41 of 41 people found the following review helpful
Authentic African Tunes with Western Production Values,
March 16, 2006 P. Kingsriter "R.N. Guy" (Lakeville, MN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: African Playground (Audio CD)
All ethnic music appreciation education should be this fun! The Putumayo production company has done what had previously seemed impossible: Allow African artists to play THEIR music, not westernize it into unrecognizability (ala Deep Forest), but expertly produce it with a quality and clarity not previously available in that continent. This is one excellent album.
Some high points: 1) The music is a fine cross-section of African musicology. There's representation from literally every continental compass point. The selections demonstrate a fine variety from the South African song that according to the liner notes inspired THE TOKENS hit "The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh)", to a West African tune that has shades of a breezy mediterranean luluby.
2) The performances are excellent. (I lived in Kenya for a number of years and THEM MUSHROOMS, the presenters of "Jambo Bwana", were very frequently on the AM dial, though they never sounded this good!) These are...Read more
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Batu! Batu!!!,
July 21, 2003 Kendall (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: African Playground (Audio CD)
This is the perfect CD for the whole family to enjoy in the car. Our children from ages 1 to 13 love it. One year old Eleanor can hardly speak English, but she can sing along to these colorful, rhythmic songs from all parts of Africa. Listening to this CD is a truly enjoyable experience and it is hard not to sing along. Buy it, you'll adore it forever.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
FUN FUN FUN!!!,
July 12, 2006 kme118 "kme118" - See all my reviews
This review is from: African Playground (Audio CD)
I originally purchased this CD to listen to with the twins I care for (I am trying to expose them to all the music of the world). This CD turned out to be an awesome everyday CD for me. I like to listen to it while I am cleaning because it is upbeat and fun. Buy this CD. You will LOVE it!!!
(30 customer reviews)