La Manu Chao

Limited 2019 edition of Clandestino. The original album remastered for the first time; Originally released in 1998. Includes three new 2019 songs: "Bloody Bloody Border", "Roadies Rules", and "Clandestino" featuring Calypso Rose (2019 version).

The debut from Manu Chao, the former leader of French world-punks Lo Mano Negra, leaned heavily on Latin America for its inspiration, but this time around he's obviously been spending time–at least in his head–in the Caribbean. Reggae rhythms abound, and the opener "Merry Blues" features some wonderfully wonky Jamaican-style brass, while "Promiscuity" takes its cue from Trinidadian calypso. Of course, this being Chao, there are plenty of playful touches–from ringing cell phones to speeded-up vocals–and inevitably there are the Latin influences throughout to remind you of what remains close to his heart ("La Primavera" in particular is a standout).

The first solo album released by the former frontman of Mano Negra, Clandestino is an enchanting trip through Latin-flavored worldbeat rock, reliant on a potpourri of musical styles from traditional Latin and salsa to dub to rock 'n' roll to French pop to experimental rock to techno… Just about every track has odd sampled bits from what sound like pirate radio-station broadcasts (a possible link to the title). There are so many great ideas on this record that it's difficult to digest in one listen, but multiple plays reveal the great depth of Manu Chao's artistry.

Infusing rock fundamentals with elements of ska, reggae, punk, and Afro-pop since fronting Mano Negra ("Black Hand") in 1986, Chao's grown by continental leaps as a bandleader since then, as La Radiolina's mix of festival-rousing rock, defiant politics, and multilingual lyrics attests.

Global star Manu Chao presents a DVD called "Baionarena" - recorded in France in 2008. With 33 total tracks, it features a variety of recent hits,older classics and rarities performed at Manu's standard level of high-energy raucousness along with tens of thousands of fans. Whether you saw Manu Chao headline Coachella, Austin City Limits or one of his many sold-out theater dates across the U.S. "Baionarena" will help recreate that experience in the comfort of your own home. "Baionarena" also includes a special 30 min. behind the scenes tour diary along with the full concert.