There is undoubtedly a buzz around Ethiopian music at the moment: Jim Jarmusch was determined to make it a key component of Broken Flowers and Gilles Peterson has been championing it on Radio 1. And it seems to have garnered a rather star-studded following: Damon Albarn, Elvis Costello, Robert Plant, Tom Waits and Brian Eno amongst them.

However, it's the reaction from my circle of friends that convinced me this music really has something: everyone loves it- from the heads to the most conservative of tastes, they all dig it. There are few albums I can play at a party that get respect from the music savvy without getting groans from the uninitiated (and vice-versa).

There's a great web site where I first heard the music, you can also watch clips, read reviews, discuss the music etc there. Don't think I'm allowed to include web addresses but do a search on 'The Very Best of Ethiopiques' and you'll find it. Enjoy!

This album series compiling sounds from 60's and 70's Ethiopia, has had much interest from major celebrities such as Elvis Costello and Plant. To the usual western audience though, the names of the artists and songs may not have much meaning, however this does not take away the fact that every track on this album is very alluring and intriguing!
When listening to the album for the first time, the sound immediately reminds you of typical funk, blues and jazz...but with a twist! A very rich, well compiled album, and a great addition to the series, would recommend to anyone.
5 stars!!!!!