Audio Chart For August 2012

World Music Network

"Countdown the best world music albums with WMN's audio chart. August's chart features Sam Lee, Koo Nimo, Lokkhi Terra and more".

1. Sam Lee - Ground of It's own

Folk darling Sam Lee's debut album, Ground Of It's Own is a collection of poignant earthy songs. Lee's voice is richly toned with an old-time feel. 'Goodbye My Darling' is a sweet love song that picks up the pace as it progresses. Listening to this elegant song one thing becomes clear, the burgeoning English folk revival will surely triumph with Sam at the helm!.

2. Koo Nimo - Highlife Roots Revival

Koo Nimo is one of the last true veterans of highlife roots and palm-wine music, which dominated Ghana’s popular music scene throughout much of the twentieth century. Recorded in his backyard at home in Accra, expect acoustic guitars and rolling percussion all topped off with his gentle story-teller singing style.

3. Lokkhi Terra - Che Guava's Rickshaw Diaries

Lokhi Terra's excellent new album, Che Guava's Rickshaw Diaries offers a free-wheeling Bangladeshi interpretation of Afro-Latin vibes. 'Shadher Lau' is an up-beat track with rippling guitar and a postive sounding female chorus.

4. Manuel Galban - Blue Cha Cha

Manuel Galban is one of Cuba's most respected guitarists, who sadly passed away last year. Throughout his illustrious career he helped Cuba's musical landscape - he played a key role in the Buena Vista Social Club projects, and was awarded a Grammy for his collaborative work with Ry Cooder. 'Pachito Eche' is a very pleasantly jazzy number that will have you up and dancing in no time.

5. Ondatrópica - Ondatrópica

Colombian musician, Mario Galeano, the force behind the band Frente Cumbiero, and English producer Will Holland (A.K.A. Quantic), have joined forces to create the Ondatrópica project. 'Bomba Trópica' is taken from their first album which is out now and is sure to be a hit.

6. Narasirato - Warato'o

Narasirato are an ensemble of musicians from the remote southern end of Malaita Island, in the Solomon Islands. They play pipes and log drums in fantastically tight interlocking rhythms. 'Horao Warita' is a pulsing tune from their excellent first full-length album, Warato'o.

7. Various Artists - Songs for Desert Refugees

With the worst political crisis in Mali since its independence in 1960, musicians from the Saharan desert have joined forces in a compilation CD in aid of refugees from Northern Mali. Tamikrest's song 'Warktified' invokes an irresistably bluesy groove.

8. Mahsa & Marjan Vahdat - Twinklings of Hope

Mahsa & Marja are two Iranian sisters with powerful voices. Their new album 'Twinklings of Hope' is a gem and includes a wealth of poems, lullabies and folk songs from Persia. The title track is a stately tune with strong vocals, a gentle ney,rippling setar and drums.

9. Mokoomba - Rising Tide

Mokoomba brings audiences an electrifying blend of Afro-fusion and tantalizing traditional Tonga rhythms. Their name stems from the deep respect that the Tonga people have for the Zambezi River. 'Masangango' is a wonderfully thick bluesy number with a definite West African influence manifest.

10. MTMTMK - The Very Best

MTMTMK is the second album by Africa Malawian born singer Esau Mwamwaya and British producer Radioclit. The star-studded album features guest appearances by Baaba Maal, DJ Mo-Laudi, and K'naan. 'I Wanna Go Away' is an athemic pop tune with pounding bass and a party beat.

Watch the Video Chart for August.

Source: World Music Network