- The Outernationalists are made up of Afro Celts’ founder Simon Emmerson and DJ/Producer Phil Meadley. The Afro Celts are renowned for their spectacular live shows around the world and albums that incorporate a varied mix of West African rhythms, traditional Irish music, and high-spirited dance grooves. Over the years the band have been nominated for several Grammy awards and appeared on soundtracks to films such as the recent Hollywood flick Gang’s of New York. Phil, who has been writing for a variety of underground dance magazines for a number of years, started the first UK column exclusively for global fusion in Wax Magazine. Along with his writings, Phil has also been responsible for compiling cds such as Zen & The Art Of Chilling 1 & 2, Asian Chill and Indestructible Arabian Beats.
What these two guys have in common is their passion for international sounds combined with elements of electronic experimentation, which is reflected in their name. Rather than just a run-of-the-mill world music compilation, the duo delved deep into global beat culture, exploring Afro, Latin, Indian, Arabic and global psychedelia, with the aim of crafting a up-tempo, funky club mix with lots of live instrumentation.
The mix starts of with the funky ‘Green Africa’ by Mysterious Traveler. Coincidentally, the producer of this track was one of the first to expose Afro-beat music in Europe. African chants accompanied with subtle guitar riffs, groovy synth melodies, horn stabs and a chunky 4x4 beat ride smoothly over a seriously funky bassline that even the godfather of funk James Brown would be proud of. After an impressive introduction ‘Now We Know (Lovesky Mix)’ by Hawke makes a welcome appearance. This track features tribal drums, exquisite breakbeats, brooding bassline and psychedelic synth sounds. But what makes this track really special is the addition of the prog-rock guitar riffs.
For me, one of the highlights of this mix is the Eastern European sounding ‘Passenger’ by Headmix. The build up is just a taster of what’s to come. What comes next is well worth the wait; as the drums cut out, only the sound of strumming guitar riffs, beautiful eastern strings and flute melodies can be heard. I think to label this track as simply superb would be an understatement. Belgium’s highly rated Urban Trad treats us to an exciting blend of electronica and folk fusion with ‘Berim Dance’. This is another stand out track.
The theme of the mix gains a distinct gypsy dancehall vibe by the time you reach ‘Carolina’ by Bucovina Club vs Taraf de Haïdouks. The track features horns, dancehall beats and tribal drums. Being quite a humorous tune, the vocals are a cover of Shaggy’s ‘Oh Carolina’. In my opinion this cover version actually sounds much better! This flows nicely into the fun but wacky, ska sounding ‘Big and Bouncy’ by Cakeboy. Although not a common topic for most songs, this amusing track features female vocal samples about breasts. Stop sniggering at the back please!
Following on from the South African rhythms of Doreen Thobekile with ‘Hambanam’ is the tech-house banger ‘Firewater’ by Fun-Da-Mental featuring Zamo Mbuto & Comrades. A potent mix of Asian breaks, Zulu chants and a diiirrrrty, phat bassline combine to great effect. This tune is made for some serious dance floor booty shaking. This mix is finished off with the fantastic Afro Celts ‘Deep Channel’. The track with its distinct Afro-Celtic vibe combines stomping drums, driving bassline and some wild pipe playing to finish the mix off with a bang.
The result is a mix that will appeal to both fans of world music and dance music. So many walls are torn down between genres, which enables this mix to be accessible to many. What sets this mix apart from the so many other world music compilations, is the use of live instrumentation throughout and sheer energy. Ok, so maybe not everyone will like it but it is nonetheless an eclectic yet accessible selection of tracks, which will broaden your horizons!
1. Mysterious Traveler - Green Africa
2. Kamel Nitrate - The Big Bhang
3. Hawke - Now We Know [Lovesky Mix]
4. Headmix - Passenger
5. Harem - Orient Carnival
6. Spiritual South - Green Gold
7. Urban Trad - Berim Dance
8. Bucovina Club vs. Taraf de Haïdouks - Carolina
9. Cakeboy - Big & Bouncy
10. Snooze - It's More Expensive For This
11. Doreen Thobekile - Hambanam
12. United Eye - Ska East of the West [United Eye 'N' Eye Mix]
13. Fun-Da-Mental feat. Zamo Mbuto & Comrades - Fire Water [Moody Boyz Remix]
14. Afro Celts - Deep Channel