v/a: Angola Soundtrack: The Unique Sound of Luanda 1968-1976

Label: Analog Africa

Another month, another compilation of cool '60s/'70s African music. Yawn... HEY!!! Do not sleep on this one! Analog Africa, one of a few unimpeachably fantastic labels dedicated to such pursuits, brings forth one of its finest collections yet — not a film soundtrack but rather a bewitching and varied set of Angolan sounds, and you will have trouble taking this record off. Lots of cool, modified Western electric-guitar styles to be found, like the surf bliss of "Ilha Vergem" by Jovens Do Prenda and the quasi-psych semba of Os Kiezos' "Comboio," but unlike a lot of ostensibly great similar comps, you get a real sense over the course of these 18 tracks of just how unique things were in Angola during this period, and a real sonic portrait of Cuban/Latin influences blended with Angolan traditions, limited though it surely is, emerges. Not a bum note to be found, just one dope cut after another, plenty to dance to and some to lightly trip out to as well. Possibly the best African reissue I've heard this year — I'm buying three to use as stocking stuffers. (M.L. Thrope)