Various Artists - World Groove (2001)

This is from a series of world music CDs available from World Market. Pop tunes from the 1950's-80's covered by global artists. One of the weaker compilations in the series, this collection heavily favors Latin music artists.

Tracks:

• Jumpin' Jack Flash - Ananda Shankar, originally by the Rolling Stones: Normally I don't like Indian pop music, but this is simply a fairly straight ahead instrumental cover that features the sitar. Surprisingly, it works. (Yes, Ananda is related to Ravi Shankar. He is Ravi's nephew.)
• Groovin' - Pato Banton & Reggae Revolution, originally by the Young Rascals: This relaxed, laid-back, summer song just doesn't work in a reggae style.
• Yo Viviré (I Will Survive) - Celia Cruz, originally by Gloria Gaynor: I had such high hopes for a salsa version of this disco classic. Unfortunately, it falls flat.
• The Tide Is High - Angelina, originally by The Paragons, made famous by Blondie: an attempt at making a reggae version of this hit. That's not much of a stretch, is it? Just listen to the original. That said, Angelina has a very nice voice.
• Come Together (Venir Juntos) - Tito Puente, Celia Cruz & Familia RMM, originally by The Beatles: Easily the best track on the disc. I've already confessed to not liking the original much, but this high energy Latin version is fantastic. Great horn parts; things really get cooking about 2½ minutes in.
• Fever - La Lupe, originally by Little Willie John, made famous by Peggy Lee: This song is usually misinterpreted when sung by women who are trying to act sexy and seductive when they sing it. This is one of those performances. When the music is sexy, no embellishment is needed by the singer. Admittedly, La Lupe is a highly regarded salsa singers; I just don't care much for her voice. It's a personal thing.
• Just The Way You Are - Alberto Shiroma, originally by Billy Joel: Imagine a cheesy lounge act featuring a Peruvian-born Japanese salsa singer. This beautiful song has evolved into a lounge music standard and Shiroma butchers it accordingly.
• No Woman, No Cry - Olodum featuring Jimmy Cliff, originally by Bob Marley: Brazilian samba reggae is an interesting genre featuring repinique drumming. It adds an interesting twist to this Marley classic. Worth checking out.
• Voodoo Child (Slight Return) - Angelique Kidjo, originally by Jimi Hendrix: fantastic African pop from Kidjo, with whom I was familiar before buying this compilation. Kidjo's take on this Hendrix tune is a complete deconstruction. I normally don't like Hendrix covers because the originals are so good, but this type of creativity might change my mind.
• Black Coffee - Patricia Kaas, originally by Peggy Lee: A smoldering version by French singer Kaas. Recommended for a romantic, candlelit evening; it seems out of place among all these salsa tunes.
• Happy Together - The Leningrad Cowboys featuring the Alexandrov Red Army Ensemble, originally by The Turtles: The Cowboys are a Finnish novelty act that have made a living humorously covering popular tunes like this one. A fun listen the first time, but that's enough.
• James Bond Theme - The Surf Champlers: take a famous movie theme, add some elements of traditional Okinawan katcharsee folk music, add the twang of '60s surf music. Mix well. Like the previous track, this novelty doesn't call for repeated listenings.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None.

Previously revisited for the blog:
Chilled Champagne (2002)
Handful of Rhythms: Music from our Small World (2000)