Amadou & Mariam - Welcome To Mali (2008)

Amadou & Mariam create music that can just as easily tranquilly wash over you in your favorite easy chair, as make you dance right out of your pants, or dashiki. Similarly to the impeccable Dimanche À Bamako, Welcome To Mali is "world music" for people who do not (as well as those who do) typically listen to world music. Although the African influences are unambiguous, the album transcends the typical musical barriers between "western" and "not-so-western;" English language and not-so-English-language; and the "familiar" and "not-so-familiar." The source of this unique attribute appears to be Amadou & Mariam's willingness and foresight to work with producers who have pioneered the world-western crossover, and in doing so, blend universal pop hooks, mesmerizing bluesy electric guitar, with absolutely addicting dance rhythms and charming sing-a-long vocals (albeit in French, but that's the entire point: You do not have to understand it to enjoy it.) Welcome To Mali is perfect to mix it up a bit at your next party, or to simply impress others with your eclectic taste, but ultimately, you don't need ulterior motives to dig this album.

Personal favorites: "Sebeke (including the secret song)," "DJama," "Ce N'est Pas Bon," & "Masiteladi."

The Very Best - Esau Mwamwaya And Radioclit Are The Very Best (2008)

So far this album is my favorite new find off Pitchfork's The 50 Best Albums of 2008 list. For starters they sample a ton of artists that made the our Quickcrit lists, specifically Santogold, M.I.A., Vampire Weekend, and the Ruby Suns. Take all those bands, some other cool bands I likely missed, add a healthy dose of Amadou & Mariam and throw it in for a couple spins in El Guincho's blender and you have a fair idea about how awesome this album sounds. Oh, and right now they are giving it away free on their Myspace page. Of course, check out "Kamphopo" (the Pitchfork recommended track), but also listen to them steal the beat from "Paper Planes" on o "Tengazako" and their reappropriation of "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa". At times the album reminds me of the way Girl Talk references pop hits, dresses them up, and gets them ready to party. However, don't get the impression that this album is all remixing and sampling. It's not. The Very Best mostly play and sing their own songs — their orginal work fitting in perfectly with the groups they reference.