Published
Wed, Oct 6, 2010, 09:00
- The two-disc compilation shows Shackleton, Animal Collective and Mark Ernestus reinterpreting the modern sounds of the Congo.
Next month will see the release of Tradi Mods vs Rockers: Alternative Takes on Congotronics, a compilation of indie and electronic artists reinterpreting the Congolese style of music known as tradi-moderne.
The collection will be released on Crammed Discs, the Belgian imprint that first introduced tradi-moderne to an international audience with their Congotronics series. As its name suggests, tradi-moderne blends traditional Congolese music with modern instruments, most notably the electric likembe, sometimes known as the thumb-piano. Although its performers are mostly unaware of western music trends, parallels are often drawn between tradi-moderne and electronic music, thanks to its emphasis on percussion, its lengthy songs and its generally hypnotic effect. In addition to receiving praise from the likes of Pitchfork and The Wire, the style has become popular among many indie and electronic musicians (Mount Kimbie even included a track by Konono N°1 in their recent RA Podcast).
Tradi-Mods vs Rockers compiles two discs of American and European artists reinterpreting the sounds of tradi-moderne. 27 acts contribute in total, including Animal Collective, Shackleton, Mark Ernestus and Berlin-based experimental artist Burnt Friedman. It's hard to say exactly what these tunes will sound like, but according to a press release, "most of the contributions blur the boundaries between reinventions and covers, reworks and homages."
Tracklist
CD 1
01. Deerhoof vs Kasai Allstars - Travel Broadens the Mind
02. Animal Collective vs Kasai Allstars - Quick as White
03. Andrew Bird vs Konono N°1 & Sobanza Mimanisa - Ohnono / Kiwembo
04. Tussle vs Konono N°1 - Soft Crush
05. Glenn Kotche vs Konono N°1 - Traducteur de Transmission
06. Lonley Drifter Karen vs. Kasai Allstars - Hunting on the Moon
07. Jherek Bischoff vs Konono N°1 - Kule Kule (Orchestral Version)
08. Woom vs Kasai Allstars - Enter the Chief
09. Juana Molina vs Kasai Allstars - Hoy Supe Que Viajas
10. Mark Ernestus vs Konono N°1 - Masikulu Dub
11. Skeletns vs Sobanza Mimanisa - Kiwembo / Unstuck
12. Jolie Holland & Kasai Allstars - Land Dispute
CD 2
01. Shackleton vs Kasai Allstars - Mukuba Special
02. Hoquets vs Konono N°1 - Likembes
03. Micachu & The Shapes vs Konono N°1 - NO.K
04. Megafaun vs Kisanzi Kongo - Conjugal Mirage
05. Au vs Masanka Sankayi - Two Labors
06. Alla vs Basokin - Mulu (me)
07. Bear Bones, Lay Low vs Konono N°1 - Kuletronics
08. Burnt Friedman vs Konono N°1 - Rubaczech
09. Oneida vs Konono N°1 - Nombre 1!
10. Optimo vs Konono N°1 - Wumbanzanga
11. Bass Clef vs Kasai Allstars - The Incident At Mbuji-Mayi
12. Eye vs Konono N°1 - Konono Wa Wa Wa
13. Sylvain Chauveau vs Konono N°1 - Makembe
Crammed Discs will release Tradi-Mods vs Rockers: Alternative Takes on Congotronics on November 8th, 2010.