Ole Ole
This album was released in 1996, two years before the superb and rootsyDiwân, and the signs forOlé Oléare apparent from the cover, where the singer appears with trendily bleached hair. Formerly in the bandCarte de Sejour(whose album had been produced by ex-Gongguitarist Steve Hillage), Rachid Taha can be political but here also tries to play heavily to the Euro-dance crowd. Heavy on the beats, and ultimately light on the Arabic content, this CD is an attempt to win as wide an audience as possible. For example, check out the surf music references on "Jungle Fiction." The disc is not without its moments (indeed, "Kelma" is a song ahead of its time as far as crossover goes), and with Hillage behind the board there is some sense of adventure. But while perfectly enjoyable, it's not Taha at his best.--Chris Nickson