L' Essentiel [Import]

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Mix the Gipsy Kings, Ricky Martin, and Les Negresses Vertes, throw in a multilingual former member of the Israeli air force, and you have only just begun to describe Alabina. Lead female vocalist Ishtar is a sultry Middle Eastern beauty whose versatile voice blends terrifically with the Gypsy quartet Los Niños de Sara. Together, the group successfully merges Middle Eastern music with Latin rhythms into one flowing, energetic sound. Tracks such as "Lolai" and "Vengan Vengan" are upbeat and fun, and dancing is inevitable. "Comme Toi" reels you in with Ishtar's seductive vocals. And particularly impressive is "Lolole," the band's interpretation of the Animals' '60s hit "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." A great addition to any international music lover's collection. --Bethany Abraham

Product Description
Greates Hits from the Diva of Modern Arabic Pop Music. Over 2, 500. 000 Copies of Alabina's Previous Album have Been Sold Worldwide with One Million Singles in France Only.

L' Essentiel,Alabína,Atoll Music,Egypt,Ethnic Fusion,Flamenco,Int'l & World Music,Morocco,Pop,Rai,World Music,Worldbeat
L' Essentiel 1977-2007
Average customer rating: Not rated
    L' Essentiel 1977-2007
    Francis Cabrel
    Manufacturer: Sbme Import
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Contemporary BluesContemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
    FranceFrance | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
    Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    French PopFrench Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    Blues RockBlues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
    InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Samedi Soir Sur La Terre
    2. Hors-Saison
    3. La Biographie de Luka Philipsen

    ASIN: B000PHX8ES
    Release Date: 2007-06-11

    Tracks:

    1. Petite Marie
    2. Murs de Poussi
    3. Chemins de Traverse
    4. Je l'Aime ourir
    5. C'it l'Hiver
    6. Dame de Haute-Savoie
    7. Encre de Tes Yeux
    8. Je Pense Encore oi
    9. Ma Place dans le Trafic
    10. Rndez-Moi
    11. Fille Qui M'Accompagne
    12. Le et Les Chasseurs
    13. Chevaliers Cathares
    14. Saet Mohammed
    15. Encore et Encore
    16. Je Te Suivrai
    17. Faudra Leur Dire
    18. Sarbacane
    19. C'est rit
    20. Rosie

    Tracks:

    1. Cabane du Peur
    2. Corrida
    3. Je T'Aimais, Je T'Aime, Je T'Aimerai
    4. Octobre
    5. Samedi Soir Sur La Terre [Live]
    6. Vingo a Ofrecer Mi Coraz Francis Cabrel, Mercedes Sosa
    7. Hors-Saison
    8. Reste du Temps
    9. Monde Est Sourd
    10. Passantes [Live]
    11. Quand J'Aime une Fois J'Aime Pour Toujours
    12. Gens Absents
    13. Elle Dort
    14. Bonne Nouvelle
    15. Gardien de Nuit [Int]
    16. Yeux Bleus Pleurant Sous La Pluie [Int]
    17. Gorille [Int]

    Tracks:

    1. Bonne Nouvelle [DVD] [*]
    2. Hors-Saison [DVD] [*]
    3. Tu Me Corresponds [DVD] [*]
    4. Ma Place dans le Trafic [DVD] [*]
    5. Monde Est Sourd [DVD] [*]
    6. Jolie Louise [DVD] [*]

    Album Details

    2007 Digitally Remastered Triple CD Anthology by the Popular French Singer from his Start in the Late 1970's Through the Early Noughts.
    L' Essentiel 1977-2007
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      L' Essentiel 1977-2007
      Francis Cabrel
      Manufacturer: Sony / Bmg Import
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Contemporary BluesContemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
      FranceFrance | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
      Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
      Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
      French PopFrench Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
      Blues RockBlues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
      InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
      ASIN: B000PUB9I2
      Release Date: 2007-06-11

      Tracks:

      1. Petite Marie
      2. Murs de Poussi
      3. Chemins de Traverse
      4. Je l'Aime ourir
      5. C'it l'Hiver
      6. Dame de Haute-Savoie
      7. Encre de Tes Yeux
      8. Je Pense Encore oi
      9. Ma Place dans le Trafic
      10. Rndez-Moi
      11. Fille Qui M'Accompagne
      12. Le et Les Chasseurs
      13. Chevaliers Cathares
      14. Saet Mohammed
      15. Encore et Encore
      16. Je Te Suivrai
      17. Faudra Leur Dire
      18. Sarbacane
      19. C'est rit
      20. Rosie

      Tracks:

      1. Cabane du Peur
      2. Corrida
      3. Je T'Aimais, Je T'Aime, Je T'Aimerai
      4. Octobre
      5. Samedi Soir Sur La Terre [Live]
      6. Vingo a Ofrecer Mi Coraz Francis Cabrel, Mercedes Sosa
      7. Hors-Saison
      8. Reste du Temps
      9. Monde Est Sourd
      10. Passantes [Live]
      11. Quand J'Aime une Fois J'Aime Pour Toujours
      12. Gens Absents
      13. Elle Dort
      14. Bonne Nouvelle
      15. Gardien de Nuit [Int]
      16. Yeux Bleus Pleurant Sous La Pluie [Int]
      17. Gorille [Int]

      Album Details

      Greatest Hits Compilation from One of the Most Successful French Artists. 37 Songs, Including Two Previousy Unreleased Tracks "Les Yeux Bleus Pleurant Sous La Pluie" and "le Gorille".
      L' Essentiel
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        L' Essentiel
        Alabína
        Manufacturer: Atoll
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        EgyptEgypt | Africa | International | Styles | Music
        MoroccoMorocco | Africa | International | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
        FlamencoFlamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B00004V0F2
        Release Date: 1999-12-14

        Tracks:

        1. Alabina [Original Version]
        2. Comme Toi [New]
        3. Salma Ya Salama (Ole y Ola) [Original Version]
        4. Lolole (Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood) [Original Version]
        5. Baila Maria [Original Version]
        6. Lolai (Ya Habibi Ya Enyi) [Original Version]
        7. Yo Te VI (Ah Ya Zien) [Original Version]
        8. Choukrane [Original Version]
        9. Ya Mama, Ta Mama [Original Version]
        10. Eshebo (Chebba) [Original Version]
        11. Tierra Santa [Original Version]
        12. Santa Maria [Original Version]
        13. Linda [Original Version]
        14. Shir Ha' Keshet (The Rainbow Song) [New]
        15. Cubanita [New]
        16. Salam, la Paz Al Final [New Version by Mike Pela]
        17. Vengan, Vengan (Ya Habaybi, Ya Ghaybine) [New Version by Mike Pela]
        18. Alabina [New Spanish Version by Mike Pela]
        L' Essentiel
        Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
        • Spanish and Arabic fusion
        • Alabina - L'Essentiel
        • Great, but strong accent!
        • The very best
        • Perfect combination between gypsy and arab style
        L' Essentiel
        Alabína
        Manufacturer: Atoll Music France
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        EgyptEgypt | Africa | International | Styles | Music
        MoroccoMorocco | Africa | International | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
        FlamencoFlamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
        InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
        Similar Items:
        1. Ishtar - The Voice of Alabina
        2. The Ultimate Club Remixes
        3. Album 2
        4. Ishtar: (Truly Emet)
        5. Alabina

        ASIN: B00002ZZOI
        Release Date: 2000-01-04

        Tracks:

        1. Alabina
        2. Comme Toi
        3. Salma Ya Salama (Ole Y Ola)
        4. Lolole (Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood)
        5. Baila Maria
        6. Lolai (Ya Habibi Ya Eyni)
        7. Yo Te Vi (Ah Ya Zein)
        8. Choukrane
        9. Ya Mama, Ya Mama
        10. Eshebo (Chebba)
        11. Tierra Santa
        12. Santa Maria
        13. Linda
        14. Shir Ha' Keshet (The Rainbow Song)
        15. La Cubanita
        16. Salam, La Paz Al Final
        17. Vengan Vengan (Ya Habaybi, Ya Ghaybine)
        18. Alabina (Spanish Version)

        Amazon.com

        Mix the Gipsy Kings, Ricky Martin, and Les Negresses Vertes, throw in a multilingual former member of the Israeli air force, and you have only just begun to describe Alabina. Lead female vocalist Ishtar is a sultry Middle Eastern beauty whose versatile voice blends terrifically with the Gypsy quartet Los Niños de Sara. Together, the group successfully merges Middle Eastern music with Latin rhythms into one flowing, energetic sound. Tracks such as "Lolai" and "Vengan Vengan" are upbeat and fun, and dancing is inevitable. "Comme Toi" reels you in with Ishtar's seductive vocals. And particularly impressive is "Lolole," the band's interpretation of the Animals' '60s hit "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." A great addition to any international music lover's collection. --Bethany Abraham

        Album Details

        Greates Hits from the Diva of Modern Arabic Pop Music. Over 2, 500. 000 Copies of Alabina's Previous Album have Been Sold Worldwide with One Million Singles in France Only.

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Spanish and Arabic fusion.......2007-05-19

        If you are looking for some gypsyesque music that fuses Arabic influences with Spanish guitar and vocals than look no further. This disc features the gorgeous Ishtar and Los Ninos de Sara. The sound is simialar to the pop flamenco of the Gipsy Kings but the difference is the voice of Ishtar; believe me, she really makes a difference too. She sings in Arabic and Spanish. This disc is a greatest hits of sorts since it features many of the best recordings from their tenure together. Probably the most recognizable song is the recent international dance music anthem "LoLoLe," which is wonderful remake of Eric Burdon and The Animals song "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood. There is also a remix version of the song but it is not on this disc. Ishtar belts out some interesting vocals in her native Arabic language including that little shrill tongue thing women do. Not having the strongest of voices her sound is nonetheless appealing with her joyous infection. The hipnotic beat of pounding Arabic percussion , intertwined with the male voices and Spanish guitar of Los Ninos De Sara creates an energetic sound perfect for the dance floor. I first heard Ishtar while vacationing in Mexico and the people were really getting into the rousing Arabic-flamenco groove. Ishtar's appeal goes beyond her good looks(a cross between a young Debra Harry of Blondie and Shakira) as she infuses the Arabic vibe with tremendous sensuality via her voice which is downright sexy. The Spanish guitars of Los Ninos De Sara are very much in the style of the Gipsy Kings, as stated before. They offer nice pop flamenco riffs that gently sway, there is nothing bold or innovative but rather it is played safe within the pop context. There is plenty of music on this disc and some of the best songs are the aforementioned "LoLoLe" where Ishtar wails her vocals in Arabic, including some externded notes while Los Ninos sing their part in Spanish for a nice bilingual song. Also of note is "La Cubanita" that begins with horns as Los Ninos sing their tropical flavored song without Ishtar, both versions of "Alabina" but most notably the Spanish version where the lovely Ishtar sings her vocal part in Spanish as opposed to Arabic as in the other version, either way it is hot, "Ya Mama Ya Mama" which features Ishtar, once again singing her part in Spanish and the intimate "Vengan, Vengan" that is a little more subdued than the other tracks but creates a mournful but elegant feeling. All the songs are very lush and passionate; it is a world music feast with languages and instruments harmonizing and bringing the distinct yet similar cultures together in song. If you like Shakira or the Gipsy Kings than this one is for you as the best of both worlds is offered on this disc by Alabina. Recommended for world music aficionados ,especially those that like gypsyesque music.

        5 out of 5 stars Alabina - L'Essentiel.......2007-03-20

        I was put on a waiting list for three months to order this item. But the wait was worth it. This CD is so hot, I was checking to see if my CD player would burn up! I found myself clapping, dancing and moving to it constantly - I couldn't sit down while listening to it! If you ever want to have a party, or even party by yourself, this CD will keep you entertained for hours. It is by far one of the best dance CDs I have ever heard.

        4 out of 5 stars Great, but strong accent!.......2006-06-23

        I lovelovelovelovelove Alabina. The only thing is that Ishtar has a very bad Arabic accent. I'm Lebanese and I know all the originals for these songs, and I can tell she is prononcing her words wrong. Still, it is veryvery good and i love that Ishtar sings in so many languages. Alabina is wonderful.

        5 out of 5 stars The very best.......2005-06-11

        This album is my all time favorite!! Alabina is a fantastic Arab fusion cd with no comparison in sight!!

        5 out of 5 stars Perfect combination between gypsy and arab style.......2002-08-10

        Eti Zach ("Ishtar") and "Los Ni??os de Sara" perhaps are the best flamenco group at the moment, sustaining with the inclusion of the Middle East. To speak of "Alabina" is to speak the fantasy, forces and enchantment. Ishtar, their female vocalist, is a great israeli singer, able to sing wonderfully in many languages. Personally I fascinate myself when I hear "Eshebo (Chebba)", a very sensual song, and "Shir Hakeshet (Rainbow Song)", the hebrew version of the "Aranjuez Concert". Wonderful melodys like "Salma Ya Salama" of Dalida, and "Lolole (Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood)" (spanish and english) of Santa Esmeralda are excellent remixes of the clasical arabic and flamenco pop music. "Ya Mama Ya Mama" (complety in spanish), "Choukrane", "Vengan, Vengan" and the contagious "Baila Maria" put seal to in the hispanic/arabic style of Alabina. But if there are a song with I vibrate, that is "Alabina", THE SONG of this album, a perfect mixes between gypsy spanish with arabic.

        Alabina is the new landmark that born in this century in the pop music, and they unite their name to Ofra Haza, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Amr Diab, Hakim, Tarkan, Cheb Mami, Mustafa Al Amar, Natacha Atlas, Assi Al Hillani, Ibrahim Tatlises and many others, in the sky of world music divos.
        L'Essentiel: Oum Kalsoum
        Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
        • Not The Best Introduction To Umm Kulthum
        • Ok but not great.
        L'Essentiel: Oum Kalsoum
        Oum Kalsoum
        Manufacturer: EMI
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
        InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
        Similar Items:
        1. The Mother of the Arabs
        2. Lady
        3. The Classics
        4. The Lady and the Legend
        5. Legendary Fairuz

        ASIN: B00005UDS1
        Release Date: 2002-01-18

        Tracks:

        1. Aykazti Feya
        2. Ya Ritni Kont El Nassim
        3. Enti Nasyani
        4. Sadak We Hobbek
        5. En Kont Assameh
        6. Akhasat Sotek Min Rohi
        7. Sahih Khessamak
        8. Terai Chem Watabtabem
        9. Habet Wala Banch Aleh
        10. Techouf Omuri

        Customer Reviews:

        3 out of 5 stars Not The Best Introduction To Umm Kulthum.......2005-12-05

        This is definitley NOT the best of Umm Kulthum. This is simply recordings from the 20's and 30's and not Umm Kulthum at her peek. I would suggest songs from the 50's and 60's, and probably 60's for the western ear since this is difficult material to absorb if you are not an Arab music listener.

        3 out of 5 stars Ok but not great........2005-08-28

        I've always heard about the legendary Oum Kalsoum, so I sprung for a "best of" album. It is ok, but not great. Definitely not her best. I was expecting more orchestral backup, and may be some more variety. But the basic stuff is here. I enjoy listening to it.
        L'Essentiel: Best of
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          L'Essentiel: Best of
          Mike Brant
          Manufacturer: Emi
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B00005RSEH
          Release Date: 2002-01-18

          Tracks:

          1. Rien Qu'Une Larme
          2. C'Est Ma Priere
          3. Qui Saura
          4. Viens Ce Soir
          5. She's My Life
          6. Mais Dans La Lumiere
          7. Tout Donne Tout Repris
          8. L'Amour C'Est Ca L'Amour C'Est Toi
          9. Parce Que Je T'Aime Plus Que Moi
          10. La Fille A Aimer
          11. My Way
          12. Sans Amis
          13. Qui A Tort
          14. A Corps Perdu
          L' Essentiel: Best of Dick Rivers
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            L' Essentiel: Best of Dick Rivers
            Dick Rivers
            Manufacturer: EMI
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
            InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
            ASIN: B00005RSF4
            Release Date: 2002-01-18

            Tracks:

            1. Baby John
            2. Nice Baie Des Anges
            3. Quand Je L'Ai Vue Devant Moi ('I Saw Her Standing There')
            4. Jericho
            5. Tu N'Es Plus La ('Blue Bayou')
            6. J'En Suis Fou ('Love Me Do')
            7. What'd I Say (Version Courte)
            8. Tobacco Road ('Tobacco Road')
            9. Va T'En Va T'En ('Go Now')
            10. Au Coeur De La Nuit ('A Picture Of You')
            11. A Seville
            12. La Fille Qu'On A Tant Aimee
            13. Rien Que Toi ('You'll Never Walk Alone')
            14. A Quoi Bon M'Aimer ('Shoot 'Em All Down')
            15. Prendre Garde Dick ('Watch Out Sally')
            16. Voulez-Vous Danser? ('Do You Want To Dance')
            C'est Ça Lavoine: l'Essentiel de Marc Lavoine
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              C'est Ça Lavoine: l'Essentiel de Marc Lavoine
              Marc Lavoine
              Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

              FranceFrance | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
              French PopFrench Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
              InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
              RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
              Similar Items:
              1. L' Heure d'Été
              2. Marc Lavoine

              ASIN: B000056VGE
              Release Date: 2001-02-05

              Tracks:

              1. Elle a Les Yeux Revolver
              2. Parking des Anges
              3. Pour une Biguine Avec Toi
              4. Tournesols
              5. C'est Ca la France
              6. Monde Est Tellement Con
              7. Ami
              8. Qu'est Ce Que T'Es Belle
              9. Paris
              10. J'ris des Chansons
              11. Chere Amie (Toutes Mes Excuses)
              12. Si Tu Veux le Savoir
              13. Bascule Avec Moi
              14. Rue Fontaine
              15. Meme Si
              16. On N'Ira Jamais a Venise
              17. Fais Semblant
              18. Tu Me Suffiras
              19. Je N'Ai Plus Rien a Ti Donner

              Album Details

              A Very Talented Musician, Marc Lavoine Already Has Eight Albums under his Belt and a Plethora of Massive Chart Hits. He Always Wrote the Words to his Songs but Now Has Actually Started Composing Also. He is Not Afraid to Collaborate with Other Major Names of the French Music Scene Such as Princesse Erika, Veronique Sanson Or Evem Catherine Ringer of 'rita Mitsouko' Fame.all The Tracks Are Very Sensuous and Romantic.
              L' Essentiel
              Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
              • Spanish and Arabic fusion
              • Alabina - L'Essentiel
              • Great, but strong accent!
              • The very best
              • Perfect combination between gypsy and arab style
              L' Essentiel
              Alabína
              Manufacturer: Atoll Music France
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

              EgyptEgypt | Africa | International | Styles | Music
              MoroccoMorocco | Africa | International | Styles | Music
              SpainSpain | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
              FlamencoFlamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | Latin Music | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
              InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
              Similar Items:
              1. Ishtar - The Voice of Alabina
              2. The Ultimate Club Remixes
              3. Album 2
              4. Ishtar: (Truly Emet)
              5. Alabina

              ASIN: B000034CVG
              Release Date: 2006-03-22

              Tracks:

              1. Alabina
              2. Comme Toi
              3. Salma Ya Salama (Ole Y Ola)
              4. Lolole (Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood)
              5. Baila Maria
              6. Lolai (Ya Habibi Ya Eyni)
              7. Yo Te Vi (Ah Ya Zein)
              8. Choukrane
              9. Ya Mama, Ya Mama
              10. Eshebo (Chebba)
              11. Tierra Santa
              12. Santa Maria
              13. Linda
              14. Shir Ha' Keshet (The Rainbow Song)
              15. La Cubanita
              16. Salam, La Paz Al Final
              17. Vengan Vengan (Ya Habaybi, Ya Ghaybine)
              18. Alabina (Spanish Version)

              Amazon.com

              Mix the Gipsy Kings, Ricky Martin, and Les Negresses Vertes, throw in a multilingual former member of the Israeli air force, and you have only just begun to describe Alabina. Lead female vocalist Ishtar is a sultry Middle Eastern beauty whose versatile voice blends terrifically with the Gypsy quartet Los Niños de Sara. Together, the group successfully merges Middle Eastern music with Latin rhythms into one flowing, energetic sound. Tracks such as "Lolai" and "Vengan Vengan" are upbeat and fun, and dancing is inevitable. "Comme Toi" reels you in with Ishtar's seductive vocals. And particularly impressive is "Lolole," the band's interpretation of the Animals' '60s hit "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." A great addition to any international music lover's collection. --Bethany Abraham

              Album Details

              Greates Hits from the Diva of Modern Arabic Pop Music. Over 2, 500. 000 Copies of Alabina's Previous Album have Been Sold Worldwide with One Million Singles in France Only.

              Customer Reviews:

              5 out of 5 stars Spanish and Arabic fusion.......2007-05-19

              If you are looking for some gypsyesque music that fuses Arabic influences with Spanish guitar and vocals than look no further. This disc features the gorgeous Ishtar and Los Ninos de Sara. The sound is simialar to the pop flamenco of the Gipsy Kings but the difference is the voice of Ishtar; believe me, she really makes a difference too. She sings in Arabic and Spanish. This disc is a greatest hits of sorts since it features many of the best recordings from their tenure together. Probably the most recognizable song is the recent international dance music anthem "LoLoLe," which is wonderful remake of Eric Burdon and The Animals song "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood. There is also a remix version of the song but it is not on this disc. Ishtar belts out some interesting vocals in her native Arabic language including that little shrill tongue thing women do. Not having the strongest of voices her sound is nonetheless appealing with her joyous infection. The hipnotic beat of pounding Arabic percussion , intertwined with the male voices and Spanish guitar of Los Ninos De Sara creates an energetic sound perfect for the dance floor. I first heard Ishtar while vacationing in Mexico and the people were really getting into the rousing Arabic-flamenco groove. Ishtar's appeal goes beyond her good looks(a cross between a young Debra Harry of Blondie and Shakira) as she infuses the Arabic vibe with tremendous sensuality via her voice which is downright sexy. The Spanish guitars of Los Ninos De Sara are very much in the style of the Gipsy Kings, as stated before. They offer nice pop flamenco riffs that gently sway, there is nothing bold or innovative but rather it is played safe within the pop context. There is plenty of music on this disc and some of the best songs are the aforementioned "LoLoLe" where Ishtar wails her vocals in Arabic, including some externded notes while Los Ninos sing their part in Spanish for a nice bilingual song. Also of note is "La Cubanita" that begins with horns as Los Ninos sing their tropical flavored song without Ishtar, both versions of "Alabina" but most notably the Spanish version where the lovely Ishtar sings her vocal part in Spanish as opposed to Arabic as in the other version, either way it is hot, "Ya Mama Ya Mama" which features Ishtar, once again singing her part in Spanish and the intimate "Vengan, Vengan" that is a little more subdued than the other tracks but creates a mournful but elegant feeling. All the songs are very lush and passionate; it is a world music feast with languages and instruments harmonizing and bringing the distinct yet similar cultures together in song. If you like Shakira or the Gipsy Kings than this one is for you as the best of both worlds is offered on this disc by Alabina. Recommended for world music aficionados ,especially those that like gypsyesque music.

              5 out of 5 stars Alabina - L'Essentiel.......2007-03-20

              I was put on a waiting list for three months to order this item. But the wait was worth it. This CD is so hot, I was checking to see if my CD player would burn up! I found myself clapping, dancing and moving to it constantly - I couldn't sit down while listening to it! If you ever want to have a party, or even party by yourself, this CD will keep you entertained for hours. It is by far one of the best dance CDs I have ever heard.

              4 out of 5 stars Great, but strong accent!.......2006-06-23

              I lovelovelovelovelove Alabina. The only thing is that Ishtar has a very bad Arabic accent. I'm Lebanese and I know all the originals for these songs, and I can tell she is prononcing her words wrong. Still, it is veryvery good and i love that Ishtar sings in so many languages. Alabina is wonderful.

              5 out of 5 stars The very best.......2005-06-11

              This album is my all time favorite!! Alabina is a fantastic Arab fusion cd with no comparison in sight!!

              5 out of 5 stars Perfect combination between gypsy and arab style.......2002-08-10

              Eti Zach ("Ishtar") and "Los Ni??os de Sara" perhaps are the best flamenco group at the moment, sustaining with the inclusion of the Middle East. To speak of "Alabina" is to speak the fantasy, forces and enchantment. Ishtar, their female vocalist, is a great israeli singer, able to sing wonderfully in many languages. Personally I fascinate myself when I hear "Eshebo (Chebba)", a very sensual song, and "Shir Hakeshet (Rainbow Song)", the hebrew version of the "Aranjuez Concert". Wonderful melodys like "Salma Ya Salama" of Dalida, and "Lolole (Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood)" (spanish and english) of Santa Esmeralda are excellent remixes of the clasical arabic and flamenco pop music. "Ya Mama Ya Mama" (complety in spanish), "Choukrane", "Vengan, Vengan" and the contagious "Baila Maria" put seal to in the hispanic/arabic style of Alabina. But if there are a song with I vibrate, that is "Alabina", THE SONG of this album, a perfect mixes between gypsy spanish with arabic.

              Alabina is the new landmark that born in this century in the pop music, and they unite their name to Ofra Haza, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Amr Diab, Hakim, Tarkan, Cheb Mami, Mustafa Al Amar, Natacha Atlas, Assi Al Hillani, Ibrahim Tatlises and many others, in the sky of world music divos.
              L'essentiel
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                L'essentiel

                ProductGroup: Music
                Binding: Audio CD

                GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
                HaitiHaiti | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music
                GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
                GeneralGeneral | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
                GeneralGeneral | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
                Caribbean & CubaCaribbean & Cuba | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
                ASIN: B000059PEL
                Release Date: 1990-01-01

                Album Description

                Mini Records has been recording the music of Haiti for over 30 years. Konpa, Kreyol Jazz, Racines, Zouk and Voodoo have all been chronicled by Mini Records. With artist such as Tabou Combo, System Band, Coupe Cloue, Joe Jack, Zenglen, Mini All Stars, Gina Dupervil and Haitiando, Mini Records has established itself as the source for the music of Haiti; past and present.

                Rock Music:

                1. La Good Life [Import]
                2. Les 100 Plus Belles Chansons D'yves Montand [Import]
                3. Lore
                4. Lotus [Import]
                5. Ma Jeunesse Fout Le Camp [Import]
                6. Mala
                7. Manuel & His Music from the Mountains [Import]
                8. Meeting Pool
                9. Mei II Yin Yue Hui [Import]
                10. Memories, Chronicles and Declarations of Love

                Rock Music

                rock music

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