#3. Bombino - Nomad
Bombino - Azamane Tiliade
Well it's December and that means time to reflect on the past year in music. This year saw highly anticipated releases from household names such as Kanye West and Justin Timberlake, brilliant introductions from the likes of Jake Bugg and Chance the Rapper, and grizzled vets proving they still have what it takes to compete in the music biz in 2013 including David Bowie and Paul McCartney. All of these albums were great but they still could not make the cut (you'll see some in the honourable mentions section to come). So without further adieu I shall continue Some Strange Storm's Top 5 Albums of 2013.
In 2013 I discovered Bombino, aka Omara Moctar, a singer and insanely gifted blues guitarist from Niger. I wrote about him earlier this year in July. He has a crazy history of exile, executions, and the struggle for peace and I strongly recommend that you quickly check it out here:
http://somestrangestorm.blogspot.ca/2013_07_01_archive.html
Nomad is an album that commands multiple listenings. Produced by Black Keys guitarist and lead singer Dan Auerbach the album is deeply rooted in the blues and Dan gives it an electric, sonic boost. The album opens with "Amidinine", a catchy track with blazing guitar and sing-along chorus. Things tone down a bit with the chill "Ahulakamine Hulan" before kicking into another high gear for today's tune "Azamane Tiliade". This is one of those songs that instantly pumps you up. Although you can't understand a word he's saying, unless you are fluent in the Tamashek language of the nomadic Tuareg people, you know that this is a political song. Bombino sings with an intense fury that is echoed by his guitar shredding. Whenever I'm pissed off about something I turn to this track for inspiration in my writing. A brilliant song that you must check out as well as the psychedelic video that features Auerbach.
Other album highlights include the instrumental "Niamey Jam" with its buzzing organ part and choppy guitar, "Her Tenere" which must be a love song as Bombino sings with romantic passion, and the closer "Tamiditine" which is an incredibly peaceful statement song. You can hear the sadness in Bombino's voice but lurking close behind is hope; a hope for peace and happiness to his people. A brilliant desert blues song.
I won't be able to make another post til after Christmas so I'll say Merry Christmas! Be safe this holiday season and just "enjoy getting drunk and stoned with your friends and family, because that is really what Christmas is all about." - Ricky
Stay tuned for #2
http://somestrangestorm.blogspot.ca/2013_07_01_archive.html
Nomad is an album that commands multiple listenings. Produced by Black Keys guitarist and lead singer Dan Auerbach the album is deeply rooted in the blues and Dan gives it an electric, sonic boost. The album opens with "Amidinine", a catchy track with blazing guitar and sing-along chorus. Things tone down a bit with the chill "Ahulakamine Hulan" before kicking into another high gear for today's tune "Azamane Tiliade". This is one of those songs that instantly pumps you up. Although you can't understand a word he's saying, unless you are fluent in the Tamashek language of the nomadic Tuareg people, you know that this is a political song. Bombino sings with an intense fury that is echoed by his guitar shredding. Whenever I'm pissed off about something I turn to this track for inspiration in my writing. A brilliant song that you must check out as well as the psychedelic video that features Auerbach.
Other album highlights include the instrumental "Niamey Jam" with its buzzing organ part and choppy guitar, "Her Tenere" which must be a love song as Bombino sings with romantic passion, and the closer "Tamiditine" which is an incredibly peaceful statement song. You can hear the sadness in Bombino's voice but lurking close behind is hope; a hope for peace and happiness to his people. A brilliant desert blues song.
I won't be able to make another post til after Christmas so I'll say Merry Christmas! Be safe this holiday season and just "enjoy getting drunk and stoned with your friends and family, because that is really what Christmas is all about." - Ricky
Stay tuned for #2
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