Search - Bala & Ses Balladins :: Objectif Perfection

Caveat Emptor

woodstockvet | Pawleys Island, SC United States | 10/18/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"First, this is not what it seems. This is Reminiscin' in Tempo with Balla et ses Balladins -- "Objectif Perfection," not the original Objectif Perfection, and Amazon should correct its title listing. I discovered the band on (The Rough Guide to) African Blues, which contains "Paulette," 7:40 of rumba (sung in French, I think) that no fan of Afro-Cuban should miss. But how best to acquire that song?The original stereo album Objectif Perfection comprises the first five songs here. With quality about equal to the first disc of Pirates Choice by Orchestra Baobab, if the CD ended here and sold for a few bucks less, I'd give it five stars. It's that good.But the next four songs, from various sources, were recorded in mono and include two versions of "Sara," when one would suffice, so the listening experience begins to slip.The next track is 28 seconds of -- get this -- a needle skipping over the same flaw, presumably at the end of an old record. And the last track is -- get this -- an interview in French with Balla and Sivi, consecutive band leaders. Young children cavort in the background; my guess is the interview was conducted in someone's kitchen. What to do? Well, if you love Afro-Cuban, you can buy this and program its better tracks, or you can buy African Blues, which is excellent, and be satisfied with "Paulette." Good luck!"

Gorgeous early '70s African guitar pop

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 07/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A gorgeous collection of classic early '70s material from one of the great Guinean guitar bands... This disc mostly draws on the Balladins "Objectif Perfection" album, but also includes a few tracks from other albums as well. The Balladins band came out of the mid-'60s dissolution of a larger band, and went through a fluid membership which included many members of the Diabate and Kouyate clans, as well as vocalist Manfila Kante, who sings throughout this disc. The band was also briefly known as 'Pivi Et Ses Balladins,' (as heard on the fabulous "GUINEA" '70s collections), but throughout, their fabulous, richly melodic guitar style prevailed. The mellow, hyponotic rhythmic base may be what you notice about these recordings, but the virtuosity of the guitars is truly amazing. I *_love_* the way this music sounds -- it's so beautiful and soulful, and so joyful and complete. Highly recommended."