On any post, if the link is no longer good, leave a comment if you want the music re-uploaded. As long as I still have the file, or the record, cd, or cassette to re-rip, I will gladly accommodate in a timely manner all such requests.

Slinging tuneage like some fried or otherwise soused short-order cook

28 March 2025

Musick that Needed Work - R: Rachid Taha

 

Rachid Taha was a French-Algerian singer best known for fusing rock with raï, a form of traditional Algerian folk. Taha was born in 1958 in Algeria but moved to Lyon, France with his family at age 10. In his early twenties, he founded the nightclub Les Refoulés (The Rejects) where he created multi-cultural mash-ups by splicing elements of Arabic pop songs with backbeats from artists as varied as Led Zeppelin, Bo Diddley, & Kraftwerk.

 



Taha emerged as a solo artist in the late 80s. Steve Hillage, former guitarist of psych-prog outfit Gong produced the majority of Taha's catalogue which utilized punk to raï to electronica. The singer's final LP, 2013s Zoom, featured guest spots from Brian Eno & Clash guitarist Mick Jones.

This CD was released after Taha's 2018 death. It is as varied as usual & a great example of the man's creative excellence.

 

Rachid Taha - Je Suis Africain, Naive M7062, 2019.
decryption code in comments

Ansit
Aïta
Minouche
Je Suis Africain
Wahdi featuring Flèche Love - vocals
Insomnia
Andy Waloo
Striptease
Like a Dervish
Happy End
 
 

Enjoy,
NØ
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10 comments:

  1. NØ3/28/25, 12:07 AM

    Je Suis Africain
    ZiyKg-0YCxs4qCIVR-Hx72mrNWVxgyGbjJFIrY4Aq6Q

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous3/28/25, 3:29 AM

    This looks interesting and the name Steve Hillage caught my attention even though, according to Discogs, he was not involved with this release. Many thanks!

    Brian

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NØ3/28/25, 5:09 PM

      Taha first hooked up with Steve Hillage when Rachid was still in the band Carte De Séjour. Hillage produced their self-titled album. Taha's first solo release was produced by Don Was but after that he returned to working with Hillage as producer for 9 solo works.

      Delete
  3. Sorgual3/28/25, 4:10 AM

    Merci beaucoup. Rachid me manque...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NØ3/28/25, 5:02 PM

      Merci pour le commentaire. Racid était un excellent artiste et manquera beaucoup à beaucoup.

      Delete
  4. Richie Muster3/28/25, 6:14 AM

    Nicely indeed, NØ. Once again, a name with which i'm unfamiliar, but the litany of named collaborators/influences marks him out as a musician worth listening to.

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    Replies
    1. NØ3/28/25, 5:05 PM

      Rachid's work with Steve Hillage (9 solo albums) are Taha's best work. He has toured with Mick Jones of the Clash & Brian Eno. He paid tribute to Fela Kuti with a celebration (Felabration they named it) performing with two of Fela's sons. I think you'll really enjoy this share.

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    2. Afro3/29/25, 2:02 AM

      Correct bro,Taha s work with Hillage was the best ever.I have almost all his solo records....Cheers

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  5. Charlie3/28/25, 1:56 PM

    Thanks NØ! What a treat! Rachid was one of my favorite rai performers! I hope your spring is going well!
    Thanks for taking the time to work on this musical offering, as always, your efforts are greatly appreciated!

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    1. NØ3/28/25, 4:57 PM

      I believe the first time I heard Taha was "Rock el Casbah". From there I started to dig into his catalogue of albums, both solo & Carte de Séjour. I have been a fan ever since. This album was recorded before he died from heart attack in 2018 & came out after his passing.

      There has been a great response & downloading of his music. Will have to remember to share more in the near future.

      Delete

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