Category: (Music)
18 new, starting at $11.14
4 used, starting at $9.47
THE VERY BEST embodies a without-borders approach to music-making that could only happen in the 21st century. On their debut album, WARM HEART OF AFRICA, the group, started by European production duo Radioclit and Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya, concoct new global pop that lands somewhere between a Michael Jackson break-beat and a dancier version of Paul Simon's Graceland. THE VERY BEST are Esau Mwamwaya (Malawi), Etienne Tron (France) and Johan Karlberg (Sweden). Also featured on the album is singer M.I.A. and Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig.
LOVE IT!Reviewed by C. Firth, 2010-01-05
I just wanted to send a quick review - I love this CD. I am always looking for culturally diverse music and this one is fantastic! It makes me want to get up and dance! And in a funny way - it's very soothing and makes me smile. I'll be looking for more from The Very Best. :)
The Very Best...indeedReviewed by S. Bidwell, 2009-10-29
After falling in love with their mixtape last year, I'm pleased to
announce The Very Best's proper debut album is worth every penny.
As the title suggests, the album comes off as very friendly and
light-hearted. Now, you must understand that this is all a leap of
faith for me since a good majority of the lyrics are in a language
that I don't understand. I'm making my assessment - for better or
worse - based on the music.
There are two guest appearances on the album. The first is Vampire
Weekend's lead singer, and the second is M.I.A. Both are very good.
However I'm the real gems on this album are Nsokoto and Julia.
Nsokoto actually took a few listens to sink in, and it's typically
these songs which stay with me the longest. There's a lot bubbling
beneath the surface of it. Julia is just plain fun -- it'll be
stuck in your head for days.
In all, this album is very, very accessible. It might work best
blasting in your car as you speed down the highway, but it's also
something you can listen to through your headphones and relax in
your reclining chair.
Also, I should add that I don't write many reviews for Amazon, but
I'd like to do more in the future. I'm purposefully not saying too
much about the music because I feel that these things are so
subjective. However, if anyone wants to discuss particular songs in
depth, please engage me in the comments section.
Supreme!Reviewed by A. Living Creature, 2009-10-29
This is an amazing album. I've been listening to this and the
band's previously released free mixtape almost continuously for the
past week. Esau, the singer from Malawi who is the center of the
show here, has one of the most beautiful and warm voices I've ever
heard. Infectiously happy, irresistible dance grooves, expansive
and invigorating music. I played one track for my brother the other
day, after he was skeptical of my superlative praise, and he just
melted in the headphones. "The Very Best" is a truly appropriate
name in this case, because they really live up to it.
Most of the songs are in Esau's native language, and I don't
understand a word, but it doesn't matter at all, the feeling that
comes across is everything. [Update: I just took a moment to read
the digital liner notes with lyrics for each song translated into
English, and my appreciation of this album has grown tremendously.
It has become clear to me just how passionate and courageous these
songs are in their meaning. It is clear that they come from the
deepest place in the human heart.] Definitely the best music I've
heard all year. Don't hesitate. The album is worth every cent.
Actually, I'll now say that I would've happily payed double the
purchase price for this. It's one of those things... I think it's
been about five years since an album of music this refreshing
entered my life. Support these guys! I'll be praying they're around
to keep making music this good and better for a good long
while.
Highest recommendation!
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