Latest cds reviewed

KHALED ****
Ya-Rayi
Wrasse

This is the man rock 'n' roots critic Charlie Gillet proclaimed one of the finest voices working in popular music. Khaled is a superstar in Algeria and among the ex-pat community in France. He sings a pop version of rai, the music of dissent and anti-authoritarianism that has its stronghold in the port city of Oman. That's the bones of it, and on the surface Ya-Rayi is a punchy, attractive example of rai pop style: exotic rhythms criss-crossed with strong melodies, as well as more traditional (and interesting) Algerian sounds, all delivered with impressive flair and verve. View the accompanying DVD and a new layer of meaning becomes apparent. To appreciate world music, it is vital that the context in which the music is created is understood.

www.wrasserecords.com

RACHID TAHA ***
Tekitoi
Wrasse Records

Whereas Khaled grew up in Algeria and only went to France as an established artist, Rachid Taha grew up in France. The difference in their approach is obvious. Taha's music is biting and angry; it's no surprise that he includes a version of The Clash's Rock the Casbah, as he sees himself in the punk tradition. In France Taha is seen as Algerian, but in the Maghreb he is often considered European. This duality is apparent in the way he mashes traditional strings and rhythms into rock drums and snarling guitars. When it works, it works well, the traditional influences colouring the thump of the rockist rumble. When it doesn't, it sounds like outlandish Euro rock. www.rachidtaha.com