Info
Rachid Taha is not the first artist to blend Arab and Western musical styles, but he is certainly one of the most innovative. Born in Algeria, but residing in France since age ten, Taha fronted a highly political punk band in his teens, then made his mark as an equally radical DJ before launching a solo career. Made in Medina is the latest in his string of crossover creations. Recorded on three continents and four countries (U.S., U.K., France, and Morocco), utilizing musicians from equally far flung locales, and overseen by long-time producer Steve Hillage, the album is brimming with the exotic and the familiar. With lyrics in English, French, and, at one point, Berber, the sleeve notes provide English translations and explain the songs' core message and musical roots. Like a sumptuous banquet, Medina is a rich mix of dishes, one that will tempt even the most jaded palette. Inevitably, it will be branded world music, a label guaranteed to scare off much of Taha's prospective audience. There's crunching punk numbers, as hardcore as any anarcho-punk band's, but sliced with techno beats, sure to appeal to Prodigy fans. Spanish-flavored numbers are perfect for the salsa crowd, Afro-pop with a syncopated beat are sure to capture reggae fans, and there's even a space rock number for the ambient/prog rockers. With lyrical themes that run the gambit from alienation to the spiritual, Taha's appeal across genres is evident. And while it may sound like a shopping list for an international emporium, in fact, Medina has an extremely coherent sound, built on prominent, danceable rhythms, strong melodies, and powerful vocals, all shot through with a Middle Eastern flavor. A truly world sound. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide
Slayer album pulled in India
Christian group's protests over Christ Illusion and its cover art convinces EMI India to take it off the shelves.
The Catholic Secular Forum (CSF) apparently has some major pull in India.
Slayer's
Christ Illusion.
The Christian group's protests against Slayer's new album, Christ Illusion, and its depiction of Christ on the cover, have incited EMI India to recall the album throughout the country, the label confirmed today.
"We met with the CSF and were apologetic while assuring them that all copies of the album will be pulled out," EMI India marketing manager Kaveri Khullar told the Hollywood Reporter. "We have no plans of re-issuing it in any way."
CSF said it took "strong exception" to the album cover's depiction of Christ, and specifically the song "Skeleton Christ," calling the lyrics "an insult to Christianity."
The group sent its complaint to the police commissioner in Mumbai, also saying the album "will affect the sensibilities of Muslims on the track 'Jihad' and secular Indians who have respect for all faiths."
This is not the first time CSF has made its mark on the entertainment industry. The group protested strongly against the Indian release of The Da Vinci Code, provoking the country's Censor Board to instruct distributor Sony Pictures to include a notice before the film explaining that it was a work of fiction.
Christ Illusion debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard charts in August, selling 62,000 copies in the first week. The band is set to tour Singapore and Japan next week before embarking on a lengthy European tour through late November.
Slayer also received the Hall of Fame Award at the Kerrang! awards in August.
Just added
