Rachid Taha is not the first artist to blend Arab and Western musical styles, but he is certainly one of the most innovative. Born in Algeria, but residing in France since age ten, Taha fronted a highly political punk band in his teens, then made his mark as an equally radical DJ before launching a solo career. Made in Medina is the latest in his string of crossover creations. Recorded on three continents and four countries (U.S., U.K., France, and Morocco), utilizing musicians from equally far flung locales, and overseen by long-time producer Steve Hillage, the album is brimming with the exotic and the familiar. With lyrics in English, French, and, at one point, Berber, the sleeve notes provide English translations and explain the songs' core message and musical roots. Like a sumptuous banquet, Medina is a rich mix of dishes, one that will tempt even the most jaded palette. Inevitably, it will be branded world music, a label guaranteed to scare off much of Taha's prospective audience. There's crunching punk numbers, as hardcore as any anarcho-punk band's, but sliced with techno beats, sure to appeal to Prodigy fans. Spanish-flavored numbers are perfect for the salsa crowd, Afro-pop with a syncopated beat are sure to capture reggae fans, and there's even a space rock number for the ambient/prog rockers. With lyrical themes that run the gambit from alienation to the spiritual, Taha's appeal across genres is evident. And while it may sound like a shopping list for an international emporium, in fact, Medina has an extremely coherent sound, built on prominent, danceable rhythms, strong melodies, and powerful vocals, all shot through with a Middle Eastern flavor. A truly world sound. ~ Jo-Ann Greene
Recorded at Milo, The Garden, A-Wave, London, England; American Sector, New Orleans, Louisiana; Studio De Belleville, Paris, France.
Personnel includes: Rachid Taha (vocals); Steve Hillag (guitar, programming); Jeff Raines (guitar); Mahmoud Serour, Bob Loveday (violin); Geoff Richardson (viola); Helen Liebmann (cello); Jean-Max Mery, Rich Vogel (keyboards); Robert Mercurio (bass); Stanton Moore, Abdel Abrit (drums); B'net Marrakesh, Hakim Hamadouche (percussion, background vocals); Hossam Ramzy, Hassan Lachal, Magid Serour (percussion).
Arabic,Rai
Q (8/01, p.141) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...A veritable cauldron of rock, trance and techno beats, heavily spiced with Arabic flavors and served with appropriately pungent vocals..." Mojo (Publisher) (4/01, p.112) - "...It's simultaneously a rock album, an invitation to dance and a rai head-trip 'par excellence'..."
(*) MP3 for this song is from a different CD. Listen to the sound sample to be sure this is the version you're looking for.
Made In Medina Music Review
Customer Made In Medina Reviews
Average Rating: (4 out of 5 stars)
east/west in perfect fusion well well well,world music is looking good and healthy these days if this superb cd is anything to go by.grabs you by the scruff of the neck from track 1 and shakes you through to the last song.if you like your world music with a bit more edge a bit more bite "made in medina" is the one for you.a lot of the tracks are cowritten with that old hippy steve hillage but dont let that put you off he adds rather than subtracts from the myriad of influences and as producer gels it all together superbly.
i advise you if your buying one exotic cd this year go for this ,you wont be disappointed. Submitted by a reviewer (manchester uk) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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