RACHID TAHA
"Rachid Taha Live"(2002)
Hypnotic effect, hyp, hyp, hypnotic effect - what is this music? Music for a new century? I can't understand the lyrics yet it drives me wild. Algerian born Rachid Taha has created an explosive and electric fusion between rock and other world music styles. He combines South African and Middle Eastern tunes that when mixed with electronic sampling, synthesizers, thrashing drums, and talented guitar players create something completely new, raw and wild to this side of the world. This music is beyond what you'd expect. Is wild dance, thrashing music with hard rock entwined and almost wicked sounding. Taha brings out a new creepiness to his music that is rooted in ancient times, yet these guys are anything but ordinary and perhaps that's what I like about them. They are produced and arranged by Steve Hillage, who also plays the guitar in "Bent Sahra", "Barra Barra", "Foqt Foqt", "Ala Jalkoum" and "Garab".
To give you an idea of what you might expect... remember Sting's "Desert Rose", when he teamed up with Cheb Mami, raï superstar, well imagine those tunes only harder - much harder. And remember how when U2 came out with "Sunday Bloody Sunday Live" album? Well it sort of reminds me of Bono's interaction with the crowds and mouthy, rowdy lyrics. But that's just a hint. This music is energetic and is my understanding that the lyrics involve the description of the immigrant's experince in France. This CD is rhythm and melodies invaded by heavy metal and it speaks to many cultures, yet I don't know if to describe it as pop music, transy rock or house inspired electronica.
Well whatever it may be, I sure am glad I was introduced to Rachid Taha's outa control funky tunes. I don't understand it... true... but the passionate chants and accustic guitar playing speak for themselves - makes me think of gypsy chants of long ago, of far away lands. So ladies grab this CD and dance dance dance and feel sexy. Remember that belly dancing is an awesome exercise and who cares if you can't understand the lyrics. You won't miss them that much and it didn't stop me from singing along. (Ouchy) I can assure you this CD is not for everyone. It is heard on BBC Radio. Fellas if you possess a hint of funkiness then check this CD out and experience a new wave of funkiness.
I would definitely bring this CD out to a house party and let the people get all wild. Note to hardcore metal fans - don't knock it 'til you try it! All I can say is this CD possesses some brilliantly hypnotic rhythms. I should sign up for French lessons though. It would be kinda nice to know what they are saying. Ciao!
Leydi Diaz
"Metal Masters"
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Rachid Taha rules the raï music scene with a hip sound that gathers up both the desert rhythms of North African traditional music and the unbridled energy of rock and electronic dance music. A genuine global star, Taha plays to the masses in Africa, Asia and Europe, and some Americans have been lucky enough to see this galvanizing performer in midsize clubs. In either setting there is a heady atmosphere of a wild Algerian frat party that is barely under control. Recorded during a single show in Brussels while touring behind the excellent "Made in Medina" (five of the set's 11 songs are from this album), "Live" features great tunes performed by Taha's working band and a few special guests. "Live" also captures the essence of the Taha performance. Sometimes bantering good-naturedly with the crowd in French, sometimes whipping them into a cheering frenzy, Taha proves that he is the consummate entertainer. This album is what live music is all about - great music, good times and hanging out with people.
Tad Hendrickson
"Amazon.com"
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Taha is a gifted, charismatic singer, a rebel figure in Arab rock/raï, and this live trawl through his back catalogue mixes the fire of punk with the intensity and invention that's made his recent studio discs remarkable listening. In concert he and his band are an unstoppable force, especially with their take on the classic "Ya Rayah" and his Zeppelinesque "Foqt Foqt". However, much is spoiled by his guitarist, who spouts annoying heavy-metal cliches that drag this down toward the mundane, and as a result it will find a place on the shelf of the die-hard Taha fan, but not many others.
Chris Nickson
"Saudi Aramco World"
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Algerian singer Rachid Taha grew up in France, where the intermingling of cultures inspired him to combine traditional Arabic music with rock and Algerian raï. The danceable pop raï sound that became popular in the '80s is in full effect on "Live". Taha's charisma and frenetic energy are showcased throughout the 11-track CD, as is his penchant for rock star posturing a la Bono. But the jangling Arabic rhythms, explosive guitar solos and emotional vocals make the album well worth a listen.
Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
"All Music Guide"
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Vibey or what! With Steve Hillage.
The ultimate Arabic rhythm/techno live album? So irresistably up there that you find your body moving before you realise what's happening. Recorded in Brussels in November 2001 it's produced, mixed and arranged by Steve who also plays in the second half of the album. This UK version comes as a triple fold-out didgi-pak.
If Steve and Rachid's "Made in Medina" did it for you then here it is live with knobs on - and huge bloody great knobs they are as well - love it!
Octave
"Planet Gong"
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French-Algerian singer Rachid Taha's view of world events is not one that's shared by many people. He was quoted recently by BBC's "The World" as saying, "When I hear George Bush, and when I hear Osama bin Laden, I hear two bedouin nomads. The only difference he says, is that one of them is from the desert of Texas and drives an SUV, and the other is from the desert of Saudi Arabia and rides a dromedary". Taha says Bush and bin Laden come from similar well-heeled backgrounds. And both, he says, use a similar fundamentalist rhetoric.
