What are there now, at least 100 Rough Guide compilations? My favourites tend to be the ones that have to struggle a little to describe themselves. I've found – with the notable exception of the Rough Guide to South African Gospel – that I prefer the less genre specific, nationally defined compilations in the catalog. In this case compiler John Armstrong dedicates some time in the liner notes riffing on colonial cross-pollinations between French café / cabaret music and North African culture, but ultimately resigns himself to a friend's judgment, that it's a CD of 'great North African tunes that you don't necessarily have to dance to'. It's a pretty fair assessment. Worth the trip.
Wednesday, 12 December, 2007
Various Artists – The Rough Guide to North African Café (World Music Central)
What are there now, at least 100 Rough Guide compilations? My favourites tend to be the ones that have to struggle a little to describe themselves. I've found – with the notable exception of the Rough Guide to South African Gospel – that I prefer the less genre specific, nationally defined compilations in the catalog. In this case compiler John Armstrong dedicates some time in the liner notes riffing on colonial cross-pollinations between French café / cabaret music and North African culture, but ultimately resigns himself to a friend's judgment, that it's a CD of 'great North African tunes that you don't necessarily have to dance to'. It's a pretty fair assessment. Worth the trip.
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