Ne La Thiass

Amazon.com
If Youssou N'Dour represents the sophisticated urban edge of Senegal, electric and energetic, then Cheikh Lô is the more organic, spiritual side. Né La Thiass (which was produced by N'Dour) is a remarkable album, dreamy without ever floating away, its debts to Latin rhythms and Senegalese mbalax evident but subtle. Mostly this is the record of Lô, the writer and singer, the warmth of his voice shining through on every track--most particularly the title cut and the gorgeous "Guiss Guiss." It's music of the heart and an emotional reflection of Lô's commitment to his Massamba and Islam. The drums are the grounding rhythm while the melodies and voice soar. This album is strong enough evidence to confidently say that a new African star is born. --Chris Nickson

Ne La Thiass,Cheikh Lo,Nonesuch,African,Afro-Pop,Int'l & World Music,Pop,World Music

Average customer rating:

Excellent Album

Great for what you need ...

wonderful music

Exhilarating/Awesome/Soothing/A Religious Experience

STIRRING AND BEAUTIFUL MUSIC

Ne La Thiass
Cheikh Lo
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music
Senegal & Gambia | Africa | International | Styles | Music
General | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Bambay Gueej

Lamp Fall

Djam Leelii

Sigil

Moffou

ASIN: B000005J52
Release Date: 1997-07-01

Tracks:

Boul di Tagale (Let Lovers Be)
Ne La Thiass (Gone In A Flash)
Ndogal (If It Pleases God)
Doxandeme (The Immigrant)
Sant Mamm (Thank You Father)
Set (Cleanliness)
Cheikh Ibra Fall (The Leader Of The Baye Fall)
Bambu Sunu Goorgui (Bamba, Our Guide)
Guiss Guiss (Take A Good Look)

Amazon.com

If Youssou N'Dour represents the sophisticated urban edge of Senegal, electric and energetic, then Cheikh Lô is the more organic, spiritual side. Né La Thiass (which was produced by N'Dour) is a remarkable album, dreamy without ever floating away, its debts to Latin rhythms and Senegalese mbalax evident but subtle. Mostly this is the record of Lô, the writer and singer, the warmth of his voice shining through on every track--most particularly the title cut and the gorgeous "Guiss Guiss." It's music of the heart and an emotional reflection of Lô's commitment to his Massamba and Islam. The drums are the grounding rhythm while the melodies and voice soar. This album is strong enough evidence to confidently say that a new African star is born. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Album.......2004-04-22

This album truly deserves the 5 stars. Give this as a gift to the seemingly increasing number of people nowadays who have been scared into distrusting all Muslims--let them read this man's lyrics.

The lyrics are of love and redemptions, the music is organic, spiritual and uplifting. No joke, this is one of the best albums I have purchased all year. The Nonesuch label never disapoints.

Great for what you need ..........2003-02-28

But I would especially recommend it as a good soundtrack for the gym. It gets in a moving groove. It's interesting and energizing.

wonderful music.......2002-08-14

At the moment this is my favorite cd. The first few times I listened to it, I thought it was ok, but maybe a little bland. However, all I can say now is that it grows on you! I love it so much now that I have found myself wondering why anyone even bothers listening to anything else.
The music is almost mystical, almost trance-inducing. Certainly don't buy this cd if you want rock or dance music, but its intricate rhythms, beautiful singing, and superb guitar and drum playing make it well worth buying for anyone else. The songs have layers: each time you listen to one, you hear new things. The lyrics also have multiple possible meanings. Is the song Set, for example, about cleanliness, as the liner notes claim,... or about man's relationship to god? It's about all three, and probably others, as well.
When I first listened to this cd, I was struck, as was another reviewer, by its Cuban sound. However, since Western popular music, from blues all the way through jazz, gospel, rock, and hip hop, ultimately comes from west Africa, I think it is more appropriate to say that Cuban music sounds like it.
Anyway, its a wonderful cd.

Exhilarating/Awesome/Soothing/A Religious Experience.......2002-02-23

I love music, I listen to everything from Jazz to Rock, to Blues, To Hip Hop, to Merenque, to Punta, to Salsa, to country, to Classical, and also Gospel and New Age. I have never heard music like this, it is a religious experience. Mr. Cheikh Lo and his band take you directly to Senegal and beyond with their sound. The music on this album incorporates every title listed above. You have to hear this CD, it is beyond the title of this review. How can I tell you how much I enjoy listening to it. Let me try: If I were left on a deserted Island with a CD player and only one CD from my collection, which is vast, and someone told me to be careful how I choose because this is the only CD you will be able to select. This CD would be the one. Thank you Mr. Cheikh Lo. I hope to be able to see you and your band in person some day. I LOVE your music!

STIRRING AND BEAUTIFUL MUSIC.......2001-06-26

The first thing I noticed about this disc was how gentle the music seemed compared with the usual African offerings on NPR -- it's definitely African, it rolls and flows in the way that only music from that continent can do -- but there are no pounding dance rhythms here, no in-your-face horn sections. There's no heavy drum kit either, but there is an earful of some of the most expressive, captivating percussion you'll ever hear. There are electric instruments, but the arrangements are tastefully understated to the point that the overall impression is of an acoustic African music at work.

And then there is the voice -- Cheikh Lo is possessed of a remarkable instrument. He never shouts or screams, but there is such power contained in his vocals that I had to go back again and again to experience it when I first discovered this remarkable disc. Even without first reading the (thoughtfully provided) English translations of these songs, I was struck by the soulfulness and spirituality they embody. Cheikh Lo sings of love, of his faith (he's a Baye Fall of the Mourides Islamic sect), of the lives and tribulations of his homeland, Senegal. His passions are honest and his conscience is deep -- 'Set' addresses itself to the need for cleanliness in the environment, so necessary for good health. The spiritual songs speak with a longing that is universal -- we can feel it in our hearts, no matter what faith we profess.