Incredible !
Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 11/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cheb Mami has one of the greatest voices in the world...he is a masterful interpreter of Rai, a throbbing, fabulous, passionate music that originated in Algeria, but has moved its center to France because of the current Algerian political climate. Want something new to dance to ? Try this ! It's pulsating rhythms will simply compel you to move !I have a tape purchased 11 years ago of the first 6 tracks, which is titled "Prince of Rai" and was his first release available in the U.S. 5 of these 6 songs are predominantly arranged with several percussion instruments, and a glorious violin accompaniment. Tracks 7-13 are still wonderful, but have an orchestration similar to other Rai recordings, which is mostly drums, electric keyboard and guitar, and have no violin. These are two completely different sounds, the first half being the most amazing because of its variety, uniqueness, and incredible raw vitality. The second half tends to have a more repetitive style."Ana Mazel", which is a must-hear piece, and "Tayo Tayo Adiani" are extraordinary in the first half, and "Maniche Aadouk", with its beautiful plaintive intro, my favorite in the second half.The leaflet in this CD is in French, and I gather it says that this is a compilation of his first 2 CDs, from '85, when he was still a "Cheb" (kid) at 21, and '86. If you've never heard Rai, the time is now ! Don't pass through this world without experiencing this phenomenal music."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1