Urban Junkies | Music | World Music Isn't Only...

... for those who wear sandals all year round…

Not so long ago saying you liked world music was akin to walking around Soho wearing nothing but a suit from Peru made entirely out of blue wooden beads whilst freely admitting you're late for a didgeridoo class. In other words world music was about as close to cool as Brentwood.

The fact is though pop pickers, look past the joss stick smoke and you'll discover a wealth of incredible sounds and characters who can revitalise your tired soul. It might be called world music but it is of course just music from another country, and that is nothing to be scared of.

If you don't know your Ali Farke from your Ravi Shankar, here's five international recommendations that you'll be delighted to befriend...

Salif Keita: 'M’Bemba'

So bewitching and mesmerising is this Senegalese singer’s voice that you won’t mind when it comes back and haunts you.

www.myspace.com/salifkeitamusic

Tinariwen: 'Aman Iman: Water Is Life'

Powerful and seductive guitar-soaked blues music from Mali.

www.tinariwen.com/

Ry Cooder & Manuel Galban: 'Mambo Sinuendo'

The blues meets Cuba with stunning effect as two giants of the guitar come together.

www.tunetribe.com

Adjagas: 'Adjagas'

Heart-warming joik music from freezing north Norway.

www.myspace.com/adjagas

Ali Farka Toure: 'Savane'

Known as the king of the desert singers, the late Toure’s last album is a gentle masterpiece. It’s unlikely he wrote it with Sunday morning hangovers in mind, but it’s a natural tonic that works a treat.

www.amazon.co.uk

Urban Junkies' music channel highlights top tracks, hot new artists and the latest music services from across the globe.

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