BOB'S BLOG » Bobcast

Best in Global Beats 2009

bobbystrange — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 07:45:13 +0000

Below is a list, in no particular order, of what I deem to be the best records of 2009 in the broadly defined category of global beats. Of course, it skews towards Africa and Afro-infused music, and note that I only include “bands” so much as those continue to exist, and not DJs, which would really warrant another list altogether. I’m also including a mix of one track off of each of the records respectively, and purposely excluded tracks that appeared on any of this year’s inaugural Bobcasts. For those of you who missed any of the dozen or so mixes I put together this year, you can check out the 2009 archives, which includes compilations of Latin, Funk, Hip-Hop, Reggae, African and everything in between.

As always you can purchase tracks on the mixes from the provided links.

Lastly, thanks to all of you who listened and posted comments – or told me in person you liked the music. It really motivates me to get out of the daily grind of foreign policy and do something fun that I love. Music. Happy New Year.

Bobby Strange Presents:

Listen the Best in Global Beats Mix 2009

Right Click for Download

Baaba Maal
Television
Country: Senegal
Buy on LaLa

This record came out at the end of 2009 and I immediately fell in love with it. Maal, one of the kings of Afro-pop, teamed up with Brazilian Girls to make a beautifully fused piece of African electronica. If you have not checked out the video for “Television” here it is. I was lucky enough to interview Maal in New York City a few years ago, but he got annoyed with me because I asked him too many political questions. No worries Baaba. Keep making great music. Track Selection in Mix: “International”

Fat Freddy’s Drop
Dr Boondigga & The Big BW Broken
Country: New Zealand
Buy on Lala

These dudes are just the smoothest blues dub collective in any town around the world. They’re finally coming to tour the U.S. and aren’t coming to NYC, to the chagrin of many – though they do promise to be back. I hope so. Track Selection in Mix: “Boondigga”

Ocote Soul Sounds And Adrian Quesada
Coconut Rock
Country: U.S.A./NYC
Buy on Lala

Martín Perna of the Brooklyn-based Afro-beat ensemble Anitbalas teams up with Adrian Quesada to put a distinctively gritty Latin spin on the style that has swept the nation by storm over the past few years, climaxing with Antibalas stepping in as the house band in the hit Broadway musical…wait for it….FELA. If you haven’t seen it. See it. Track Selection in Mix: “Coconut Rock”

Fools Gold
Fool’s Gold
Country: U.S.A./LA
Buy on Lala

I saw this Los Angeles-based Afro-pop band play at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn and they are legit. The singer is a cool LA cat who sports a white suit as the band plays everything from East African guitar pop to West African blues. He even sings in Hebrew to give it a pretty crazy sound. Speaking of crazy, check out their video for Surprise Hotel. Track Selection in Mix: “Nadine”

Tinariwen
Imidiwan: Companions
Mali/Sahara Nomads
Buy on Lala

Tinariwen has been interpreting Western music to define the sound of Desert Blues for years. I wrote about them quite a while back in this article when they first hit the scene in the U.S. Now you can catch them on summer tours across the U.S., or if you’re lucky enough, at the Festival in the Desert in Timbuktu, an ever popular music festival in the heart of the Sahara that takes place annually in January. Track Selection on Mix: “Tenalle Chegret”

Stephen Marley
Mind Control
Country: Jamaica/U.S.A.
Buy on Lala

I thought this was one of the underrated albums of the year. It’s a really solid record, and Stephen’s voice is probably as close to Bob’s as any of the Marley’s, and a lot of range. The production has a hip-hop feel to it, with tracks featuring all the (musicians at least) brothers Marley and one with Mos Def. A nice listen, without a doubt. Track Selection on Mix: “You’re Gonna Leave”

Staff Benda Bilili
Tres Tres Fort
Country: Congo (DRC)
Buy on Lala

The more I listen to this record the more I like it. It’s got some really excellent sounds that get really spacey, reminiscent of some of the other sounds coming out of Kinshasa, and their story is equally compelling. All of the musicians in the band are technically disabled and started off as street musicians. Check out their story here. Track Selection on Mix: “Moto Moindo”

Gnawledge
Granada Doaba
Country: U.S.A./Spain
Free Download

My favorite thing about this album is that is was produced by an American dj with the help of a Fulbright scholarship from the U.S. Department of State. Now that’s public diplomacy. It doesn’t hurt that the record is a beautiful fusion of flamenco and hip-hop break beats. And it’s free. What’s not to love? Track Selection on Mix: “La Senda de Abuelo”

The Very Best
Warm Heart Of Africa
Country: France/Sweden/Malawi
Buy on Lala

This was, hands down, one of my favorite albums of the year. You can read a previous post I did on these guys here. Caught them at what may have been their first U.S. appearance at Le Poisson Rouge this summer with some great friends. These guys released a mix tape that gained a lot of momentum, and collaborations with Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig and MIA didn’t hurt their indie whatever credibility. Mostly, it’s just fun music. Track Selection on Mix: “Kamphopo”

K’naan
Troubadour
Country: Canada/Somalia
Buy on Lala

K’Naan was definitely THE breakout star of the year in terms of the global music scene. His sophmore record, Troubadour, had a number of banging singles, and featured all kinds of collaborations. K’Naan’s style is intense based on his upbringing in Mogadishu, Somalia, but the dude is pushing peace hard. If you get a chance to see him live don’t miss it. He rocks a party not to be missed. That’s why we’re gonna close this out with him. Track Selection on Mix: “Take a Minute”

Bobcast Vol. 14: Sabor Latino

bobbystrange — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:27:18 +0000

You know it’s caliente.

Right Click for Direct Download

LISTEN TO THE BOBCAST VOL. 14:

Track Listings

O Elefante (Shh dub)
Ray Barretto
I Like It Like That: More From The Fania Vaults

Elsa (Sonido Martines Remix feat. Fefe)
Sonido Martines
Nueva Cumbia Argentina

El Manisero de Potemkin
Gnawledge
Granada Doaba

Olvidalo
Brownout
Aguilas and Cobras

Tui fin mi gomienzo
Ocote Soul Sounds And Adrian Quesada
Coconut Rock (ESL151)

Saona (Gilles Peterson & Sinbad remix)
Nora Morales
I Like It Like That (Fania remixed)

Bobcast Vol. 12: The Spooky Mix

bobbystrange — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:39:45 +0000

Feeling that fall feeling.

Right Click for Direct Download

LISTEN TO THE BOBCAST VOL. 12:

Track Listings:

Wild Wind

FAT FREDDYS DROP

Dr Boondigga & The Big BW

Buy on Amazon

R3 Imaginashun

DJ VADIM

U Can’t Lurn Imaginashun

Buy on Amazon

NY To Tokyo (Guest Starring Roots Manuva)

Anti-Pop Consortium

Fluorescent Black

Buy on Amazon

Fiel

Frikstailers feat. Mc Maiquinh

Daniel Haaksman, Funk Mun

Buy on Amazon

Pursuit Of Happiness

Kid Cudi Ft. MGMT And Ratatat

Man On The Moon

Buy on Amazon

Wild Wind
Fat Freddy’s Drop|
Dr Boondigga & The Big BW
Buy on Amazon

R3 Imaginashun DJ Vadim U Can’t Lurn Imaginashun
Buy on Amazon

NY To Tokyo (Guest Starring Roots Manuva)
Anti-Pop Consortium
Fluorescent Black
Buy on Amazon

Fiel
Frikstailers feat. Mc Maiquinh
Daniel Haaksman, Funk Mun
Buy on Amazon

Pursuit Of Happiness
Kid Cudi Ft. MGMT And Ratatat Man On The Moon
Buy on Amazon

Bobcast Vol 11: African Summer Part II (Kwaito+House)

bobbystrange — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:33:46 +0000

African summer beats for all…Africa electric.

Right Click for Direct Download

LISTEN TO THE BOBCAST VOL. 11:

Track Listings:

African summer beats for all…the Kwaito/House Mix

Track Listings:

IC19 (Toy Selecta mix)
Buraka Som Sistema
The Blood Diamond Mixtape
Free Download Mixtape

Wena (Esau Mwamwaya & Radioclit Remix)
DJ Cleo
The Very Best Mixtape
Free Download Mixtape

Iphubi
DJ Sdunkero & Steavy
Edladleni Vol1
Buy on AFROdesia

Township Funk (Matias Aguayo’s Comeme Mix)
DJ Mujava
Township Funk (Remixes)
Buy on Juno

The Bright Forest +Bonus Track
Culoe De Song
The Bright Forest
Buy on Juno

Hide N Seek (feat Kyra B)
Robert Boogert
No Ground Beneath EP
Buy on Juno

Ndiya Ndiya w/Zulu Naja
DJ Cleo
Es’khaleni Zone 3
Buy on Mondomix

Bobcast Vol. 10: African Summer Part I

bobbystrange — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:25:44 +0000

African summer beats for all…stay tuned for Part II

Right Click for Direct Download

LISTEN TO THE BOBCAST VOL. 10:

Track Listings:

November 5 (Part I)
Afrodesia
Precious Commodity
Name your price on Band Camp

Sun People
Nikodemus (feat Ismael Kouyate)
Sun People
Download on Nikodemus.com

Vanorapa
Chiwoniso
Rebel Woman
Buy on Cumbancha

Fire in Freetown
K’Naan
Troubador
Buy on Amazon

Ukimwi
Extra Golden
Thank You Very Quickly
Buy on Amazon

Warm Heart of Africa
The Very Best (featuring Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend)
Mixtape
Free Download on RCRD LBL

Bobcast Vol 9: Isadora’s Delight

bobbystrange — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:14:21 +0000

A special dedication, some fun summer music for all…

Right Click for Direct Download

LISTEN TO THE BOBCAST VOL. 9:

Track Listings:

Same As It Never Was
The Herbaliser
Same As It Never Was
Buy on Amazon

Hidden Treasure (feat Sabira Jade & Kwasi Asante)
DJ VADIM
U Can’t Lurn Imaginashun
Download on Amazon

Scratch Marchin
Kormac
Vibrations Its the New Hip Hop Thing Vol. 01
Buy on Just Music

Music Takes Me Up
Mr. Scruff and Alice Russel
Ninja Tuna
Buy on Amazon

Sunshine Of Your Love (Bigga’s Batucada)
Rockers Hi Fi vs Ella Fitzgerald
Lion Head Compilation: Volume One
Buy on Amazon

Chinese New Year (Ying Choi)
Nappy G
Turntables On The Hudson Lunar New Year 4707
Buy on Amazon

*Subscribe to the podcast by clicking this link or copying and pasting this rss feed into your iTunes under “Preferences” and “Subscribe to Podcast”

http://bobbystrange.libsyn.com/rss. New editions will download automatically into iTunes.

Bobcast Vol. 8: Electric Reggae

bobbystrange — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:22:41 +0000

More mad beats from the Friday outbox of Bobby Strange……

Right Click for Direct Download

LISTEN TO THE BOBCAST VOL. 8:

Track Listings:

Sound The Alarm
Thievery Corporation
Radio Retaliation
Buy on Amazon

Dd Tropix
Brap
New Master
Download on Mad Decent

Hypocrites
Horace Andy/Ashley Beedle
Inspiration Information 2
Buy on Amazon

Bonus Beats: Dub of the Traveller
Mad Scientist
Creation Rebel: Trojan Remixed (DJ Spooky)
Buy on Amazon

Sounds & Blues
Biggabush
Lion Head Compilation: Volume One
Buy on Amazon

Poison Dart ft.Warrior Queen
The Bug
London Zoo
Buy on Amazon

Marrakech Dub
Kanka
Sub.Mersion
Buy on Amazon

East Of the River Nile (One Armed Boxer Remix)
Augustus Pablo
Creation Rebel: Trojan Remixed (DJ Spooky)
Buy on Amazon

*Subscribe to the podcast by clicking this link or copying and pasting this rss feed into your iTunes under “Preferences” and “Subscribe to Podcast”

http://bobbystrange.libsyn.com/rss. New editions will download automatically into iTunes.

Bobcast Vol. 7: UK All Stars

bobbystrange — Fri, 01 May 2009 21:12:14 +0000

More mad beats from the Friday outbox of Bobby Strange……

Right Click for Direct Download

LISTEN TO THE BOBCAST VOL. 7:

Track Listings:

Ganja (Ft. Rodney P)
Dub Pistols
Rum And Coke
Buy Mp3 on Amazon

Listen Up
Mr Scruff & Broke N English
Nice Up The Function
Buy Mp3 on Amazon

Cool It (Don’t Give My Name)
Biggabush
Lion Head Compilation: Volume One
Buy Mp3 on Amazon

Reload It
Kano
Diplo – Decent Work For Decent Pay
Buy Mp3 on Amazon

Do 4 Self (Prod. By Roots Manuva)
Roots Manuva
Slime & Reason
Buy Mp3 on Amazon

I Love My Phone
The Streets
The @SkinnerMike EP Vol. 1
Download free Mp3

The Water Song
Illzilla Feat. Jeremedy and Juleiaah Boehm of Kaya
Vibrations Its the New Hip Hop Thing Vol. 01
Buy on CDON.com

*Subscribe to the podcast by clicking this link or copying and pasting this rss feed into your iTunes under “Preferences” and “Subscribe to Podcast”

http://bobbystrange.libsyn.com/rss. New editions will download automatically into iTunes.

Bobcast Vol. 6: Global Beats

bobbystrange — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:46:07 +0000

More mad beats from the Friday outbox of Bobby Strange……

Right Click for Direct Download

LISTEN TO THE BOBCAST VOL. 6:

Track Listings:

Psycles
Karl Hector & The Malcouns
Sahara Swing
Buy Mp3 on Amazon

Cha Cha
Heliocentrics+Mulatu Astatke
Inspiration Information
Buy Mp3 on Amazon

Hare Krisna
Thievery Corporation w/Seu George
Radio Retaliation
Buy Mp3 on Amazon

We Shall Overcome
Rich Medina & Bobbito
The Connection Vol.1
Buy on Turntable Lab

Rock Shock Break
Z-Trip
Backyard Bangers
Buy Mp3 on Amazon

Dura
Ratatat
LP3
Buy Mp3 on Turntable Lab

At The End Of The Day
Amon Tobin
Foley Room
Buy Mp3 on Amazon

*Subscribe to the podcast by clicking this link or copying and pasting this rss feed into your iTunes under “Preferences” and “Subscribe to Podcast”
http://bobbystrange.libsyn.com/rss. New editions will download automatically into iTunes.

Bobcast Vol. 5: Spring Time Kix Mix

bobbystrange — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:06:40 +0000

It’s the annual Spring Time Kix Mix from Bobby Strange! Travel from New York City to Baltimore, down to Sao Paulo, over to London and back to NYC, all in the span of 27 minutes!

There are three ways to listen to the Bobcast:

1. Subscribe to the podcast by clicking this link or copying and pasting this rss feed into your iTunes under “Preferences” and “Subscribe to Podcast”
http://bobbystrange.libsyn.com/rss. New editions will download automatically into iTunes.

2. Follow this direct link

3. Click the play button below
LISTEN TO THE BOBCAST VOL. 5:

Track Listings:

"Rise Intro"
Rise and the Avid Record Collector
Risen
Buy on Amazon

"E-Pill (Step and Move)"
Verb
East Side Extraterrestrials
Buy on Turntable Lab

"Know How- Theme Mix"
Aaron LaCrate & Debonair Samir
Delicious Gutter (Young MC, Masta Ace Incorporated)
Buy on Turntable Lab