Here’s my first-ever “best of the year” list, prompted by an invitation from eMusic to give them my five favourite downloads of the year. This list combines the eMusic downloads with my iTunes and (increasingly rare) CD purchases. It was tough to stop at 12: I found a lot of great music this year. My choices are in no particular order, although if I were forced to choose a single favourite, it would by Haris Alexiou’s release.
(NOTE: 2006 may not be the official release date on all of these. Being that they are all “world music,” it often takes a while for them to become available in Canada. Links most often go to the artists’ web sites; not all are in English.)
Haris Alexiou
Sour Cherry & Bitter Orange
Greeek mega-star keeps producing wonderful songs. Stylistically, she doesn’t stand still.
Ana Moura
Guarda-me a vida na mão
One of the great voices of new fado. Seeing her in concert was a treat.
Souad Massi
Mesk Elil
Sweet, funky, soulful: she has it all, spiced with the sounds of north Africa. I liked this so much, I went out and downloaded the rest of her available CDs.
Mostar Sevdah Reunion
A Secret Gate
There may not be a better group of musicians on the planet. Exceptional music from the former Yugoslavia.
Ana Laíns
Sentidos
One more new fado disc; one more great voice, full of passion.
Marisa Monte
Universo Ao Meu Redor
From Brazil, comes more fine songs and a sweet voice. Montes is one of my favourites.
Taraf de Haidouks
The Continuing Adventures Of Taraf De Haidouks
Flat out Roma fun.
Miquel Gil
Orgànic
Strong flamenco touches blended with sounds from throughout the Mediterranean. Flat-out soulful.
Lenine
Lenine
Great music from Brazil, following the in the footsteps of Seu Jorge, Carlinhos Brown and Gilberto Gil and creating some paths of his own.
Maria del Mar Bonet
Amic, Amat
A great voice, drawing on sounds from throughout the Mediterranean to create something special.
Mostar Sevdah Reunion
The Legends of Life
Mostar Sevdah Reunion with Ljiljana Buttler, whose smoky voice is perfect for this collection of tangos, blues, sevdah…touches the soul.
Darko Rundek
Mhm A-ha Oh Yeah Da-Da
Rundek, a Serb from Croatia, explores isolation with music that draws influences from…well…everywhere: rock, pop, Serbia, France….
Lots of female singers, there, Mark. I would have to say Ani DiFranco’s latest is one of my favs from 2006 – Reprieve. And I recently downloaded Tom Waits’ latest: Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards, and it’s growing on me.