Atmospheric desert blues straight out of Africa

Tinariwen is a group of Tuareg musicians hailing from Mali, Libya and other African nations that perform a mix of traditional Tuareg music and Western guitar rock called “desert blues‰” featuring apparently political lyrics. I say “apparently political‰” because I speak neither Tuareg nor Arabic, the two languages Tinariwen perform in, but that doesn‰’t curb any possible enjoyment of the music. The music is atmospheric and expansive and mentally places you in African deserts, juxtaposing Tuareg rhythms and percussions and enchanting vocals with gritty electric guitar. The language barrier can make some of the songwriting seem repetitive, but the band deviates from the formula a little bit with the upbeat shuffle of “Imdiwanin Ahi Tifhamam‰” and the acoustic closer “Aghregh Medin (Hassan‰’s Song).‰” Not the most accessible release for Western listeners, Emmaar is nonetheless an interesting record.

RIYL: Ali Farka Toure, Goat, Miriam & Amadou
Recommended: 5, 7, 8, 11