Музыка и песни Kuti, Fela (Ransome-Kuti, Olufela Olusegun Oludotun); (Fẹla Aníkúlápó Kuti) / Kuti, Fela (Ransome-Kuti, Olufela Olusegun Oludotun); (Fẹla Aníkúlápó Kuti) на LP

Artist: Fela Kuti Label: Knitting Factory (rough trade)

re-issue of Fela Kuti classic. 1977 album of premier Nigerian Afro-beat from the undisputed king. Primarily an instrumental affair, "Fear Not for Man" is less about message and more about grooves, save for Fela's short narration at the beginning, before embarking on an extended instrumental jam. One of the more peculiar tracks in Kuti's catalog, "Palm Wine Sound" is a Caribbean-styled instrumental that finishes the album in the highlife spirit of carefree fun and dancing. Record Label: Pias UK/Knitting Factory Style: Afro-Beat

Long-awaited official release of a concert recording that's existed as a legendary bootleg for yonks. It finds the afrobeat godhead in his Egypt 80 phase, with the insistent funk of Africa 70 giving way to a more chill, exploratory jazz. Still, this is Fela - even when he's mellow he's on fire. The crisply captured sound of the baying, buoyant crowd - every heckle, every whoop of delight - really adds to the experience of these four long jams, and Fela's spoken introductions are priceless. But it's the music, of course, that speaks most eloquently: 'Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense' is particularly wonderful, with solos to die for. If there's one tiny quibble it's that instrumental opener 'Serene, Do Right, Be Good' - which hardcore fans will remember from the bootleg - hasn't made the cut, presumably due to space constraints. But whatever: you probably won't have a better chance to own this timeless, effervescent music so beautifully mastered and presented, so you know what to do!