THIEVERY CORPORATION

The Cosmic Game·Esl Music 2005

When a lot of bands get famous musicians to guest on their albums, they tend to lose their musical identity. They fall into, and sometimes drown in, the trap of commercialism. Eric Hilton and Rob Garza are a different kettle of fish though. Their new release, The Cosmic game, albeit a little more mystical than previous offerings, is is TC all over. The habitual contributions from the heads in Sleepy Wonder are added to by appearances by the likes of The Flaming Lips, David Byrne and Perry Farrell (Pyro for Pornos, Jane’s Addiction.)

ZURA

Ilargi Handi Zauri Zarae·Metak/Potxo 2005

There is too much going on in this record to be able to describe it in four lines. Some of the highlights: daring Xabi Strubell has moved away from the strong catchy sounds of Dut and moves into some acoustic experimental ground. If we add Martxel Mariskal, Lorca, Lauaxeta, Nikolas Lekuona, Xabier Erkizia, Bad Sound System... and the rest to the record, we’d be better off shutting up and getting stuck into this enjoyable record-book.

SILHOUETTE BROWN

“Titulo gabe”·Ether music / Masterdance 2005

The name Silhouette Brown hides Deborah Jordan and here she offers us the softest electronic tinklings with new soul. She’s not on her own on this debut here; Bembe Segue gives her a handout on vocals and Dego from 4 Hero looks after production. This debut offering is extremely listenable and hosts the softest of melodies mixed with some really energetic rhythm changes. The best record we’ve heard in ages.

AMADOU & MARIAM

Dimanche a Bamako·Dro-Atlantic 2005

These musicians from Malin met each other 25 years ago, fell in love and got married. Blindness didn’t get in the way of their love of music, and they became famous in their homeland. Today, they live in France and that’s exactly where they have recorded the fifteen tracks that make up their latest record. Lively, uplifting, colourful ethnic songs. Manu Chao produced the record and you can hear him on a few cuts as well.