VA The Rough Guide To

From the beating heart of the capital city Bamako to the rich musical soils of Niafunké, Mali has become synonymous with the raw desert blues sound. Featuring the likes of the legendary Tuareg band Tartit as well as Songhai bluesman Samba Touré, this Rough Guide also includes tracks by other unsung heroes, all of whom share the same goal of preserving a culture under serious threat.

Named after the rough and ready bars where labourers gathered to drink and dance, barrelhouse was a raucous form of piano blues that got the juke joints swinging. From early pioneers such as Cow Cow Davenport and Speckled Red to the boogie-woogie legends Pete Johnson and Albert Ammons, this collection charts the rise and incredible influence of this good-time blues.

Terrific Cuban compilation featuring an unlikely spread of modern timba, old school salsa, son and more — a real party mix that, surprisingly, flows just great. Features Yumuri, Maraca, Bamboleo, Roberto Torres, La Lupe, Chico Alvarez, Teresa Garcia Caturla, Linda Leida and others. This one, folks, has been in the CD player all day. Compiled by Pablo Yglesias who also wrote the superb liner notes. Perfect for the summer all-nighter. Turn the volume way up and dance!