Reviews (page 4 of 7)
Cool album, nice guitar playing
Elegant, rhythmic, and pure vibe. The guitars flow like they’ve always belonged together, grounding blues in its African roots while feeling timeless and effortless. Loved it.
More Ali Farka Toure, is it? I’m cool with that. There were some lovely examples of those summery African grooves I like, as well as some darker, more brooding grooves that I also quite like. Tracks 5 and 9 seem like a harmonious blend of African and American blues - is the latter Cooder’s influence? I find it hard to tell. It gets a bit repetitive at times, especially in the middle of the album, but as I mainly had this on in the background while working I can’t say that bothered me too much. 3.5
I'm a pretty big sucker for any and all blues guitar I can get lately. So those portions of the album really struck me. I'm guessing that was Ry Cooders contribution. I really enjoyed some of the singing melodies, but there were long stretches that all got sort of washed out. I'd revisit it and maybe on a fresh listen it would grab me a bit more. 3.5/5
This record is incredible. I think what makes this so good is the fusion of African traditional music and American blues, because its all the same. Its hard to even call it a fusion its more like a full circle moment where traditional African roots music, which inspired American blues, merges with the blues and kind of makes this incredible full sound. I have no idea what the lyrics are about, but I can feel what they're saying. The percussion and drums keep this grounded, but its the mix of guitars that really takes this too a new level. Ali Farka Touré's style is so unique and its pairs so well with Ry Cooder. They're playing different styles, but those styles are thriving together. It really feels like 2 different languages that are having a conversation. And not to get cheesy, but that's kind of the magic of music. Which is why this record is so damn cool. I just wanted to keep this on all day and live in this record. Its incredible.
Something a little different! Was hoping this would be a bit more of a fusion between the two artists but still decent.
Interesting blend of African music mixed with some traditional blues. Good guitar work. I liked this one. 3.5 if possible.
Beautiful guitar playing. I love the fusion of African and Delta blues styles here. Very nice to have on as I worked.
Junto con Toumani Diabaté, es uno de los pilares de la música africana (al margen del inigualable Fela Kuti). Este disco con otro excelente músico como es Ry, fue su carta de presentación al público occidental y como pasó pocos años después con Buenavista Social Club, el flechazo fue instantáneo. Ai Du, es Summertime pero en clave Blues... Música orgánica, que suena natural, sincera. Claro que esto entro brillante y reluciente en pleno auge del Brit Rock, grunge y demás géneros que sonaban entonces. Este disco se mantiene igual que entonces...
Quite liked this, although it was a bit repetitive and sometimes faded into the background. I really enjoyed the overall vibe though. The guitar playing was excellent, like American blues played with a distinctly West African flavor. I didn't like the fiddle centred songs as much, but didn't hate them either.
the usual fare from this very talented individual. Ry Cooder puts a slightly different slant on proceedings
This was a nice palette cleanser. It was calm, fluid, just straight vibey. The production on here is top-notch and even though it keeps the same formula there's nothing wrong with it. I always love listening to African folk music. Top 3: Bonde, Gomni, and Ai Du no bad songs 3.50/5
Mäßiges nature Album
A very exotic album, but incredibly palatable. It does well, but only on specific occasions, I believe. 7/10
Very cool album. Not a masterpiece, though.
Loved this. The only music like this I had listened to was Tinarawen and I am a huge fan of them. I liked the inclusion of Ry Cooder and that actually helped to bridge the gap to blues which I was always looking for with Tinarawen.
Vibes are cool - don't need to listen to a whole album of it.
Black and blues.
and that's a Timbukthree
Unique
Makes nice background music. The voices are an instrument when you don't know the language used.
Ah I remember this guy! Ali Farka Toure! Lowkey this is such a vibe though. Like understanding: 0 but enjoyment: 10.
This was like, African blues? A-frickin' loved it
Was just so slow and repetitive. Not for me 3.5/10
Guitar to start the album was very nice. Sega - not for me! Maked me want to rip my eardrums out! Following it up with Amandrai is like punching someone in the face and then kissing them after. Welp, at least the first 7 minutes of Amandrai. Not a fan of Keito either. Banga sucks too. I have to stop the album I can't keep going. It sucks because the guitar in the first 5 mins of the album was great.
Felt very background music. Didn’t really grab me
sure, fine?
Talking Timbuktu is perfectly pleasant smooth, melodic, and so consistent it starts to feel like one long, uninterrupted track. There’s nothing offensive here, but also not much to grab onto.
Feels tropical
Best Track - "Bonde"
Was already a bit familiar due to the collab album between his son and Khruangbin. I loved this record and ended up listening to another of Ali Farka Touré's records later in the day. Ry Cooder's slide guitar intertwined seamlessly, Ali's voice is rich and soulful, and the riffs get wedged in your head in the best way.
Perfect for a Sunday train ride…hypnotic, relaxing, melodic, and beautiful guitar tones from two masters. Will definitely be playing around with some of these tunes when i get home. Sometimes i wonder if there’s something freeing about not speaking the language the lyrics are in, you can just enjoy the music.
Just lovely.
Yeah, it's alright for a touch of mildly exotic music but it's a bit too clinical sounding for my liking. At times, the repetitiveness makes the band sound like they are almost sleepwalking. I prefer the more organic, rich, exciting sounding records by the likes of Cymande and John Berberian etc.
Good stuff
Slightly dull, perfectly acceptable in the background. I wanted to like this more than I did.
Pleasant enough mid nineties World Music. Ry Colder doing his thing, before the Buena Vista Social Club collaboration. Ali Farka Toure plays lovely guitar, but two guitars, a little bit of singing and a drum wasn't enough for a whole album for me..
Good vibes, all a bit samey though.
Awesome to have been introduced to Malian guitar work.
Pretty damn cool. Forever indebted to Ry Cooder for he has brought forth world music for my casual consumption. Surely nothing out of this world ground breaking but it certainly is exciting to hear some well produced African style blues music in such high fidelity.
Ali Farka Touré, Gitarrist und Sänger aus Mali, nahm 1993 gemeinsam mit dem US-amerikanischen Gitarristen Ry Cooder das Album Talking Timbuktu in Kalifornien auf. Die Aufnahmen entstanden überwiegend in den Ocean Way Studios in Los Angeles. Musikalisch verbindet die Platte westafrikanische Traditionen mit Blues-Strukturen, wobei Tourés repetitive Gitarrenfiguren und sein Gesang die Grundlage bilden, während Cooder mit Slide-Gitarre und akustischen Texturen ergänzt. Bekannte Stücke wie „Ai Du“, „Gomni“ oder „Soukora“ zeigen die enge Verwandtschaft zwischen malischem Wüstenblues und amerikanischem Country- und Delta-Blues. Das Zusammenspiel wirkt dabei nicht aufgesetzt, sondern organisch und dialogisch, als würden sich zwei verwandte musikalische Sprachen begegnen. Insgesamt ein ruhiges, zugleich intensives Album, das die Grenzen zwischen afrikanischer Tradition und amerikanischer Roots-Musik durchlässig macht.
Without a doubt the most interesting album so far and probably a stable for the future. Songs I can get lost in, like Diaraby. Ry Cooder is a cool guy.
A very pleasant listen, but also somewhat of a nondescript listen. The songs really ran together for me, which is a common problem for me with non-English songs. I didn't connect with this one, but that very well might be because I am a dumbass.
The music isn't bad, but I can't view it as more than just background music.
Difficult one to read. Songs are obviously super long, probably as a cultural difference. I arrived a little to a couple tracks in the beginning of the album. Not sure I can say I disliked it so I guess I'll give it three stars.
this one has the potential to be an interesting fusion of african and western blues music but ultimately it falls a little flat for me. there are some decent moments and it is definitely an interesting concept that works, but i found a lot of it to be overly long. it's very laid back and relaxing, almost to a fault. it kind of ends up being a bit boring for my taste. can something be interesting and boring at the same time? not sure. but this sort of is.
Whoa, this album was pretty cool - very bluesy and very rhythmic
What a great record! I know Ali Farka Toure but I have never listened to this album. I will definitely come back and listen to it more often.
Really enjoyed this. I will definitely come back to listen again in the future.
Just couldn't do it. Too repetitive. I tried to give it an honest listen, but sadly I had to skip it. 1/5
Malian folk. I thought it had a relaxing vibe, sometimes almost dreamy.
Some reviewer: "An hour of Civ IV menu music" ...And you're saying that's a bad thing? Okay. It's not the best. But hey, I was having a good time. Many tracks are essentially chill mono-harmonic jam sessions featuring some cool instruments and solid melodies. The first time I started getting irritated was in Sega, which is thankfully the second-shortest track on the record. Four of the tracks are at least seven minutes long, and those ones better as heck be listenable. Banga is another one with an aggressively un-groovy beat and annoying melody, but (again like Sega) is very short relative to the others. The monstrous 9-minute Amandrai is one of the grooviest jams here – almost reminding me of some early Led Zeppelin improv sessions – but it's just a few minutes too long to make it to my upper echelon. Ai Du achieves the same goal with less runtime and a great viola-esque instrument punctuating it at all the best moments. (I can definitely understand Ai Du's relative popularity.) Both Ai Du and the closer, Diaraby, make use of the same extremely simple i-V chord progression – and (yet?) both are pretty good. Sometimes tried-and-true methods are the best ones. Although I would've loved to hear them get more musically adventurous. 3/5 Key tracks: Soukora, Ai Du
LOVE this one. This it is such a good mix.
Ry Cooder helped midwife an album better than Buena Vista Social Club and Let It Bleed? Who knew?!? Another one I'm glad I discovered through this list.
Some lovely guitar work. Fortunately the sun was out when I listened to it as I don’t think it would have had the same impact in the rain…
Have listen to both individually but didn’t know they’d collaborated. It’s good, I like the grooves they get into. Rather than get the most from both, I feel like they are both perhaps playing it a bit safe so neither necessarily take the limelight though? Definitely heard more virtuosic performances in some of their other music but enjoyed it from start to finish nonetheless.
Easy to listen. Good one, but repetitive.
Very pleasant!
Interesting. Would revisit.
This was really cool guitar work.
Worldly, festive, funky. You can sense that the musicians playing are having a really good time with what they're creating. Some vocals throughout that carry the music with genuine impression, but it's mostly guitars and some soft drums that carry this record. This is a fun one.
Shit, did I just become an NPR member and now list "world-music" as my defining personality trait? This isn't a genre I tend to seek out - something more you encounter unexpectedly. It's solid - it's worldly. I wouldn't change it if it came on, but it's not exactly something that would always pull me in - there would have to be a situation for it.
Great sounding album - such a unique guitar style. It serves great a background music to work to.
Was this list written in English??
Interesting combo of blues and African music
Wish I could give this 4 because I sure did like it. But it’s tough competition out here.
Will definitely return to this on days that require a lot of chores around the house. Really enjoyed it.
Smooth, almost understated but technically impressive guitar in a mix of West African and more traditional blues influences. Good, easy listening
Aight
3.25
I’ve not spent much time listening to world music, much less Malian folk/blues music, but this was a pleasant surprise and the reason why I am doing this “1001 album challenge”. Maybe not something I would listen to on a regular basis, but a great “break” away from my “normal” genres.
Kinda good but also kinda boring
Wonderful. Love the swaying beat.
Good guitarist. Good music.
It’s nice that Ry Cooder is doing this and it’s nice that our curator is doing this for Ry Cooder
This was fine, it’s just I won’t ever turn it back on again (never say never)
One and done.
Not for me.
Clean tones, easy listening tunes. But not groundbreaking or new.
3 stars. Yes very interesting, I like the drums , the singing, and the guitard. Can get repetitive? maybe. but a good listen 2.8/5.
A beautiful meeting of two phenomenal musicians with traditions much closer to each other than one would assume. A crack team behind them. You don't need to know the lyrics to know this is the blues.
Interesting I get a second album from this guy in a week. The combo of desert blues and delta blues or whatever was cool
At first, this album may sound interesting, being a combination of blues and Songhai Music, a style of music which originates in Mali, from where Ali Farka Touré comes. The recording is also very very clean. Quite impeccable. But, from my perspective, this record presents some problems: it gets very repetitive and it feels 'flat' and lacking in ideas or depth, which ends up coming across as background music which I wouldn't pay too much attention. It frustates me to think that it could be much better, as I believe the ideas behind these tracks do have great potential. In fact, songs like 'Lasidan' and 'Diaraby' are my favourites and they have some great elements which makes them unique from the rest, the first being the most energetic track and the last one having some nice guitar melodies. Overall, dispite having a great sound, I can't say that I really enjoyed this LP.
This is the second Ali Farka Touré album I’ve listened to from this project and I liked this one better. Felt like there was more to grasp onto from a western lens. I could hear the blues influence especially. Really nice.
Loved this. Very chill vibes
This was really great! I had never heard this artist before and really liked the sound
A relaxing and meditative listen. Very impressed on first listen.
pfrtttt
Tof album om op de achtergrond te zetten op een warme zomeravond. Voor de rest vrees ik dat ik te conservatief ben in m'n muzieksmaak. 2.7
so cool!
Good reminder of how important Ry Cooder was in expanding our musical boundaries
I was excited to finally break away from the UK and get something that was international (even if an American was playing blues guitar on it).My excited quickly evaporated as the second and third songs continued on the same path as the first. By the fourth track, I was pretty much over it, there was no range in this album, it all sounded so very similar throughout. I finally get to listen to an album that isn't from the UK (or the US) and it is one of the most vanilla albums the continent of Africa may have ever produced. I didn't hate the album, but am really starting to hate this list. The album was just so-so. But Dimery and this list so far (134 albums in) get a 3.3/10. 195 countries on this planet and a century of modern music and we only get shit from the UK from 1955 onward. I may just complete this list in a rage and hate on every album along the way or I may lose my shit when I hit submit on this review and see my next album is Dimery's cousin's band that played 3 shows at a local park back in 1987. Bad review for this list, mediocre review for this album. 4.8/10 134/1001
Some of the tracks are not bad if you just want some background music. But overall pretty meh.
not my vibe
I appreciate this for what it is, but most of the songs were just way too long and repetitive for me to find this an enjoyable listen.
vibe, but too long
This is fine. Cabana music I guess. Easily ignored.
Enjoyable in specific circumstances. It does get repetitive as the album goes on and I found myself needing to take a break. That could have also been due to using excel though
I'm not super into this african music, but this was good. I specially liked Gomni. I'd say this is a 3.5, not giving it a 4 because I don't think I'll listen to it again.
If Ry Cooder is a cultural appropriator, one's very grateful for it. There’s a little bit of a “field study” vibe here, but it's a deep and moving delight to here such exquisite playing, though it’s excelled (IMHO) by both In the Heart of the Moon and (of course) Savane.
Repetitive chanting nonsense
Great acoustic sounds from two great string players. This was really good.
Fine ambient music with blues infusions towards the end.
A very relaxing listen. Very good instrumentation and melodies. Language barrier is what it is, but I enjoyed this. A lot of blues influence in a lot of the songs. 3.5/5
Super chill and easy to listen to. However, no real draw and not a lot to say about this one.
Some bops for sure
It was a joy to listen to this album, what can I say? I'm no expert but this sounds so refreshing, different and beautiful. 5/5
Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: Gomni A second world desert folk album on the List. I personally liked Songhoy Blues', Music In Exile more than this, but this was also pretty good. Easy listening. No understandable lyrics to get hung up on. Can't complain.
Pretty alright, though mostly for the groove.
Not like, offensive to my ears but def not returning to this one
absoloutely lovely stuff
Nice and relaxing
This is not bad but wonder if there are albums by the musician with out Cooder that are maybe just as interesting.
Cool, but not my thing. 1001 album worthy: yeah - 101/185
As far as I can tell, there are only about 14 albums on the list from Africa (only around 8 from Asia). This is the fourth the generator has given me in 348 albums, and I've now gotten both from Mali (the other is Music in Exile by Songhou Blues). They both get 5s. Just wonderful.
Excellent, sweet guitar and rolling desert blues
great album
1994. Hard to rank these albums of African origin. This is West African blues guitarist that made a comeback to music after farming for years and won international album of the year.
7/10
Not too bad for a world album, I enjoyed some of the instrumentation.
Didnt finish this either but from what I heard, pretty good. Dont know wtf he was sayin but it was smooth as hell. West African John Mayer or rather we got American Ali Farka Toure. Will return to this one later
Such a beautiful relaxing album. It's been years since I listened to it so was glad this refreshed my memory
I mean. It’s nice?
This was actually fairly pleasant and an interesting listen at the very least. I thought the instrumentation was broadly interesting and pleasant and quite liked the vocals. However, I do believe it runs long and I probably would’ve gotten a higher appreciation for it if I’d understood any of the 5 or so languages used in this album
not really my thing but I understand why this speaks out.
This was a lovely guitar jam with beautiful instrumentation and percussion, incredible production and vocals, and unique atmospheric backdrops on each track. What a neat find!
This is such an enjoyable record, but beyond that, the recording quality is exceptional. The guitar tone, in particular, stands out with remarkable clarity and warmth. Ai Du has consistently served as one of my reference tracks for evaluating stereo setups. I'm happy and surprised to see this album on the list.
Love the guitar, don’t love the vocals.
just didn't work for me.
Another album that I see something here, but I just don't like it.
A solid intimate and cultural record that makes you forget about the outside world for a bit. I had a great time with this one.
Songs and sounds amorphize in such a way that passive listening turns into active listening, and vice versa, across what inevitably becomes extended listening as its world grabs ahold.
I didn't use a private spotify session, maybe I should have. It's interesting, but it's not for me. African rhythms, whiny lyrics I don't understand, still beats Taylor Swift.
a welcomed break
A fine album, ticks along nicely..
A very fun listen!
Not for me
Not my type of music but generally enjoyed it while it was on.
Pretty nice listen here.
Okay but not for me
Not unpleasant, but like, before I die?
lovely record
A pleasant listen but I'm not sure I'd really go back to it again.
Really not my thing
1994. Malian Folk. Blues. Hiphop. 9/10 Bonde / Gomni /
Pleasant album. Enough diversity and rhythm to keep an interest. I’ll listen again.
Different, which is nice. However, it played in the background when I was doing work around the house. I couldn’t distinguish one song from the next. Quite ‘samey’.
Very similar response to Savane - I enjoyed it -but it very much passed me by as a very pleasant listen - this was perhaps a bit more mellow with the Ry Cooder noodlings. Lyrically had no idea what was going on but enjoyed the vocals. Its a high 3 which I sure could be a 4 if I had the time to listen to it on repeat.
Talking Timbuktu If you played this or Savane and asked me which one it was I don’t think I would be able to tell, apart from perhaps the occasional surfacing of Ry Cooder’s slide, like on Ai Du. But I would also think this is a 4 (as Savane was), as I thoroughly enjoyed it - the evocative, soulful, swirling, circling guitars and vocal melodies, drifting soothingly across the rooftops and into the cool night of the desert. It’s similar in sound to Savane and similar in musical structure, but it's one of those albums that’s good-repetitive rather than bad-repetitive, the grooves and guitar lines are hypnotic rather than monotonous, and it probably helps that I don’t know what he’s singing, adding a nice mysterious edge to it. Similar to Savane, I let it run on repeat for a few hours and similarly I was very happy for it to percolate and go round and round. Will definitely come back again, a solid 4. 💬💬💬💬 Playlist submission: Ai Du
What I like about this album is its restraint and the fact it doesn't compromise itself for western styles. Yes Ry Cooder is here, but is not trying to make a cynical and commercial play. It feels very authentic, and married to Touré's homeland, and that's borne out by a couple of traditional and Cooderless tracks, such as 'Banga'. It's also interesting that he didn't like recording Talking Timbuktu in the USA, and called it a 'spiritual car park'. That comes across a little, and the lethargic grooves can tip into torpor ('Amandrai'). The guy ended his days in his home villages spending his money on upgrading its infrastructure. The genuine article. All that said, I think Savane is the more powerful album. But enjoyed this nonetheless.
Wish this grabbed me a bit more. Very repetitive and I really wished for some variety. Not unpleasant but I won’t be revisiting this. Just background guitar music to me.
Fun album here. I wouldn't say I loved it, but this is the kind of stuff I love popping up on this list.
Cool! Like it!
Pleasant listen. Good guitarist
Really really good album, not something ill listen to a song or two of but would definetly run through again.
Fun record. I think I've heard other records that feature Ry Cooder as a collaborator where it isn't obvious that he's on every song; I like how he blends into different styles like that. This isn't a go-to genre for me, but definitely something I would enjoy listening to again. 3.4/5
Was a fun album. Ry Cooder seems interesting too. I vibed with it. Good shit. 3.5/5
Pretty vibey and atmospheric guitar-focused album. I am not familiar with Ali Farka Touré, but he certainly has a distinct playing style when it comes to the guitar, showcasing that Malian sound. A little more familiar with Ry Cooder and his earlier work, though. Both make for a somewhat interesting blend, but the album overall sort of operates on the same tone all throughout. Basically a one hour long guitar track.
I really like this, it's exactly why I did this album a day thing. Something I would never have found otherwise. Loved the vibes, is it blues? Love it anyway.
Maso
Another world music album that was fine but not something I’d choose to revisit. 3/5
Nice vibe, but this won’t be more than a one-timer for me.
2.5
Not bad. Good for background music, not attentive listening
No sir
Somewhere on the soporific-stultifying continuum
anything with Ry Cooder is worth 3 stars. sounded a lot alike from song to song so not worth 4 stars to me
# Playlist Track - Bonde # Notes - Super interesting and fun! - Feels like your traveling and find some amazing local cuisine. They don't go wild on the spices, as they know you're a tourist, but still gives you a rich glimpse of how those people enjoy themselves.
An easy listen, I think it's great for being at the office or on a drive (especially through the desert).
I have gained nothing from listening to this it was the most meh thing ever
Gina listened to this with me and we really enjoyed it. As with some other non-english language albums my inability to understand the lyrics makes me really rely on the music to gauge the mood or intention of the song and this was a delightful mix of joyous energy, slow blues and even some spiritual sounding songs. The guitar work from Ali Farka Touré and Ry Cooder is first rate and often quite hypnotic. It was easy to get lost during some of the longer songs. A good recommendation here of something I hadn't been aware of - if you're open to something a little different, give this a spin!
I got all excited about this when it was released by Peter Gabriel's World Music label.. opened my ears to there being good music in other parts of the world besides USA and England.
I like this! I’ve heard it before and I’ve heard him on other things too.
If you remember the '90's, you remember Barnes & Noble and the endless amount of time you spent in the bookstore sifting through their magazines, art books, and slowly working your way through all the CDs in their music section. You also, no doubt remember this album playing nonstop every time you went in to Barnes & Noble. If you don't, you didn't spend as much time in that store as I did. Innocuously entertaining on a subconscious level. This album can either put you in the mood to buy another copy of Howl, The Raven or just sit and read the most recent issue of Quilting Monthly.
#1089! I made it! And I love “Talking Timbuktu” as a final album, largely due to Ry Cooder. Not that Ali Farka Touré isn’t great - I talked about his talent and global influence in my “Savane” review. But this is the only album on the list with Cooder credited by name in the title and cover, despite a broad ranging and influential career. He plays on several albums on the list, from this one to Captain Beefheart to the Rolling Stones to Buena Vista Social Club. What a diverse and fascinating career — and fantastic slide guitar work and a great ear for music (Beefheart excepted) woven through it all. So “Talking Timbuktu” is pretty cool, a great little snapshot of the evolution and interweaving of musical styles over time and the power of music to bring peoples and cultures together.
Extra star for Bethany
Well, this is the last album. 1089/1089. It’s hard to believe the experience is over. This was a super chill album to end it on. The guitar parts held my interest but the pace was too slow at times.
Not for me. 1/5
Dobar album, volim njega jako, pogotovo s albuma s Khruangbinom. Umirujuće dosta, paše mi. 3/5, 6.5/10
I enjoyed this! Malian folk, nice for a change! I'm not saving to relisten to though, so perhaps it's just the novelty.
1,4/5
Good background vibes, instrumental. Kevin asked who this was when I was playing it
Very gentle and soothing music. I never had the change to hear this singer before. A good peaceful listening.
I enjoyed the mellow compositions here but after a while it got boring.
An album that is more important than it is good. +1 for exposure of a talent like Ali Farka Touré. Some songs are just jams with too much space, and too long by half. Others are great. Most are saturated in the 90s obsession with chorus effects on guitar. He has better albums.
This album is fine. Big Ry fan but this is only ok
After the first Ali Farka Touré album, I was really looking forward to this one. Did not disappoint, it was a total blast to hear. Right from the first track, Bonde, the beat hooks you in. And Touré's voice is so soothing and chill. Soukora was nice and chill. Gomni had a killer beat. Sega was an instrumental but still a ton of fun. Amandrai reminded me of a Western movie, as did Ai Du. Dairaby had some great music. Loved the album all the way through. Really need to listen to more of him. Best song: Bonde
Beautiful combination of two worlds. I wish I could listen more deeply than I did, but it's a good album overall. Sometimes it sounds like a really unique blend of blues and West African music. However, the album is a bit boring sometimes; I wish I could know why... maybe it's the lack of lyrical content
Thought this was a nice, easy listening album. Not generally my thing, but overall was good background music while working. Seemed to drag on a little long, and there was nothing I really found adverse, but also not something I would revisit. Something about the other dudes name made me laugh whenever I saw it. I though I was seeing a putdown for a lady's private area. Yea, I'm a wierdo. 2
2.5 This is our second outing with Ali on this list, and my opinion is largely unchanged from the first time around - incredibly impressive guitar work, but the songs are too long and repetitive. I liked the sound of just about everything I heard, but each track grew old about halfway through, resulting in this album feeling like a bit of a slog towards the end. That said, I was really impressed with the production on this album. For being over 30 years old, no part of this felt outdated in any way, and the guitars have this great, crisp sound to them that does Farke’s music a lot of favors. That’s probably the most positive thing I can say about this though - while I admire the guy’s guitar work, I just don’t think it’s implemented into great or memorable songwriting, at least not here. Not bad, but would benefit greatly from a bit of trimming - no song here really felt like it needed to be 5+ minutes. Also, Sega had nothing to do with the blue hedgehog (or maybe it did idk I don’t speak Fula).
-this is such a vibe honestly. felt like being in a hookah lounge in a desert. very smooth -interesting how impactful and unique Malian music is. didn’t realize so much of it was this good until i listened to Malian albums on here and from RYM -it kinda went on a little too long imo but still good. the last song is absolutely transcendent -Favorites are Soukora, Ai Du, and Diaraby
I'm coming to the end of this journey soon and thought I was done with world music. I was pleasantly surprised to find this awaiting me this morning. I enjoyed it!! The list has taught me that I like this sort of relaxing world music.
Interesting and evocative hybrid of African desert blues and American blues.
There was a lot of meandering on this album. Didn't feel it.
Good music but not for me
This is a very chill album perfect for a rainy Monday morning. I'm glad I was presented this because I probably would not have listened on my own. One thing is the album says it was released in 1994, but it definitly has a late 80s sound to it. 94 feels a bit late for this sound, but it just means this artist was working through the 80s before he got this album to make stamp.
I found it a pretty calm listen, very consistent and unique sound. It's a mix of folk with some blues. I found it a bit long, as it's almost an hour and the songs are pretty similar between each other. There were a couple of interesting songs, but I found that it wasn't anything to write home about, or not something I'm too likely to revisit. "Soukora" was my favourite, it found it a bit livelier and more interesting than the rest. Not bad, but definitely not a stand out for me.
Perhaps I'm just an ignorant American but it can be difficult to rate some of these "world" albums. There's nothing wrong with this album, at least I don't think there is, I just don't really feel anything willing listening to it. It's cool that this generator put it on my radar but it won't be on there for very long. Favorite track: Ai Du 2.5/5
10/10 very beautiful compositions here I absolutely loved this
Rompe con todo. Música étnica es obvio, pero los puentes hechos no sobran. Gusta mucho aunque no es para nuestros oídos profanos darle tanto tiempo al rezo
This album pretty much mixes traditional African musical styles with blues. It was actually a pretty enjoyable listen, and it had a very earthy, organic, and soulful vibe. Thankfully, it didn’t go on for more than an hour, because I did find myself starting to get a little bored toward the end.
Ok background noise
Good musicians, just not my thing
Nice smooth blending of two obviously talented musicians for a relaxing, mellow listen. Starts off strong, but tends to get a little slow and samey after awhile. Still, this is enjoyable enough to keep my interest to the end and definitely benefits from Ry Cooder's presence, that takes this to the next level.
Cool, passed by
buenos músicos y buena ejecución instrumental pero se me hizo difícil escuchar la hora entera de disco. probablemente no lo vuelva a escuchar
grew up with this one
ok. whatever. this was fine - pleasant enough, but very long and meandering, and not sure why we needed 2 albums??? anyywayyyy
i literally had another ali farka touré album a week ago, so i don't have much to say about this one. it's all about the same. favorites: bonde, soukora, ai du
Good jazz and blues come in any languague. This was a great album its my bad for not knowing the la guague but musicwise is amazing.
- iconic that this guy kept leaving music to focus on his rice farm - crazy beautiful voice. beautiful melody to it all - the music sounds warm
Didn't hate it. Actually, kind of liked a few tracks - cool grooves. Wish I knew the language and could appreciate the lyrics.
I hadn’t heard of Ali Farka Toure just a few days ago, and now I’ve heard two of his albums. This felt in much the same vein as Savane, in that it is nice and chill and wouldn’t feel out of place being played in a cafe. Again, the lyrics go over my head so I can’t comment on how deep and meaningful they may be, but the music itself is pleasant enough.
I felt like I was listening to the same song on an endless loop. It was ok, but I didn’t feel like there was much variety. Awfully repetitive.
I am going to have to read why this made it.
Really enjoyed this, good to learn the name of this gifted musician and performer. I'd like to hear him without Ry as well but it all seemed to mesh well.
Interesting and pleasant enough, but would I listen again? Unlikely.
An interesting mix of African chill and straight-forward blues. I enjoyed it, but it kind of drifted into the background. I'd probably come back to this.
A mix of blues and West African music. I love the way this album just washes over you. I like desert blues , so this is right up my alley. With a consistent style and no lyrics on most tracks. It doesn’t need to cover an hour. Still, very beautiful Low 4
This is a cool record, it feels very honest and reflective of the culture it comes from, while also being a good listen and well produced.
I like this. Good road toward African Blues. I'll enjoy to hear more from him!
In offensive world background music
so boring. also i reconciled with my ex-boyfriend so can i get an album that he loves tomorrow? 2/5
Yeah, I'm not listening to an hour of this. 2 songs was more than enough. Y'all have fun though.
Sometimes it drags on a little bit, but it had a strong start and my favourite was Lasidan. I loved the summer-y vibe of the guitar
Interesting, but also long and repetitive. Ultimately I found it boring. I still acknowledge the talent.
Nice, ages well
It's okay, just not really my style unfortunately! Nothing really stuck with me from it.
I can understand that the repetition of the same drum or bass line throughout each song is a very explicit choice from the style of music this is - but it made me feel impatient and frustrated more than anything, waiting for a chord change that was never going to come. Really wish I liked this, the talent on display is strong.
Very pleasant listen! Easy to throw on as background music but also sounded nice whenever I actively tuned in.
We’ve already had a Mali blues album, Music in Exile by Songhoy Blues. I found that a lot better than this one. This just kinda put me to sleep. It was fine, but I wouldn’t listen normally.
Talking Timbuktu was very refreshing at this point in the challenge. Laid back and full of warmth, it had me in a good mood with just its first few songs. Although some of the middle tracks felt a bit drawn out on first listen, the overall vibe was strong enough to briefly make me consider a 5⭐️. Definitely one I will keep in the rotation and could see growing on me with time.
The vibes on this were immaculate but it didn't stand out to me too much. The middle part kind of faded into the distance. There were definitely good highlights on this, but I dont think I would add to my rotation.
Gorgeous, mellow and a well balanced record - the kind that would fit a lazy afternoon, a walk in the sun or even a rainy evening. Of course cannot appreciate the words but the music is lovely. And it makes for a good album start to finish.
I like a bit of Ali Farka Touré, though I'm a lot more familiar with a couple of his later records. I'm also quite a big fan of Ry Cooder so, on paper at least, this should be a shoo-in. I wouldn't say it was as arresting as some of the work I've heard from either musician elsewhere but it is a charming listen. A low-key, mellow, desert blues.
Blind album and artist. I liked this more than some other world albums for its simple and low beats, and harmonies, and another album that im glad I tried but not for me
I am happy to be exposed to this music due to this list. Fantastic instrument playing by all involved. 3.5/5
rikas. tästä tulee mieleen rikkaus.. ei maallinen, mutta spirituaalinen.. nämähän ovat köyhiä paskoja. likaisia ja haisevia.. mutta ainakin jossain sisimmässä olemuksessa, öö onnellisia? afrikkalaiset heh.. en voi uskoa että tämä oli melkein 30!!! (kolmekymmentä, 3x10) vuotta sitten.. huhhuh antiikin ajoista niin niin kauan kauan sitten en voi uskoa! artistin kuunnelluimmat kaupungit ovat pariisi, brysseli, amsterdam, lontoo ja berliini.. se on hulvattoman hauska fakta heh. mikä on kaukaisin paikka johon olet matkannut? kysyy roope ankka. käsivarsi nousee intona, ja etusormi kädellä vielä korkeammalle, peppukin nousee penkistä: TIMBUKTU! heheh nauraa roope.. mites kuulostaa avaruus? vähän kauenmpana kuin pikkukaupungit siellä afrikanmaissa.. gomni
I am uncultured. I need to hear some Songhai Music which is not blues tinged, because most bluesy music knocks at least a star off due to my broken brain. My God I struggled with this record. I can hear that the performances are good. I'm into the vocals. I'm not into the hypnotic, winding melodies. If I was in a trance like state, meditating or at a serene cafe reading a book then maybe I'd be able to understand it better
2.5
For an album in a language I do not speak, this completely blew me away, as well as introduced me to several other world artists such as Boubacar Traore(Kele), Oumou Sangare(Ah Ndiya), The Touré-Raichel Collective(Azawade), and Vieux Farka Touré (Slow Jam). A really great into to African music.
Amazing. Felt like I was gonna have a epic showdown at dusk.
🎧Not bad, pleasant enough
I love the voice, the emotion and the strength in the songs. But I would say they are a little all over the place. Sometimes tropical, sometimes tribal, sometimes blues, sometimes rock. Each song individually I like and enjoy but as an overall album I am somewhat confused.
These African desert blues make chill background music. I’m familiar with Ali Farka Toure as I’ve had one of his albums for 20ish years. I don’t feel the need to come back to this style of music everyday, but occasionally it comes in to cleanse my musical palette and make me interested again in the variety of music that exists in the world.
This was a lovely album, it had a soothing quality and a nice variety of musical compositions. My favorite track was Soukora, it's the kind of song that can heal your soul and make the ugly in the world fall away. Also really liked the bluesy Amandrai and Ai Du, they're so chill and hypnotic. I would've loved to see him perform live.
World music blues; multiple languages. What is there not to like?
THIS is the kind of mix I hoped for when I read this guy’s bio! A very interesting and enjoyable album. Far superior to Ali Farka Touré‘s other album on this list.
Faint reminiscence here.... Funky. Feels multi-genre'd. But it's not. Wonder if my dad played it around the house. Not going to make an impression on me.
Super chill album
Good vibe, but music felt the same theougout
Solid listen. Liked this
I honestly loved this album. This is what this list is all about—finding awesome albums that I would’ve never found before if I was just listening. 4/5 because after a while it felt repetitive but there was enough variety where I enjoyed the whole listen. Would definitely listen again 100%
Fantastic guitar, great drums, Good vibes, Great album high 4
Dope guitar. Some parts reminded me of Graceland
One of my favs so far
Cool but also not much variation
Very good!
This is the kind of "world" music I really dig. I love how it feels familiar and yet different. The blues mixed with folk elements really work.
Not bad. I'm not the biggest fan of world music, but I can enjoy it every so often. A lot of fun guitar parts in this one, and you can defintely hear the Ry Cooder input. My standout song is Lasidan.
A little long, a little homogeneous, but when this album does shine it shines bright.
Have never heard of this artist and didn’t realise who Ry Cooder was but damn this was a treat.
I got into Ali Farka Toure after reading Matthew Mccounoghy’s book Greenlights. And really liked him. Plus I love Ru Cooder. So for me this is a perfect match. Love this album.
While I appreciate that this list has introduced me to something new, I’ve never heard of this guy before, but it was not for me. I found this to be dull and overly long.
There is a whole lot of Africa to listen to without including a second Ali Farka Toure forced date of an album with roots magpie Ry Cooder doin da blooze. The record is ok but, dude. Pass the aux cable.
I know Ry Cooder mainly from his work producing the blockbuster project Buena Vista Social Club, which was essentially a supergroup of mostly retired legendary Cuban musicians. This album predates that by a couple years and sees him lending his guitar playing in addition to producing. That's one of the main differences I hear between this and Savane, the Ali Farka Touré album we reviewed last week. As was the case with Buena Vista, the production is crisp and clean and showcases the musicianship and unique textures of Touré's desert blues. I also notice the influence of Delta blues, especially on "Amandrai" and "Ai Du," which adds some nice fiddle accents.
Liked this one a bit better than the last one by him, but still meh.
I like Toure, though would not go out of my way to find one of his albums as I find there are a lot of other desert blues artists out there that I simply prefer more. I like Cooder, though would not go out of my way to find one of his albums as I find there are a lot of other guitarists out there that I simply prefer more. But I own this album. Because together, they made something great (not unlike Cooder's contributions to 'Buena Vista Social Club'.) Some artists are best as the main course. Others are better as ingredients mixed together. As for the recording, it's has a wonderful live room sound. Sounds great. And the track 'Soukora' is simply heartwarming.
Refreshingly different, but you really have to be a fan of acoustic guitars and Africa, or a hipster beyond compare, to enjoy this unironically.
Oh, well, this didn't do much for me. a bit repetetive in its musical motifs, even if they were cute.
I had the gravel wheels on my bike, so I went for an off-road course and got a bit lost and scratched up. It was a nice day. I had this as my soundtrack and it was perfect. I should probably get a job, but for now this feels like it's what life is about. Why can't we just do shit like this all day, every day.
Very reminiscent of Paul Simons Graceland album.....faintly.
Good vibes for having on while working
Never heard of this or listened to it, love it! 5 bagger!
Talking Timbuktu didn’t do much for me overall — kind of boring, to be honest. That said, it did make for a pretty relaxing soundtrack on a long road trip. It’s chill background music, but not something I’d actively choose to listen to again.
Happy to listen to anything that’s not US/UK rock, I wish this list had more music from around the world. Unique sounds and arrangements, but overall an enjoyable listen. Perfect for a late Summer afternoon.
Great writing, excellent musicianship.
Boring, simplistic & repetitive
Cool
It's not bad, but I can't connect with it. 3/5
A step and a half down from Ziggy Stardust, both in song writing and performance, but still...I gotta give it 4 stars, which may tell you more about how highly I rate ZS. I think we have to admit that at this point of his life and his fame, David was pretty fucked up. Don't do drugs, kids. The album is a portrait of a disordered mind, but his musicianship drags some of the material to a higher plane. My favorites are Jean Genie and Panic in Detroit. Drive-In Saturday is good too. The cover art is iconic and worth half a star alone. So, 3.5 stars for the content, .5 stars for the album art? Yeah, whatever.
I never appreciated Blues and jazz but since this 1,0001 album journey, I am starting to enjoy both.
I really dig the blues influence here. It was a little same sounding but overall a good listen.
I'll be honest it was in one ear and right out the other. I don't remember anything from it and I listened to it less than 24 hours ago 4/10
It was ok, I wouldn’t be in a rush to listen to it again though
3.5
I like this guy a lot, this is a really cool twist on the blues. Perfect for when the sun is beating down.
Complete
Nothing crazy to me. Hearing a western-African fusion was a little interesting.
I enjoyed this album very much. The sounds were mature and beautiful.
Appreciate the musicality but quite inaccessible for me.
This fucks! First album so far that has some syncopation to it and I'm here for it. I don't speak Afrikaans but damn he spittin.
I have NEVER heard music like this and I really enjoyed it. He is an amazing guitar player, and I've had Bonde stuck in my head for the last day or so. It's the first album in this challenge that actually made me feel something when listening, and I have also learned a bit about Malian culture through this album, so it's a win for culture.
Based
Absolutely no clue what they're singing about, but loved this.
This is a pretty good album. Some of it can be repeative but overall an enjoyable listen. The more bluesy numbers with Ry Cooder are the standouts.
Previously rated: Savane (2/5) ********************** Chill, but repetitive African music with some blues infused in it. Better than his last one.
very enjoyable
Some pleasant listening! A pretty wild collab tbh!
This is nice