The Music in My Head
This soundtrack to a book stands perfectly well alone, picking up some west African classics from the 1970s and '80s, when the music was finding its identity--as well as some obscure gems. This mix is close to perfect--in fact, the only clanger is the slick Parisian production from Omar Pene and Super Diamono. There's a young Youssou N'Dour with "Etoile de Dakar"--then the mature man of the '90s--in total command of his music; Salif Keita; and, of course, some classic work from the inimitable Franco. The standout, however, has to be "Etoile 2000," where fuzzed-out, psychedelic guitar meets Afropop, and the percussion adds dub touches; you've never heard anything like this before. A compilation that goes behind the curtain of African music and uncovers therealroots gems.--Chris Nickson