Easy Star All-Stars - The Dub Side Of The Moon (2003)

There's lunacy, there's hybris and then there's megalomania. When in late 2002, NYC-based producers Michael G. and Ticklah announced to record a remake of Pink Floyd's masterpiece "Dark Side of the Moon", critics were mildly amused by the idea. Shortly after word was spread that they intended to redo the Floyd classic as a Dub remix album critics and fans went nuts. One year later "Dub Side of the Moon" was released and it became an instant success; with its biggest ace in the hole being the album's diversity, which unfolds as the duos experiments with varying line-ups and production techniques as well as a large range of styles, reaching from roots reggae and dub to more modern genres like dancehall and jungle.

1.) Speak to Me/Breathe

2.) On the Run

3.) Time

4.) The Great Gig in the Sky

5.) Money

6.) Us and Them

7.) Any Color You Like

8.) Brain Damage 

9.) Eclipse

         

Various Artists - Africafunk: The Original Sound of 1970's Funky Africa (1999)

While tons of compilations featuring contemporary African music have been released over the years, most of them were just half-hearted attempts at recycling mediocre music and making a few cheap bucks. Africafunk, however,  is the exact opposite. Whoever compiled this killer collection definately knew what they were talking about. Even though all these tracks are from the 70's and are, in the broadest sense, "Africa-Funk", the scope of tunes is amazing. Every song represents a different facet of the genre, ranging from traditionals and afro-beat to jazzy psychedelics and funk fusion. The selection is superb, there is not one weak track on the album. Anybody who loves funk must listen to this record.

Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra - Who is This America? (2004)

Heavily influenced by African music in general and Nigerian legend Fela Kuti in particular, New York-based ensemble Antibalas marries Afro-Beats with Deep Funk. The vibe of their jams is carried by dead-on basslines, hypnotic percussion grooves as well as massive, sometimes threatening horn arrangements. Most of the time the songs take lots of time to build up; just to finally peak in orgiastic saxophone solos or a state of complete trance.

1.) Who is This America Dem Speak of Today?

2.) Pay Back Africa

3.) Indictment

4.) Big Man

5.) Obanla'e

6.) Elephant

7.) Sister

8.) Money Talks