African Scream Contest: Raw & Psychedelic Afro Sounds
CD Reviews
Best album of 2008
Truthseeker | New London, CT United States | 12/19/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is what happened when James Brown came to Africa and funk swept the continent. Of course, these guys put their own unique spin on it, and the result is sheer delight. You will find it physically impossible to hold still. Best of all, three of the tracks are by the Orchestre Poly-Rythmo, who have to be the ultimate funk outfit of all time. Check out track 10. It is hard to explain the addictive nature of this music. I bought this disc when it first came out, and it rarely leaves my rotation for more than a few days. A lot of good Nigerian funk came out in 2008, but this stuff, from Benin and Togo, tops it all."
Afro Beat Funk & Soul from 70s Benin & Togo
attentive listener | Joysey | 08/18/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This should only be considered psychedelic in the sense of brand new sounds, unless you were hanging on the dancefloors of 70s Benin & Togo. Front to back, probably, the most grooving of these types of afro comps, over 74 minutes worth. Great packaging with this set, some care went into presenting this properly. Also, check out the T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo compilation, The Kings of Benin Urban Groove 1972-80, as they are featured and provide a lot of the backing, on this set. And for goodness sake, SHAKE IT, this ain't no sittin' 'round music."
Awesome
Helen Calvert Carter | Guadalajara, Mexico. | 03/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been into this kind of music for a while now and I can honestly say this is a really excellent compilation. As the previous reviewer said, a lot of thought and effort has been put into the packaging: the compiler is obviously passionate about the music and the accompanying booklet conveys this to the reader. The sounds themselves, well, my own favourite is the 10-minute Vincent Ahehehinnou one, but, unusually, there's not a duff track on the set at all. This really is wiggle-music, no doubt about it, and thoroughly recommendable. I'm not even entirely sure where Benin and Togo are, but if this is what they do there then I want to visit!"
Fantastic
truelibra | Brooklyn, NY | 02/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Exactly what you think - very raw, very funky, and refreshing to hear a new take on '60s funk! There are elements in the native polyrhythms some of these bands bring that sounds years ahead of some Western and South American dance rhythms to emerge in the next 20-30 years or so. A really fascinating collection."
Best African CD that money can buy
Diaspora Chic | Silver Spring, MD | 07/07/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I couldn't wait to listen to this CD when it came in the mail. I listened to it on my 7-mile walk and it was great! Now I know why it is called scream because this music screams with funk and groovy tunes. I am glad that I got this CD. It's also an eye-opener."