Songlines Top of the World 87 Compilation

Here’s the highlights from the latest Songlines free compilation…

Staff Benda Billilli – ‘LibalaYa Mungwa’

I’ve never managed to work up much enthusiasm for them before but this is a cracking track. Tinkling guitars, pulsing rhythms and weird squeaky instruments combine in a swirling tide of joyous African melodies. Nice work!

Homayun Sakhi – Kataghani

Laidback instrumental out of Central Asia. Quality music for driving at night, bizarrely.

Lo’Jo – Deux Batons

Quirky French action that reminds me of the classic La Bottine Souriante, but with Spanish guitar and female backing vocals. Lovely!

Rokia Traore – Tounka

You wonder what all the fuss is about, then you hear her sing. Rokia can really belt it out, but with a subtlety that never strays into warbling territory. This is powerful, lilting and hypnotic; a festive 50 certainty I would have thought.