Zombie

YES this is the kind of music I was hoping to find on here - artists/music/genres I've never heard of but instantly like and appreciate. This musician's bio was awesome to read - he's had such an influence on so many people

Politically charged, yet makes me wanna party. Thats a combo I can get down with.

I love me some Fela Kuti, but I've listened to his early-70s stuff more than the rest. My favourite album is "Gentleman", and I stand by that as being his best work. However, "Zombie" is close behind, and I hadn't fully appreciated it until now. The album was a critique of the Nigerian military, and it resulted in violent suppression of Kuti, his family and his followers. But the music is also worth holding up on his own terms. The original record has two 12-min tracks (the other two are reissue bonus tracks), and as usual they are energetic explorations of funk and jazz, matched with African rhythms and call-and-response. "Gentleman" has an even better elastic energy to it, but "Zombie" is a little more polished. Many of Kuti's albums do follow a blueprint, but it's such a good and original blueprint that it doesn't matter! Perfect 5 for this one.

I’m keeping this one. You can have it back later.

This album delivers the 2 things I felt were missing from Monday's Fela album, so I have no choice but to give it a 5. The album cover alone is worth a 5. Sue and I drove to Toronto in 1987 to see them at Lamport Stadium and the concert was cancelled due to "VISA issues" which, in retrospect, I understand to mean the Nigerian government didn't want Fela travelling the world singing about Zombie Soldiers. I have a much greater appreciation listening all these years later, after hearing his influence popping up in the 3 decades of Acid Jazz that have been released since.

This is generally not my genre. That said, the sheer unbridled energy brought to music on this album is infectious. It's 100% a protest album and also 100% and act of creative freedom. It was his way of saying "screw you I'm going to be me and be free no matter what." And you have to respect that. Even so, it really really wasn't my jam. So I can't give it full marks.

Did a quick Wiki on this and mad props to Fela Kuti. He showed integrity and the importance of making your voice heard through your art, and he suffered so much from it. The music itself lacking context is also really good

A phenomenal album with a funky sound, an artist with an admirable commitment to freedom, and lyrics that are easy for an English speaker to understand but with hidden depths and a biting political message. No complaints.

The mighty Fela! You have to admire a man who can marry 27 women and still survive another two decades after that. This album is one of a bunch of classic releases by him in the 70s. The original only have two pieces on it, each slightly under 13 minutes but both having such an impact both politically and musically. If you ever wondered where the Talking Heads got a major influence from. Even McCartney talked about seeing Fela play when flew to Lagos to record Band on the Run. I usually try to rate just the original album but that would already have received 5 stars. The bonus tracks I think add to the original release and the album still maintains it's original vibe with them added. If you're looking to get into more of his music checkout out Roforofo Fight, Gentleman, Sorrow Tears & Blood, or Expensive Shit. All of these along with Zombie are probably his strongest releases.

Wow, this was just... amazing. Really hit that jazz craving I need every so often. Reading the background of the album was essential to this as well. Definitely going to seek out more of his work.

Great for cooking and chilling

Refreshment, and yet another African record that I imagine being cool live.

“Music is the weapon. Music is the weapon of the future.” -Fela Kuti

Fela you've never done me wrong. African Jazz is some of the best shit we, as a species, have ever come up with (not that I can take any credit for it). ONE OF THE FEW ALBUMS ON THIS CURSED LIST THAT IS TOO SHORT INSTEAD OF TOO LONG.

This album has two songs and last just over twenty-five minutes. One of the few EPs here! Afrobeat and African popular music are not really my styles (I enjoyed 'The Age of Pleasure', though, and I don't mind a bit of jazz, funk and reggae, which have influenced the style). Nice antiphony on the title track. Combined with the political lyrics, a very memorable song is created. (The antiphony on the other track is also good. It's one of the features that makes the album obviously African). This really reminds me of Frank Zappa's 'Hot Rats'. Someone else said this album is acid jazz, which 'Hot Rats' is as well, so maybe I'm not the only one. I thought 'Hot Rats' was great but '70s instrumental jazz is not my thing. 5.5/10.

I was not kuti with this felas album

Wow, this album seems to have quite a tragic and bloody history, which I guess makes the lyrics some of the most potent ever. Musically, there's nothing I don't like, per se... but if you were to cut off ~4 minutes at the start and end of every track (leaving the call-and-response vocal bits) I'd probably rate it a lot higher. It's the kind of music which, if a live band was performing it, I'd have an absolutely great time dancing to for 5-10 minutes... before gradually losing enthusiasm over the next hour until I was swaying out of habit only; a little dead behind the eyes and secretly, desperately wondering when it was going to end. 2.5 stars.

Very long, horn-y songs

Wow, very into this. I’m gonna be looking up the discography. My first 5 star moment. Come through Fela!

LOVELY, thicc jazz

Apparently this album is a "scathing attack on Nigerian soldiers using the zombie metaphor to describe the methods of the Nigerian military" and its release resulted in the military attacking Fela Kuti's home and studio, beating Kuti and killing his mother in the process. . The album is comprises only two tracks. Both are powerful and funky with politically charged lyrics. The metaphor is clear once the context is known, and both tracks appear to be questioning soldiers following orders like the titular zombies and Mr Follow Follows. Away from the heavy context, considered just as a piece of music, this is an enjoyable and fun listen. With the context this is powerful and engaging. 4/5.

Zombie is a studio album by Nigerian Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti. It was released in Nigeria by Coconut Records in 1976, and in the United Kingdom by Creole Records in 1977.[1] The album criticised the Nigerian government; and it is thought to have resulted in the murder of Kuti's mother Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and the destruction of his commune by the military. The album was a scathing attack on Nigerian soldiers using the zombie metaphor to describe the methods of the Nigerian military. The album was a smash hit with the people and infuriated the government, setting off a vicious attack against the Kalakuta Republic (a commune that Fela had established in Nigeria), during which one thousand soldiers attacked the commune. Kuti was severely beaten, and his elderly mother was thrown from a window, causing fatal injuries. The Kalakuta Republic was burned, and Kuti's studio, instruments, and master tapes were destroyed. Kuti claimed that he would have been killed if it were not for the intervention of a commanding officer as he was being beaten. Kuti's response to the attack was to deliver his mother's coffin to the main army barrack in Lagos and write two songs, "Coffin for Head of State" and "Unknown Soldier", referencing the official inquiry that claimed the commune had been destroyed by an unknown soldier. Kuti and his band then took residence in Crossroads Hotel as the Shrine had been destroyed along with his commune. In 1978 Kuti married 27 women, many of whom were his dancers, composers, and singers to mark the anniversary of the attack on the Kalakuta Republic. Later, he was to adopt a rotation system of keeping only twelve simultaneous wives.[2] The year was also marked by two notorious concerts, the first in Accra in which riots broke out during the song "Zombie," which led to Kuti being banned from entering Ghana. The second was at the Berlin Jazz Festival after which most of Kuti's musicians deserted him, due to rumors that Kuti was planning to use the entirety of the proceeds to fund his presidential campaign.

What a groovy, fun album! The first track Zombie is the more upbeat of the half, with a clear blueprint for the incredible opening track Born Under Punches on Remain In Light, released three years later. Clearly an important political album, criticizing the Nigerian military of the day. It's impossible not to appreciate such a cornerstone.

Zombie was the most popular and impacting record that Fela Kuti & Africa 70 would record -- it ignited the nation to follow Fela's lead and antagonize the military zombies that had the population by the throat.

More African shit

Phenomenal horns and saxophone in these bangers. For all the drama and odd cultish behavior from Fela and his followers, he sure makes some good tunes. Best of the Black President is a great compilation of his works, that showcases a lot more than a couple tracks.

Global jazz, long intro and build, beefy organic sound, super warm

VERY chill afrobeat vibes songs are 12 minutes long, which proved to be difficult when listening through the entire thing but doesnt diminish the chillax vibes

I appreciate this. I read up on the story behind the album and the meaning of the songs and it feels like a powerful and enduring work. However, there's shallower layer where Fela Kuti also reminds me of when it's the 90s and you're hanging out with a dude and he keeps playing his Fela vinyl and he's digging it more than he's digging you and it triggers an existential crisis. Maybe we could have had a 1001 albums date.

When I first saw it was only four song, without checking the time length, I assumed it was a fairly short EP. Then, before I knew it, I had listened to almost an hour of some pretty groovy jazz. Enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would (especially since the album cover is less than appealing). Not going to add it to my library as I don’t imagine I will ever listen to it again, but it was definitely a great album. 4/5.

I was going to say, as a joke, that a nice change from the Fela album we heard a few days ago is the half dozen or so of his wives who joined to sing back up vocals.  But after reading wiki, they might all actually be his wives. Fuck I'm funny!   On general principle, I can't give the same same artist two 5s in one week even though I like Zombie more. I feel like the boxing judge who is worried he scored an early round wrong so makes up for it by fudging the score in a later round. 

This drummy trumpety rhythm album resulted in the death of his mother and the destruction of his home? What?!

Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: I did, not my usual genre at all but this one was unique! Favourite song: Track 1 - Zombie

Good background listening if in the mood for some jazzy sax and horn repetitions. Not a style or genre for continuous listening, definitely feels of the 70's.

Definitely not my style. This music maybe better suited to being played during the ending credits of a 70’s cop show or blacksploitation karate movie.

Steely Dan is an ok artist with about 3 decent songs. His album with reeling in the years on it was acceptable. This is just pushing it. It’s alright but there is nothing that says to me ‘this is in the top 1001 albums ever written’

Very cool and much different than nearly everything else on this list. The music in a vacuum is great, but with the tragic context, this is very cool shit.

loved this

Fela is always great. Zombie is a classic track and I have always enjoyed this record. Listened to the extended version with the bonus tracks on streaming. Great record.

barring the insane political context of this album, this is a magnificent piece. very intricate, complex, demanding of attention on a solemn listen, yet catchy, energetic, danceable, and charged with righteous anger. this feels like a cultural monument, and it fills me with endless fascination that i couldn't realistically do justice by talking about it in a condensed one-day format of this challenge.

I was introduced to Femi Kuti earlier in this list, so was excited to see what his dad had to offer. The African - jazz fusion is great, but reading the story about this album is the cherry on the cake.

right up my street this, need to dive deeper into fela's stuff best song: mistake worst song: n/a

A really good album with some fascinating history behind it. The world needs more musicians like this.

This guy's lore is so fucking fire. Man was a political activist against the corrupt government (who after his repeated criticisms raided his commune, destroyed his shit, beat his ass close to death, killed his mom, and after all that bullshit still kept making music for the people), had over 20 wives, and made some amazing politically charged music that inspired a nation. This album being the main reason why he was raided and attacked by government also resulting in the death of his mother. Absolute legend among men. Top 3 Favorites: Zombie, Mistake, and Mr. Follow Follow It's all gas 4.75/5

It is a very unique experience, and the length of the songs only contributes to the build-up of so many different layers of sound.

I like this album's vibe sooo much. It is jazzy and makes me happy. I even danced in some songs while I was listening. I wanna listen this album again.

Zombie çoh iyi. Şarkılar uzun ama anlamıyorsun 15 dk olduğunu; değişiyo dönüşüyo, hojdır.

One of the best and most surprising discoveries on this list to date. Who would have thought that Nigerian Funk-Soul-World-Jazz would go so hard? Only four tracks, each one distinct and while "Zombie" is the clear highlight to me, each one of them is enjoyable and fun. Perfect for cooking. The Afrobeat influences make the whole thing weirdly danceable and catchy. The long jazzy instrumental passages in the first half of the songs are varied, exciting and groovy in themselves and then vocals also come into play. Apparently, the album criticized the Nigerian government; and is believed to have led to the murder of Kuti's mother and the destruction of his commune by the military, which is sad but also Metal as fuck.

Damn, Fela. I was unfamiliar with your game. This shit slaps

Zombie on Halloween!!!

Loved this album. Great African jazz and I wish this list had more of this kind of thing. I know it's not for everyone, but the musicianship, energy, and passion in this album is undeniable. 5/5

The energy and effect of the title track alone warrants a listen - and repeated listens - to this album. A song that is truly larger than music. Even when he pulls the tempo down the energy is mesmerizing.

Straight banger

Cool African groove!

Muito foda o contexto social e político envolvido por trás. Não só isso, musicalmente falando o álbum é um espetáculo. Conhecer o gênero Afrobeat foi magnífico, além de expandir meu gosto para o jazz, que eu comecei a apreciar recentemente.

Perfect for overthrowing dictatorships AND Saturday evenings at a cocktail bar

Already heard it, easy 5/5

Great music. Love it.

unstoppable joy 10/10

Fela is a genius and a political revolutionary. This is an awesome album with jazz, afrobeat, and politics all mixed into one package. I'm wondering if they will not have "Water Got No Enemy" since it is technically a single. This may be the only Fela entry in 1001. So, while I wasn't familiar with Zombie before this listening and I dig it a lot, it is not as good as "Water Got No Enemy" so I'm going to bump this one up to 5-star by including "Water Got No Enemy" into this rating. Otherwise, Zombie is added to the rotation and earns a 4-star rating. Cheating, I know but I had to get my love for that song in.

This was surprisingly great!

Rating: 9.5/10 Rated original LP. Amazing combination of jazz and African rhythms, the vocals accentuate the music so much as well.

Brilliant.

A revolutionary message set to jazz, funk and afrobeat - what's not to like?

Loved it. Great mix of jazz and African traditional music. Fela was an interesting guy for sure and would probably be a big star today with music being much more globally available. He had a way of never going too far in any one direction but not being boring either. More people should listen to his work.

A surprisingly fun listen given the context. If you weren't paying attention to the lyrics you'd think it was just a lot of warm, brassy afro-beat jazz.

Fedt fedt fed

Fela delivers two 12-minute funky afrobeat anti-militaristic juggernauts which prompted 1000 soldiers to be sent out to crush him, tragically killing his mother. Obvious five.

Amazing from start to finish!! Will defo be delving into the back catalogue

Groovy As Fuck

Hard funk with some hard truth.

New to me and just beautiful. Four songs, and I favorited three of them. Easily the highest batting average of any album.

Increíble

An outstanding introduction to Afrobeat that has timeless melodies.

This is a great album! I've never heard of it and I'm loving it.

Fela. 5

Bar one dud so far, albums between #31-40 have been absolutely stellar. I didn't know what to expect when this one popped up, but one thing I certainly wasn't expecting was a killer jazz/funk LP leading us into the simple, yet effective messaging each song contains. Every track is around 12-14 minutes and they all follow the same formula: about 7-8 minutes of fantastic loose jazz instrumentation that is both funky and smooth as hell, crescendoing with reggae flavoured vocals and a return to the instrumentation to finish things out. A quick read of the fallout this album caused is also very interesting, tragic, and really paints a picture of just how much of a controversial figure Fela Kuti was. It has given me that rabbit hole itch to dive deeper into this man's life; and his music to accompany it of course. Much like 'Black Monk Time', which I got on this list about two weeks ago, this is one of those albums I would never have listened to or found out about unless it popped up here. So I'll repeat what I said in that review: discovering records like this is one of the big reasons I started this whole thing. It just completely opens your mind up, and turns your music tastes inside out in the best way possible. 'Zombie' is a phenomenal album that carries some heavy weight with it, and it should be listened to by anyone who likes to jump into protest anthems; because even in that realm it is a somewhat unique and powerful entry.

I love this - so much energy. Zombie is one of his best tracks

I first heard of Fela Kuti from a friend who just bought the "Live!" album with Ginger Baker. We listened to it and--like every other song I've heard from Fela since--were instantly immersed in a funky, jazzy, and extended hypnotic groove. I eventually made a Fela Kuti station on Pandora, added Budos Band (thanks for the recommendation, Joel!) and few thumbs up to some tracks, and let the it do its thing; it's one of my favorite stations. Zombie follows suit in engaging rhythms and jazzy improvisation, which doesn't seem limited to solo instruments. I imagine like a great Southern Baptist choir, the backup singers have their phrases pre-loaded and ready to go whenever Fela gives the signal, either visually or with his own vocal cue. On the surface, the music holds it own as a skilled and groovy jam, but when you consider what he's saying and the push back he's giving to the authority of the land, this rebel music carries real weight and gravitas. Though I've heard much of his music, I haven't heard a full album aside from the aforementioned live album. Paying full price for an album with 4 extended jam songs is a tough pill to swallow, but as an online radio or elongated playlist, his music shines for hours. I haven't heard a song from Fela that I did not like.

Amazing!

An incredible album with some of the best, most addictive instrumentals and lyrics that are so strong considering they are standing up to the Nigerian government. Definitely an album everyone needs to hear.

4.5/5, original version. Zombie - 4.5/5 Follow Follow - 4.5/5

Happy Halloween 🧟‍♂️

Interesting, was aware of Fela Kuti because I knew Prince was a massive fan but hadn’t ever given an album the time of day, enjoyed it

Awesome

This album is amazing. The opening track “Zombie” grabs me right away. This whole album is great. I need more by this guy.

What I wouldn't give to see Fela Kuti live-- Ok scratch that. Just read more about what happened at some of his live events. Unreal. Makes me grateful to even be able to hear this music. Giving it a rating feels absurd. Wouldn't know it by looking at the surface but after reading more, easily the heaviest album so far.

Uno de los mejores discos que he escuchado en esta lista. Tanto como una postura política en contra del régimen totalitario nigeriano de Olusegun Obasanjo, como una postura sonora que brilla como el principal foco de la masificación del afrobeat en la música popular, este trabajo se siente como una pieza sumamente influyente para todo el panorama musical alternativo de la época. Sumamente recomendable y disfrutable; realmente un indispensable.

Man oh man. What an album. The title track is incredible. The military did not take kindly to its message and killed Kuti's mother in a village raid. I love the super long intros, they sort of lull you and you almost forget about Kuti's words until he jumps at you out of nowhere

Title track is on that has so permeated the musical ether that I knew this song without ever having really listened. Fela's energy on live recordings is unmatched, but even the studio recordings are all timers.

saving this to my library immediately

4 songs 53 minutes. actually goated. this is what i was looking for when starting this project

This is my 2nd Fela album on this list. I had never heard him before and so far, he's my favorite new discovery from the generator. I thoroughly enjoyed this album. I had it on repeat most of the day.

CLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSIC

Love when he shouts 'ordeeeerrr!'

Man I loved this. I'm realising it makes a big difference what I'm doing while I listen to an album. I listened to this while I was doing something creative and energetic, and it was a perfect match.

Perhaps his best work. It’s politically charged, yet upbeat and incredibly groovy.

Day 33 - July 4th, 2024 What better way to celebrate the 4th with an album so anti establishment! 5/5.

Nice album!

Funk masterpiece