Global music

Originally published in the Ketchikan Daily News, July 2008; written by Lisa Pearson.

It used to be that music was relatively easy to categorize and label, and as librarians we are big on putting things in categories. The growing popularity of world music and the creative collaborations between global artists has led to more and more hybrid albums, where the music is a concoction of different sounds, influences and rhythms. We have a few new CDs on our shelves that epitomize this international approach to music.

“A Mad & Faithful Telling” is by the Denver-based band Devotchka. This band may consist of only four members, but the sound on this disc is practically orchestral. Using strings, horns and woodwinds, Devotchka manages to blend the sounds of Eastern Europe and Mexico with alternative rock to produce music that is completely unique. The tracks on this album alternate between feisty dance music and beautiful ballads, helped along by the voice of Nick Urata. This CD is unusual but extremely easy to listen to, and will appeal to a wide variety of tastes.

“Mandé Variations” is by the Malian artist Toumani Diabaté. Diabaté is a world-renowned virtuoso of the kora, which is a 21-string harp from Africa. Although this is a very traditional folk instrument with the technique passed down through families, Diabaté has incorporated influences from Europe and Asia into his music. The result is a beautiful, relaxing sound that kind of washes over you. To my untutored ear, it sounds like a mixture of classical guitar and Celtic harp, with a little sitar thrown in. This is a truly lovely album.

“Rusted Root Live” is a 2-disc CD by Rusted Root. This Pittsburg-based band is all about rhythm, but their true genius lies in the inspired jam sessions they produce during live concerts. This album, which was recorded during their 2003 tour, features some great performances of their biggest hits, including ‘Cruel Sun’, ‘Cat Turned Blue’ and ‘Ecstasy’. Their sound is an interesting mixture of blues, rock, bluegrass and world music. There are plenty of African and Latin American rhythms on this CD, and it will make you want to dance around the house.

“Venus on Earth” is by the L.A.-based band Dengue Fever. If you listen to NPR, you have probably heard about this band. They have been interviewed on Fresh Air, World Café, and The World and their blend of psychedelic rock and Cambodian pop has been gathering a lot of critical attention. Most of the lyrics are sung in Khmer by Chhom Nimol, but the music is an intriguing mixture of 60’s surf, lounge music, klezmer and garage band. This band, formed by brothers Ethan and Zac Holtzman, has gone from covering Cambodian pop classics to writing their own music, and although I find the vocals to be an acquired taste, the overall sound is very interesting.

So if you are in the mood for some music that is outside the ordinary, try one of our new CDs. We have a stereo available for use at the library so that you can listen to the discs before you check them out. Since our CD collection currently contains over 1,700 albums, I would imagine that we have something on the shelf to suit every musical taste and mood and we are always open to suggestions for new titles. So check it out, plug it in, and turn it up!