his own compositions, and it's a straight ahead jazz excursion, with no avant-garde shadings. just fantastic playing on six accessible, rich melodies. joining mr shorter on this album is the incredible line-up that graces so many john coltrane albums from this period: mccoy tyner (piano), reggie workman (bass), and elvin jones (drums). can't go wrong with that crew. and if you love jazz, you can't go wrong with this recording. excellent.

Must-have 60's Blue note.......2007-01-07

How about Coltrane's rhythm section with Wayne Shorter! And Reggie Workman on bass is a treat! Graet playing, deep grooves, great tunes! Has jazz even improved in 40 years?

Shorter fronting Coltrane's quartet- can't go wrong.......2006-03-13

Wayne Shorter brings an entirely different approach that while influenced by Trane sounds unique and fresh. McCoy Tyner is always a heavyweight on any recording where he is featured and the drumming of Elvin Jones continuously astounds. So Shorter's compositions with this combination of musical geniuses results in a dynamic recording that delights the listener with every track. One of the classics that should not be missed.

WAYNE SHORTER: TENOR CLASSIC!!.......2005-08-10

Along with Shorter's discs Night Dreamer and Adam's Apple, Juju is surely Shorter's best disc. "House of Jade" & "12 More Bars to Go" are classic modern jazz tracks: smooth, sophisticated, soulful, etc.

By the way, Shorter is no Coltrane imitator: if anything, Shorter is better than Coltrane. Shorter is exactly the most recent tenor genius in the line of evolution from Coleman Hawkins, through Ben Webster and Les Young, via Coltrane: Shorter is the man!

Coltrane or Wayne?.......2005-07-13

"JuJu" is a great album, but I believe the use of Coltrane's rhythm section pigeonholes Wayne as a Coltane immitator, which he is not. If you love Wayne, invest in this album. If you're just starting to listen to him, I recommend "Speak No Evil" or even "The All Seeing Eye" for the more avante-garde listener.

Average customer rating: Neat Collection Love it love it love it love it Funky and Original Real Music Funky For the Money

World Psychedelic Classics 3: Love's a Real Thing Various Artists Manufacturer: Luaka Bop ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Soukous | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Cold Heat: Heavy Funk Rarities 1968-1974, Vol. 1 The Funky 16 Corners Congotronics 2: Buzz 'n' Rumble from the Urb 'n' Jungle Congotronics World Psychedelic Classics 1: Brazil: The Best Of Os Mutantes/Everything Is Possible! ASIN: B0007NMKSK Release Date: 2005-03-08

Tracks:

1. Minsato Le, Mi Dayihome - Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou Dahomey
2. Love's a Real Thing - Super Eagles
3. Keleya - Moussa Doumbia
4. Ceddo End Title - Manu Dibango
5. Porry - Sorry Bamba, Sorry Bamba
6. Guajira Van - No. 1 De No. 1
7. Better Change Your Mind - William Onyeabor
8. Allah Wakbarr - Ben Ofoedu, Ofo & The Black Company
9. Awon-Ojise-Oluwa - Gaspar Lawal,
10. Zinabu - Bunzu Sounds
11. Ifa - Tunji Oyelana & The Blenders
12. Sanjina - Orchestre Regional de Kayes

Amazon.com

The American psychedelic movement was bound to produce unexpected progeny--including the 1970s, which began as a mainstream attempt to absorb the "free love," recreational drug use, and sartorial eccentricities of the previous decade. But there were parallel repercussions elsewhere in the world, and nowhere was this phenomenon more fascinating than in West Africa. As LPs became cheaper and readily available, local musicians began to incorporate the fuzz and wah-wah guitar vamps, cheesy organ riffs, blatting saxes, and fat, funky bass lines of sixties R&B plus Santana-influenced Latin rhythms and the extended, destination-free guitar solos typical of the San Francisco sound. These were not emulated by rote but freely adapted by younger Africans, mostly students, whose own acoustic traditions had already been transformed by exposure to urban technology. The resulting amalgams, whether they evolved in Benin, Nigeria, Gambia, Cote d'Ivoire, or Mali, remain incredibly lively, funny, inventive, and surprising. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Neat Collection.......2006-12-16

I won't say this is the best "world music" CD I've ever heard, or even the best Luaka Bop production, but it is very good and very unusual. Let's say certainly well above average - as are the lengths of many of the songs. The music is hard to compare to anything else... maybe psychedelic reggae? Maybe not. Anyway, if you're broad-minded, musically speaking, chances are you'll like it, so buy it.

Love it love it love it love it.......2006-09-21

This is a great album. I bought the first week it came out and still have not tired of it a year and a half later. Get it! You will put its songs on mix tapes and people will think you're awesome for having found these rare but outstanding songs!

Funky and Original.......2006-08-10

This is a great CD. Even richer and more nuanced than I expected.

Real Music.......2006-04-19

This is the best 12 song compilation cd I've ever experienced in my life. Anyone who votes anything less than 5 star is obviously a cheap wad or doesn't know anything about music.

Funky For the Money.......2005-10-19

If you like funk, or rock, or jazz, or just love good music you will like this CD. It is like a mix between James Brown and Jimi Hendrix. Every song is amazing and they are all different. Sure you may not understand the language, but funk is international. Hands down worth the price.

Average customer rating: Juju Juju raw Juju

Best of the Classic Years King Sunny Ade Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Nigeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Juju Music Gems from the Classic Years 1967-1974 Juju Jubilee King of Juju: The Best of Sunny Ade Odu ASIN: B000087DT4 Release Date: 2003-02-11

Tracks:

1. Sunny Ti De
2. Bombibele Horojo
3. Oro Towo Baseti
4. No Salapata
5. African Beats Lu Nsere
6. Synchro System
7. Ibanuje Mon Iwon
8. Afai Bowon
9. Ogun Party Part 1
10. Adena Ike

Customer Reviews:

Juju Juju.......2005-11-28

This is dance music of the transcendent variety, with swaying rhythms and the lilting, heavily-channeled guitars the Nigerian style known as juju became famous for. These are early recordings, taken mostly from the late 1960s and early 1970s, long before he landed a record contract in the West and briefly made inroads via the emerging "worldbeat" movement of the 1980s. Largely sung in Yoruba, with two tracks pushing past 17 minutes in length, and instrumental more often than not, it's easy to see how Ade was a harder sell than Bob Marley. But don't let any small cultural differences keep you away from the delightful artistry of King Sunny. The music both lifts your spirits and moves your feet.

raw Juju.......2003-08-22

If you like the groove of Juju but are put off by the over-production of Ade's 1980s albums that brought him renown in the states, or even if you're just a fan of Juju music in general this is a good collection. Apparently culled from his recordings between 1967-74, the tracks here have a funkier sound, with some of the production sounding like a distant cousin of dub reggae or acid rock.

The first five tracks (out of 10) comprise an 18 minute medley from one album, a choice I find slightly strange considering the producers supposedly had 12 albums of material to choose from. In addition, track 6 is the complete 18 minute version of Synchro System, later rerecorded and made into something of a hit in the US. Still, the medley really burns, and seems worth including in its entirety. The other four tracks are solid as well, and in all, the CD provides more than 70 minutes of the best Juju ever recorded.

Average customer rating: An admirable collection

Gems from the Classic Years 1967-1974 King Sunny Ade Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Nigeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Best of the Classic Years Juju Music Juju Jubilee Odu Afai Bawon Ja ASIN: B000MEYJ5G Release Date: 2007-02-27

Tracks:

1. Ori Mmi Maje N'te/Owo Omode O To Pepe/Timu Mi Ni Mo/Pe Mi So Fun Mi
2. Nibi Lekeleke Gbe Nfosho/Gbobgo Lope/Ori Olowo/Asiko Ni
3. Isele Yi Leju/Asalam Alikun
4. Sunny Special/Owo Ko Nife/Awon Ti Won Yo/Alhaja Bintu
5. Dele Davis
6. John Ali
7. Ori Olowo
8. Asiko Ni
9. Isele Yi Leju
10. Asalam Alikun
11. Sunny Special
12. Owo Ko Nife
13. Awon Ti Won Yo
14. Alhaja Bintu
15. Dele Davis
16. John Ali

Amazon.com

More than practically any other African musician, King Sunny Ade has enjoyed unparalleled longevity, both at home and with Western music fans. Born into Nigerian royalty (the "King" is not merely a courtesy title), he embarked upon his chosen career path early, incorporating traditional rhythms and percussion, chilled-out vocals, sinuous bass lines, and especially the wacked-out, psychedelic guitar of Bob Ohiri. During the '60s and '70s, Ade's mature sound slowly evolved; although he was years away from an international breakthrough, his trademark stylistic markers were already in place, hastening him toward historic doings. The bandleader's high, nasal voice, wreathed in talking drums and shakers, echoed by a call-and-response choir, reflected Yoruba folkways along with hints of Muslim and Christian religious and secular music. By now, Ade's songs had become longer and more subtle; many of his intricate, gradually unfolding sets of themes and variations were clocking in at twenty minutes-plus on record and over an hour live. As on Shanachie's excellent Best of the Classic Years (2003), these tunes, although unquestionably landmark recordings, have hardly been heard outside of the maestro's homeland. They constitute a crucial document of Ade's first flush of local fame, and if the sound quality is slightly over-resonant, it is also remarkably vivid and clear. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

An admirable collection.......2007-05-13

This collection brings together the early years of the King on stage. It is a testimony to the greatness of one of African foremost artists.

Average customer rating: Good, but disappointing Joyful sounds, not slicked up for American ears perpetual motion Can't praise enough...

Juju Jubilee Ebenezer Obey Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Nigeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Juju Music Best of the Classic Years Gems from the Classic Years 1967-1974 Odu Juju Jubilation ASIN: B000000DW1 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Awa Ewe Iwoyl
2. E Ma Se Lo
3. A Fi Eni Oluwa Koyo (He Who God Delivers)
4. Ohun Oju Ri Laiye
5. Asiko Mi Ti To
6. Ko Easy Lati Je Omo Okunrin
7. Oro Alafia
8. Oro Mi Ti Davo

Customer Reviews:

Good, but disappointing.......2001-04-15

I suppose my rating of three stars isn't really fair, since this is essentially a good album of JuJu. But I was disappointed, because the packaging made me expect an album of earlier JuJu music, and instead it's a collection of material from the early 80's. And it does have that bright 80's sound, which I was hoping to avoid.

Joyful sounds, not slicked up for American ears.......2000-12-13

This record is a fine example of earnest juju music. Other artits have tricked it up some with synths and keyboards. Chief Commander Obe has always managed to offer more traditional representation of juju as it evolved from highlife. Keep in mind, this means amazing percussion work, intertwining guitar lines, loving vocals and long well developed instrumentals. If you're interested, you should buy it. It will make you happy, no matter how you were feeling, and what you're doing.

perpetual motion.......2000-02-10

I bought this CD, along with one by King Sunny Ade, to add to my collection of eclectica. This CD has quickly vaulted to near the top. Like most juju music (based on my exposure thus far), the blend of African, Caribbean, and Hawaiian elements is fascinating. But this disc goes beyond that. The vocals are beautiful in an earthy sort of way, and the talking (pitch-changing) drums provide an ear-grabbing underpinning to the melodic lines. All of the tracks are basically fast, yet the perpetual motion of the music is neither frenetic nor repititious. Can music be both energetic and relaxing? Yes!

Can't praise enough..........1999-08-16

This is music that washes your soul. After abusing your body and spirit at work or play, find a quiet place, put this on, and let it pour through you. King Sunny has the rep, but the Chief Commander (with his Inter-Reformers) is every bit as good.

Average customer rating: great dance music of a bygone era A Wonderful Collection

The Rough Guide to the Music of Nigeria and Ghana Various Artists Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Ghana | Africa | International | Styles | Music Nigeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Africa | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rough Guide to Music of Mali and Guinea Rough Guide to Congolese Soukous The Rough Guide to the Music of Senegal and Gambia Rough Guide to Marrabenta Mozambique Classic Highlife ASIN: B00005Y48M Release Date: 2002-03-04

Tracks:

1. Okin Omo Ni (The King Of The Children) - I.K. Dairo
2. Maa Jo - King Sunny Ade & His Afican Beats
3. Funky Hi-Life - C.K. Mann
4. Asiko - Tony Allen
5. Neribalankina - Captain Yaba
6. Fuji Shuffle - Adewale Ayuba
7. Bra Ohoho - E.K. Nyame
8. Joromi/Monkey Yanga - Sir Victor Uwaifo
9. Day By Day - E.T. Mensah
10. Matutu Mirika - Eric Agyeman
11. Oyolima - Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe
12. Fakye Me - Sweet Talks
13. Baawo - Amanzeba Nat Brew

Amazon.com

With 400 ethnic groups in Nigeria alone, The Rough Guide to the Music of Nigeria & Ghana (from the Rough Guide series) covers a vast canvas. So it's no wonder--and probably a sensible idea--that Fela Kuti, the Nigerian singer best known in the West, should not be included (on the grounds that his records are ubiquitous anyway). What is included here is dominated by that quintessentially mid-20th-century style known as highlife, best exemplified by its undisputed king E.T. Mensah. With his old-fashioned diction and immense charm, Mensah rides along on a gracefully Westernized instrumental sound. King Sunny Ade, who displaced him (and who was briefly picked up by Western promoters as a potential West African Bob Marley), prefers hard-driving rhythms and clean a cappella choruses. But on this superb CD charm is the key element, with a multitude of variations on local rhythms and instrumental combinations. Check out the two-string gourd molo, as played with brilliant panache by Captain Yaba; or revel in some of West Africa's best-loved party tracks, including those by C.K. Mann and Eric Agyeman. There's up-to-the-minute stuff from expatriate bands in America, and a wonderfully atmospheric gig with the most recent highlife king, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe. --Michael Church

Customer Reviews:

great dance music of a bygone era.......2006-04-24

If I ever had to entertain guests who didn't speak a common language with me, one of the first things i'd think of doing would be to play this CD.

This is one of the grooviest and funkiest records out there, assimilating African rhythms, blaring horns, and waa pedals into the form of Afrobeat, Highlife, and Fuji music.

I liked this record so much that it inspired a trip to Ghana. But this is really the music of a bygone era- good luck finding *any* of the tracks or bands on this CD anywhere else- even in Ghana! I couldn't even find a record by the 'king of highlife', ET Mensah, on Amazon. Economic and political circumstances forced most of these musicians abroad, and those highlife musicians that do remain in Ghana play unpaid gigs in gospel churches (which are dance halls in their own right).

To best appreciate this record, you've got to play it at high volume. Some highlights include "Funky Hi-Life," "Maa Jo," and "Joromi."

A Wonderful Collection.......2004-05-20

No single CD can adequately represent the abundance and diversity of artists and musical styles that have emerged from Nigeria over the past fourty-plus years. However, if you are curious about Highlife, Juju, Fuji, Afrofunk, etc. (or African music in general), this compilation is for you. The Rough Guides, in general, are well-researched, informative and nicely packaged and help listeners to further explore the artists featured on their collections. There are some glaring omissions, however. Fela Kuti is not represented, but luckily his longtime drummer Tony Allen is on the excellent "Asiko". Also, Juju pioneer Chief Commander Ebineezer Obey is missing in action. So is Prince Nico. But as I said, the music of Nigeria is so vast, that it is inevitable that many deserving artists will be left out.

Average customer rating: Excellent album, not-so-excellent re-issue The definitive Banshees album, for better or worse. A- album, C- remastering Favorite Album: Splendid. Remaster: Splotchy.

Juju Siouxsie and the Banshees Manufacturer: Ume Imports ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Kaleidoscope Join Hands Voices on the Air: The Peel Sessions The Scream Hyaena ASIN: B000E8NQV8 Release Date: 2006-06-06

Tracks:

1. Spellbound
2. Into The Light
3. Arabian Knights
4. Halloween
5. Monitor
6. Night Shift
7. Sin In My Heart
8. Head Cut
9. Voodoo Dolly
10. Spellbound (12in Mix)
11. Arabian Knights (12in Vocoder Mix)
12. Fireworks (Nigel Gray Version)

Customer Reviews:

Excellent album, not-so-excellent re-issue.......2006-10-09

I agree with the other reviewers comments re. the album's merit as a Goth/neo-psychedlic classic AND that the sound quality on this has issues. There is NO excuse for drop-outs, and any check of the pressing master should have revealed them. I will take this opportunity, though, to mention that while uniform volume levels are welcome, this is not always possible, especially when the source material comes from different sessions or even different eras, like on Neil Young's Decade, which had similar complaints. To manipulate the overall volume level of a track either up or down often involves running it through additional compression and/or limiting. This process definitely can affect the sound quality --by reducing dynamics, or bringing certain elements to the fore, and definitely by changing the balance of the various elements in the original mix-- if pushed too far. This can be subtle, but it is a form of change from the original, which sometimes isn't worth the volume level fix.

The definitive Banshees album, for better or worse. A- album, C- remastering.......2006-08-27

For many fans of Siouxsie and the Banshees, 'JuJu' is their favorite album. It seems to embody the spirit of the dark, gothic style the band is best known for. Many of the songs are timeless classics, though one particular fan favorite takes the Goth intentions a bit over the top.

I first purchased the original UK CD back in 1989. It was one of my first CD's, and definitely my first import CD. I was very satisfied with the sound quality on that CD, but was fine with purchasing what was supposed to be a new and improved version, primarily for the bonus material and enhanced packaging. Unfortunately, this new remaster is a big disappointment. The person who is in charge of remastering the Banshees catalog is Gary Moore, who has been doing the Banshees releases since the 2002 Best of CD. While the Best Of CD had good sound, the volumes from track to track were very inconsistent, i.e. "Killing Jar" was rather low while "Israel" was blasting. Then came the long awaited 'Downside Up' B sides collection, which had a fair amount of flaws and limitations, (see my 'Downside Up' review for full details). When the deluxe edition of 'The Scream' was released in late 2005, I was pleased to hear the remastering was excellent. Too bad it wouldn't last.

Now we have the remastering of the next 3 albums from the Banshees catalog, and there are some problems. 'JuJu' suffers from the most. First off, the sound does not appear to be any dramatic improvement, and in fact sounds a little thuddy and dull on select tracks. The big problem for me was there are several areas in which the right channel suffers from audio drop outs.

Into the light- 4:09-4:11
Halloween- 2:22-2:25
Nightshift- 0:12-0:15 (More of a fluctuation than actual drop out)
Sin in my heart- 3:13-3:15

There is no excuse for this. My philosophy - if anything about a 17 year old CD sounds better than a brand new remaster, something is wrong.

"Spellbound" was the first song I heard from the Banshees. Though the memory of the song stayed with me for years, I didn't start purchasing their albums until 1987. I don't know why it took that long because this is a great song. The combination of witchcraft lyrics layered over a driving beat and acoustic guitar is a real success story. It remains one of their signature songs, and deservedly so.
"Into the light" consists of an excellent, non-standard beat with amazing drumming and a guitar that sounds like it's crying. No, really! It's my favorite song on the album.
The only song I don't care for, yet so many fans hold it in the highest regard, is "Nightshift". To me the lyrics and music are SOOOO Goth that is comes off as a parody. I find it long, tedious and dull.
"Sin in my heart" is another classic Banshees mix of chaos and excellence, and another of my top choices.
You can't help but wonder what the band were taking when they wrote "Head cut". The lyrics are a real disturbing nightmare image, though presented in such and upbeat and zany fashion that it's a fun bit of insanity.

The bonus material is the highlight of this release. Not only do we get the original 12" versions of "Spellbound" and "Arabian Knights", but we get the unreleased first attempt at their classic single "Fireworks". I cannot describe how good this version is! Siouxsie's voice sounds amazing, giving it a very different feel to the recording that was released as a single in 1982, which is still stunning.

'JuJu' is occasionally thought to have been the first Gothic album, though I do have to point out that Toyah's classic album 'The Blue Meaning' was released the previous year, and is very much a Gothic album.

'JuJu' is said to be coming out as a 2 CD deluxe edition early next year. Hopefully, this will be a brand new remaster... again.

In this day and age of the reissue/remaster, some artists are being treated very well. All of the first batches of The Cure and Depeche Mode remasters have been excellent and very well done. Horrifyingly, Gary Moore was credited for doing the latest batch of Cure remasters, covering their 84-87 output. Though the majority of it sounds pretty good, there are a few problems, though very minor in comparison to his Banshees blunders. The Banshees seem to be getting the budget remaster treatment, and it's very unfair. As far as I'm concerned, Siouxsie and the Banshees are the greatest thing to happen to music. They have such a vast and diverse catalog, though with an identity all their own. They deserve to be treated like gold, and could really benefit by having a more experienced and considerate sound engineer handling the remastering.

Favorite.......2006-08-14

JuJu is my 2nd favorite album by Siouxsie & The Banshees & the remastered sound is fantastic! The extra tracks on this edition are great (Fireworks is different from the Twice Upon A Time version & superior in my opinion). One of the remixes was featured on the 2 disc Best Of but it sounds better on here.

Album: Splendid. Remaster: Splotchy........2006-07-16

I know you're not supposed to comment on other reviews when doing your own, but I've never felt more inclined to stand up and shout, "HE'S RIGHT, YOU KNOW!" than I do right now. Mr. Davies has hit the nail on the head with his review about the sound problems plaguing these reissues.

When I first read his review about the dropouts, I was skeptical because his was the only review of the three albums that talked about problems with audio quality; but as soon as I received my copies of the three new albums, I threw in Juju and listed for the supposed right-channel dropouts. There's no question about it - they're there. So the next logical step in trying to debunk his review was to rush straight back to my original (Geffen, not Polydor) CD that I bought 12 years ago to see if the same problems were present. Thanks to the not-so-subtle magic of having two CD drives on my computer, I was able to compare the same snippets of audio in rapid succession. The result: the original discs didn't contain the dropouts that are on the remaster. In fact, on "Into The Light," there's a crystal clear peak in volume on the original CD where the remaster's right channel gurgles.

When it comes to volume and clarity, this disc is all over the map (though not as extreme as the last two tracks on "Kaleidoscope" - How a demo version of "Happy House" can sound infinitely better than the remastered version of "Israel" is mind-boggling). To use just two examples on "Juju," the remastered "Into The Light" makes the original CD sound as though it's being played under two feet of water, and I'm not talking about the removal of producer Nigel Gray's "walking on the moon" sound that permeates the entire album. In contrast, there appears to be no upgrade in sound quality on "Sin In My Heart."

So do we blame another 15 years of master tape degradation for these anomalies or careless remastering? The tape sources in this case are Universal's vaults and Steve Severin himself, with Gary Moore as sound engineer. However, these are the same parties responsible for the brilliant-sounding "Best Of" album and the deluxe reissue of "The Scream." I think the answer is obvious, given one look at the packaging: budget. As mentioned in the review I'm referencing, so many other bands are getting the remaster treatment to their back catalog and the results are stunning. "The Scream" was equally stunning and its source material is older that that of "Juju" (and was probably in worse shape, as the first albums of every band - future legends included - tend to be when dealing with careless record labels with a new band on their roster). These next three... well... to put it nicely, they leave a lot to be desired. You can tell a lot of care and effort went into "The Scream," as did a lot of time. I can only hope they strive for that same standard with the next reissues so as to avoid making the same mistakes again.

Let's face it - the music deserves more respect.

Average customer rating:

African Ambience: The Ultimate African Dance Party Various Artists Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Ambient | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Cameroon | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Nigeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music Zaire & Congo | Africa | International | Styles | Music Senegal & Gambia | Africa | International | Styles | Music Zimbabwe | Africa | International | Styles | Music Soukous | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Africa | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Ambient | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000K2BC Release Date: 1999-09-21

Tracks:

1. Midi Passe (Congo) - Samba Ngo
2. Diba (Cameroun) - Masao
3. Zing Zong (Zaire) - Kanda Bongo Man
4. Ndeka Yaa Samuel (Zaire) - Tshala Muana
5. Extra Ball (Zaire) - Loketo
6. Lady (Cameroun) - Manu Dibango
7. Ja Funmi (Nigeria) - King Sunny Ade
8. Immeigres (Senegal) - Youssou N'Dour
9. Lisanga Ya Ba Nganga (Zaire) - Franco & Rochereau
10. Nyoka Musango (Zimbabwe) - Thomas Mapfumo

Rock Music:

1. Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India
2. Legends
3. Les Beaux Dégâts [Import]
4. Les Choristes [Import]
5. Ma Ya
6. Mali Blue
7. Mambo Nassau
8. Mexico
9. Missing You (Mi Yeewnii) [Enhanced]
10. Music from the Hearts of the Masters [Enhanced]

Rock Music

rock music

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