France's main house guru Bob Sinclar's new release from Tommy Boy is full to the brim with African-inspired house music. This single disc mix compilation showcases some of the best in inspired African house music as well as Sinclar remixes and originals. To get a full understanding of Bob Sinclar, this quote from his bio may help to give an insight into his world. "…An international man of mystery, since he first emerged in 1976 this career path has taken in spy, jewel thief, Riviera playboy, mercenary, arms smuggler, Monte Carlo card shark, Studio 54 bellboy, high-class gigolo, sunglasses model and hardcore porn star. It's also rumoured he was roped in to teach John Travolta to dance for Saturday Night Fever, but we don't want to play with the rumours - the mere facts themselves are incredible enough. Now, since his autobiography was banned world-wide for in order to protect NATO security, Bob has decided to tell his story via the medium of house music." Now this has neither been confirmed nor denied but the house music he presents for this mix is extraordinary. The first track in the mix is Zookey with the Bob Sinclar remix of "Lift Your Leg Up."
It is a steel drum-laden track with a groovy beat and island rhythms. He stitches it to the Malinga Five song "Kalimbo." This track has a true disco feel to it with some tribal chanting and a funky bassline that gives it a true house feel. It will make anyone want to get up and shake their booty. Next in line is the Sinclar original track "Amour Kefe." This original has some classic synth work as well as some things you might expect from Daft Punk. The vocals are soulful and poetic and tie the song together nicely. A new single collaboration with David Guetta & Joachim Garraud and Tim Deluxe find a home on the fifth spot in this mix. "Summer Moon" has a male vocal and progressive type drum patterns that a meld into a France meets Morocco feel. The Tim Deluxe influence is everpresent in some of the crazy drum sounds throughout the track.
He seamlessly mixes out of that into the classic by KC Flightt, "Voices." This mainstay on the house scene was a big hit when it was released years ago and has not lost any of the qualities that made it great back then. Moving forward in the mix comes a song that sounds like it came from a village in the African Congo. "Jumbo" by Osibisa is full of tribal drums and chanting as is reminiscent of a possible war or prayer song. The percussion sounds as if it is all made by hand with bird call types sounds coming from a range of different voices. It fully encompasses the Africianism feel for your ears.
Deeper into the African continent finds a track that is both elegant and inviting. "Talibe" by NaSSau has some flowing strings and soft and subtle rhythms that changed the pace of this mix and give up a chance to relax, but not for long. Bob swings back into full party mode with "Viet Dao" remixed by Klement Bonelli & Yann DL.
The breakdown has some steel drum riffs along with snares and wood block sounds. It is fun and leads into the end portion of the mix. Nearing the finale is a song that doesn't have an African name but does have the same vibe. "Samurai Theme" by Shinichi Osawa is international house music at its finest. Nontraditional instruments are used to give the track a unique feel and to setup for the final two tracks. The final tracks are two Bob Sinclar originals in "Steel Storm" and "Juju Beat." "Steel Storm" has a crazy synth riff from the beginning with haunting vocals and a flurry of the steel drums. "Juju Beat" encompasses some more steel drums but also adds the presence of the oboe and laidback guitar chords. Both of these songs are a perfect example of why Bob is one of the world's top house producers and DJs. This CD gives a new spin on house music from Africa, with a French twist added for flair. Don't sleep on Bob or his label, Yellow productions as this class act has yet to reach their full potential.
