Diwan

Amazon.com
The second collaboration between Taha, an Algerian living in France, and '70s prog rocker Steve Hillage, Diwan carries forward the old/new hybrid of 1996's Ole Ole. Taha is clearly familiar with ancient Middle Eastern melodies, but he's also comfortable with the dance rhythms of Parisian nightclubs. Traditionalists will find the straightforward melodies and instrumentation of "Habina" and "Ach Adani" the most satisfying, but Diwan's most adventurous track, "Bent Sahra," may be its best. Instead of strings, the song leans heavily on an industrial beat and the hypnotic mantra of a guest female vocalist. Though not for purists, it perfectly captures the urban throb of Paris and the intense dislocation felt by every immigrant. --David Bombeck

Diwan,Rachid Taha,Polygram Records,Algeria,Club/Dance,Foreign Language Rock,Int'l & World Music,Pop,Rai,World Music,Worldbeat

Average customer rating: Poetry and music.

Diwan 2 Rachid Taha Manufacturer: Wrasse Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Algeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Aman Iman: Water is Life Tékitoi (Who Are You?) Made in Medina Live Diwan ASIN: B000I0QL4G Release Date: 2006-12-12

Tracks:

1. Ecoute Moi Camarade
2. Rani
3. Agatha
4. Kifache Rah
5. Josephine
6. Gana el Hawa
7. Ah Mon Amour
8. Mataouel Dellil
9. Maydoum
10. Ghanni Li Shwaya

Customer Reviews:

Poetry and music........2007-03-10

In contrast to the more in your face "Tekitoi", he has gone for traditional instruments like the gasba (flute) and guellal (percussion) to get the sound he was after.
The stand out track though is not one of the rediscovered classics, as good as they are, it is the anti-racist anthem "Agatha". With its catchy-as-hell chanted lyrics, a rolling bass and distinctively Arabic strings, this tune is one guaranteed to have you singing along irrespective of your level of French.
Assuming your French is as rusty as mine, you'll be pleased to see that the lyrics have been translated and recount a tale of doubted parentage told with a dark and drunken humour.
The album opens with "Ecoute-moi camarade", which Rachid Taha (and this sounds like a Freudian metaphor) apparently discovered while rifling his parents attic. As with "Agatha", there is more feminine treachery afoot as the poor lover tries to talk himself out of being in love with a woman he suspects is cheating on him.
Again we have a crashing chorus to carry the song along and no doubt both these tracks will do the business in France (why oh why can't we ever hear music like this on our most popular radio stations? Do they think we are all fools?)
Before you assume, Rachid Taha is exercising a misogynist tendency, the rest of the tracks deal with epic loves and the experiences of the many caught between cultures and on some tracks he covers off both as in "Gana el Hawa".
The album was recorded in London, Paris and Cairo and sees him back with studio whiz and legend in his own right Steve Hillage.
Rachid Taha is an artist at the top of his game with the people around him to get the job done.
Whether you are a lover of Khaled and fancy something a bit rougher or were blown away by this African soul rebel's last album and want to hear him explore the sounds of his native Algeria further, this is an essential album.

Average customer rating: The Sexiest Around Let the desert party begin... A live recording of ensemble performance Rai uno! The Carlos Vives of Rai

Diwan Rachid Taha Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Algeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Rock | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Made in Medina Diwan 2 Tékitoi (Who Are You?) Tékitoi 1, 2, 3 Soleils ASIN: B000007NTS Release Date: 1998-03-16

Tracks:

1. Ya Rayah
2. Ida
3. Habina
4. Bent Sahra
5. Ach Adani
6. El H'Mame
7. Enti Rahti
8. Menfi
9. Bani Al Insane
10. Malheureux Toujours
11. Aiya Aiya

Amazon.com

The second collaboration between Taha, an Algerian living in France, and '70s prog rocker Steve Hillage, Diwan carries forward the old/new hybrid of 1996's Ole Ole. Taha is clearly familiar with ancient Middle Eastern melodies, but he's also comfortable with the dance rhythms of Parisian nightclubs. Traditionalists will find the straightforward melodies and instrumentation of "Habina" and "Ach Adani" the most satisfying, but Diwan's most adventurous track, "Bent Sahra," may be its best. Instead of strings, the song leans heavily on an industrial beat and the hypnotic mantra of a guest female vocalist. Though not for purists, it perfectly captures the urban throb of Paris and the intense dislocation felt by every immigrant. --David Bombeck

Customer Reviews:

The Sexiest Around.......2007-06-08

What music is all about. Ecstatic, passionate, infectious, intelligent. Taha's voix joli-laid is one of the sexiest around.

Let the desert party begin..........2004-02-06

"Diwan" is a really rich album - a great way to introduce others to rai music without losing itself to Western studio overproduction. Some other readers' comments seem confusing to me. 6 minutes too long for a song? Obviously that person isn't familiar with traditional Arabic music where songs can go on for what seem like eons. Of course, "Ya Rayah" is the anchor to this album - the one song (if any of Taha's) that anyone would know, but the other's are just as good. I enjoy the change in tempo and intensity of "Habina", and the good times that "Ida" seems to evoke. Rachid's voice is raw and unmodified, which makes the songs all the more genuine. "Diwan" is definitely a keeper, and also is his most consistent album.

A live recording of ensemble performance.......2004-01-14

Diwan is an impressively showcased and very highly recommended collection of music from the Middle East featuring the inspirational works of the group Rabita Andalusa. Their aim is to preserve the Andalusian-Maghrebi musical style while affirming ties of popular culture to Northern Morocco. A live recording of ensemble performance, Diwan offers an enlightened and captivating treasury of sound, tradition, and creativity. The pieces performed in Diwan include: Mashaliya (1:14), Tuishya (3:50), San'a "Kala Li" (3:03), Taqsim 'ud (0:28), Tuishya (0:55), San'a "Ma Kuntu Hadri" (4:51), Inshad (2:33), Tuishya (1:28), San'a "Ya Wahida" (5:57), San'a "Neddemem Wa Nakhda" (5:03), Taqsim qanun (1:20), Mawal (1:19), Taqsim 'ud (0:45), Mawal (1:01), Insiraf Sha'abi (7:31), Bint Bladi (8:32) and Habiba u Jarrahtini (5:50).

Rai uno!.......2003-10-28

I had no idea what to expect when I purchased "Diwan" in cassette format several years ago. It had been highly recommended in the hi-tech mag "Wired", and, being interested in world music, I decided to take a chance.

I've now just about worn it out, having listened to it countless times. With "Diwan" in my pocket I go out for a brisk two-mile walk every evening and this guy rocks! And I rock as I walk, snapping my fingers to the infectious beat. It's fantastic music and I defy anyone to keep still once they hear it!

The Carlos Vives of Rai.......2002-11-30

This cd contains the great Arabic classics of the past but they are done in a very modern way albeit folkloric. Think of this cd like the Carlos Vives of Arabic music.

Average customer rating: Great, as usual! Second to none.

Magic Carpet (Bissat el-Reeh) Manufacturer: Nagam ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Arabic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Summer Night's Dream Concerto Al Andalus Ode to a Homeland The Bridge Peace Be With You ASIN: B00000IQDG Release Date: 1998-03-21

Tracks:

1. Tribute to Baalbak (Haneen Overture)
2. Mare
3. Diwan of the Harem (Dance of the Scarves)
4. Coronation in a Phoenician Shrine
5. Love Duet (Inspired by Delibes' Lakme)
6. Alisar's Escape, Tyre to Carthage
7. Diwan of Decadence (Al-Bahrah)
8. Diwan of Andalusia (Muwashahaat)
9. Departure from Granada
10. Reconquista
11. Horsemen (Dabke dance)
12. Spirit of Dance - Finale

Customer Reviews:

Great, as usual!.......2000-02-26

The 'arranged marriage' of Caracalla's choreography and Khalife's composition gives birth to the certainly legitimate child: Music At Large!

Second to none........1999-07-03

Marcel Khalife does it yet again. WOW

Average customer rating:

Diwan Rabita Andalousa Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Morocco | Africa | International | Styles | Music Spain | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00009ZYAK Release Date: 2003-07-15

Tracks:

1. Mashaliya
2. Tuishya
3. San'a Kala Li
4. Taqsim 'Ud
5. Tuishya
6. San'a Ma Kunta Hadri
7. Inshad
8. Tuishya
9. San'a Ya Wahida
10. San'a Neddemem Wa Nakhda
11. Taqsim Qanun
12. Mawal
13. Taqsim 'Ud
14. Mawal
15. Insiraf (From Nuba Rasd Ed-Dhil)
16. Bint Bladi
17. Habiba U Jarrahtini

Average customer rating:

Ahavat Hadassa: Songs of the Jewish-Yemenite Diwan, Manakha Tradition Manufacturer: Beth Hatefutsoth ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B0000CAPRX Release Date: 1990-07-01

Average customer rating: Excellent for anyone who likes Arabic music!

Diwan Al Hob Ramy Ayach Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Arabic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005M65V Release Date: 2002-07-02

Tracks:

1. Khad Harir
2. Bakrahik
3. Allah Aleik
4. Arfino
5. Hatha Lotf Mennak
6. Min Awal Nazra

Customer Reviews:

Excellent for anyone who likes Arabic music!.......2007-07-19

The title says it all. I thought the music was quite good and had a lot of feeling put into it. This is also a good way to familiarize yourself with music from countries other than the U.S.

Average customer rating:

Algeria: The Diwan of Biskra (Le Diwân de Biskra) Various Artists Manufacturer: Ocora ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Algeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music Australia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Middle East & North Africa | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000003IFM Release Date: 1997-02-10

Tracks:

1. Sallou Ya Nabina
2. Noiren Noir
3. Aliyalamiy
4. Ched Illlala
5. Oy Mali YO Mali
6. Agadi Aroua Round
7. Baba Merzoug
8. Sidi Lioum
9. Eyabari

Average customer rating:

Diwân/Live Rachid Taha Manufacturer: Wrasse Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Algeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Rock | International | Styles | Music ASIN: B0009RQS3M Release Date: 2005-06-14

Tracks:

1. Ya Rayah
2. Ida
3. Habina
4. Bent Sahra
5. Ach Adani
6. H'mame
7. Enti Rahti
8. Menfi
9. Bani Al Insane
10. Malheureux Toujours
11. Aiya Aiya

Tracks:

1. Menfi
2. Nokta
3. Ida
4. Ya Rayah
5. Medina
6. Bent Sahra
7. Barra Barra
8. Foqt Foqt
9. Ala Jalkoum - Femi Kuti, Rachid Taha
10. Voila Voila
11. Garab

Average customer rating:

AHUV LIBI - Songs of the Jewish-Jemenite Diwan, Manakha Tradition Manufacturer: Beth Hatefutsoth ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B0009RDJDO Release Date: 2005-03-21

Tracks:

1. AHUV LIBI SEMACh ("My beloved rejoices") & AHALEL LEELI ("I praise the Lord my shield and help")
2. EShAL ELOHAY ("I ask my God to deliver captives")
3. YOShEV BEKhISE HOD ("Seated on the glorious throne")
4. ChATANI MA MEOD ("My groom, how precious thy gift")
5. AT BEYN ATsEY EDEN ("Thou art among the trees of Eden")
6. AKAVE ChASDEKhA ("I hope for Thy compassion")
7. ShABAT MENUChA HI ("The Sabbath is rest")
8. YEDAATANI BETEREM TITsRENI ("Thou didst know me before Thou didst create me")
9. ShAMATI MIPAATEY TEYMAN ("I heard from the ends of Yemen")
10. YA MEChYE ALNEFOS ("Lord, Reviver of the soul")

Product Description

This CD includes a selection of songs included in the Jewish Yemenite Diwan, a book of festive and religious poems to be sung at home. Most of the poems composed by Yehudah Halevi, Israel Najara, Yosef Ban Israel and Shalem Shabazi in the selection are wedding and Sabbath songs but the CD also includes songs in honour of other celebrations.

Average customer rating: the king of rai

Diwan 2 ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Layali Diwan Tékitoi Introducing Etran Finatawa Bole 2 Harlem, Vol#1 ASIN: B000ICMFGM Release Date: 2006-11-07

Album Description

Rachid Taha is a phenomenon in Arabic music. With his band, he brilliantly marries the driving rhythms and elaborate melodies of contemporary Arabic popular music with the forceful sound of post-punk guitar rock.... The raw sweat of his music and a well-known stance against racism and hypocrisy have earned him a high standing throughout Europe, the US and the Middle East.Rachid's music is intrinsically political and topical, and very much the music of the Arab Street. He is a person who feels his role is to make both a cultural and political statement: he doesn't separate the two things. Diwan 2 is a cornucopia of poetry and music - purity and truth - as only Rachid Taha can do.

Customer Reviews:

the king of rai.......2007-02-15

Rachid Taha has always made high quality music in which he incorporates a wide variety of styles. On Diwan2 he returns to the roots of rai but with some interesting additions. Some of the songs are in French and he has included English translations for all the songs. As previously stated, the music is more traditional and has more in common with Diwan than it does with more rock influenced albums like Made in Medina and Tekitoi. This does not take away from the power of the music but gives it a very earthy, almost primal feel. Another thing which Rachid Taha does on all his releases is to assemble great musicians to support his excellent, expressive voice. Rachid Taha fans will appreciate this disc as will anyone interested in some Algerian roots music or for that matter, anyone who enjoys good music in general.

Pop Music:

1. Evita's Tango-Die Goldene [Import]
2. Flamenco Passion
3. From Santiago to Triana
4. From the Heart [Enhanced]
5. Full
6. Golden Greek Bouzouki
7. Gregg Chambers and Creole Junction
8. Gypsy Nights
9. India Mystica
10. Inedito [Import]

Pop Music