Artists Similiar to Extra Golden?
SRichards -- Mon, 06/23/2008 - 15:02
I have been enjoying the band Extra Golden recently (Hera Ma Nono and Ok-Oyot System are both pretty solid albums in my opinion). I also saw them live a couple weeks back and enjoyed the show very much. Does anyone have any suggestions for other benga artists or African artists in a similar vain?
If you aren't familiar with the band, by the way, check out its myspace page at www.myspace.com/extragolden.
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I'd refer you to the excellent African music primer published in Issue 161 of The Absolute Sound.
Undoubtedly, check out Konono No.1, Orchestra Baobab, and Tinariwen as well.
Bob Gendron
Music Editor, TAS and Playback
Thanks, Bob. I'm familiar with Orchestra Baobab and Tinariwen. I just checked out Konono No. 1 on Amazon.com (is that an electric kalimba on the cover of Congotronics?!) and they sound pretty intriguing. They all have a very distinct vibe that is really good, although very different than that of Extra Golden. I'll have to check out the primer in TAS 161—sounds like it could be very informative.
Yep, that's a kalimba. I think the great albeit very mass-audience-alienating aspect about African music is that there are scads of differences due to all of the languages, cultures, styles, and influences in the continent. I'm not sure you'll find another Extra Golden, and I think that's a good thing.
Bob Gendron
Music Editor, TAS and Playback
I think you are totally right, Bob. And good point. Given the influential nature of African music (and other world styles, for that matter), you'd think that there would be more mass-market appeal for the progenitors. To be honest though, I have found it difficult to find a lot of world music that seems really exceptional (other than the big names, of course). It seems like the Windham Hill, new-agey vibe can run pretty wide. Do you have any particular labels that you feel do a particularly good job?
Nonesuch always puts out very intriguing "world" music. World Village has good stuff. I like the Crammed label, which covers many territories. Wrasse also has put out some intriguing discs.
And for African music luminaries, you'd do well to check out Fela Kuti, the force behind Afrobeat. His catalog is vast but it's hard to go wrong. All remastered, too.
And if you really want an education in what's out there, check out Dusty Groove. I'm fortunate enough that I live in the same town where the store is but they are internationally known for mail order stuff. Complete experts on African music and funk: dustygroove.com.
Bob Gendron
Music Editor, TAS and Playback
Thanks, Bob. I'm familiar with Fela Kuti already but I'll definitely look into those other labels. I appreciate your expertise.