Various Artists - World Psychedelic Classics 3 (Love's A Real Thing: The Funky Fuzzy Sounds of West Africa)

(Luaka Bop Records 2004)

When this landed on my desk I nearly had to chain it to my person - everyone wanted a bit. For this compilation ex-Talking Heads eclectic pop guru David Byrne has unearthed the latest must-hear, must-talk about world music gems.

The crazy, funky 12 tracks are drawn from a broad spectrum of early '70s West African psychedelic classics. And for those out there who can't comprehend traditional African sounds fused with (the then) prog-electric Western funk - get your ears around this.

From the Gold Coast to the Cameroon, traversing the territory of Jimi Hendrix and James Brown, 'Love's A Real Thing' is an African assimilation of the psychedelic revolution - distorted, political, hallucinogenic and of course infectious. It wills you to get up and dance.

I consulted a colleague (the venerable Rahul Shrivastava) who's an expert on early '70s progressive, psychedelic sounds - and this is what he had to say:

'The sax and organ on 'Keleya' by Minsato Le, Mi Dayihome (Benin) is sumptuous.'

And: 'Better Change Your Mind!' by William Onyeabor (Nigeria) is a rhythmic amalgamation of sensuous Africano beats. Wow - that bassline!'

I think he liked it - I loved it, and I know you will too. Far out, man!

Reviewer : Yve Ngoo

Keleya (clip)