It´s beginning to look like this is a club with only one member, aka a journal. Anyway, I gave this album a good listen and here´s my report from the front line:-
1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?
First track sounded pleasant but rather generic; nothing out of the ordinary for that part of the world.
2. Did that opinion change as the album progressed or as you listened again?
Definitely. The first 9 tracks seem to be quite carefully graded; Track #2 gives the first hint of an international approach, because tucked into the incomprehensible lyrics, the woman sings something about CNN en tv and CIA, OK ?, presumably making some witty point about, er, English initials taking over the world. Anyway, subsequent tracks move progressively furthur away from the traditional approach of the opener, culminating in track #10(see below).
3. Any comments on the instruments used or the genre?
To me it´s all good; sinuous clarinet weaves its way though electronic percussive effects while on other tracks the lead instrument is something that sounds like a mandolin. Either way, the instrumentation never feels cluttered - every band member is given space to shine.
4. What did you think of the vocals/lyrics if there were any?
Vocals, shared by a man and a woman, are fine, but don´t expect to understand much unless you´re fluent in Turkish. Sometimes the female singer comes across as quite suggestive - transcending linguistic barriers, as they say. I don´t know exactly what she´s suggesting, but I´d like to try some, please. Here´s a live performance (not on the album) to show what I mean:-
5. What appealed most/turned you off most ? Track-by-track, do you have a least/most favourite?
By track #10 (Ser Ver Sir Ver), Baba Zula have shrugged off any semblance of traditional music and suddenly, on this wonderful track, a somber electronic soundscape opens up in which anything is possible - and as if to prove the point, there seems to be an electric horse galloping around in the mix.
Worst track for me is a 35-second piece that sounds like it´s come from another album altogether; maybe a Dixie Dregs try out or something. Why did they interrupt the flow for such a short track ?
6. Have you slept with any of the band members?
Not yet, but that dancer should´ve got my e-mail by now, so I´m keeping next weekend free....
8. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was it a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?
Generally yes, especially because of the graded introduction of the electronic elements.
9. If you could change anything about this album, what would it be?
I would´ve liked some more wild electronic explorations in the style of Ser Ver Sir Ver.
10. Will you be listening to this album much in the future, or investigating any related material ?
Yep. have already downloaded most of the subsequent album, Duble Oyantal which is just as good.
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"Am I enjoying this moment? I know of it and perhaps that is enough." - Sybille Bedford, 1953
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