V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music Of The Indian Ocean (2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Indian Ocean is still one area of the world that remains relatively unexplored musically. It's every bit as polyglot as any urban Western society, and that's reflected in the surprising mix of influences and styles that emerge on this compilation, which sheds a welcome light on the region. In world music circles, Madagascar has become well known in large part for Tarika, whose work here doesn't disappoint with its sharpness and harmonies over an almost-Asian line that connects cultures from Indonesia to Africa. But there's also Ricky Randimbiarison, whose "Zaza Mitomany" brings in jazz and roots music for an enthralling stew, and Lego, with the island's 6/8 salegy rhythm on "Mamandrako." Get to Zanzibar and the Arab influence appears dominant, both in Belle Lumiere and the wonderful Culture Musical Club, whose string sound is almost Egyptian. The Seychelles String Band's "Polka" sounds eerily like a vintage Cajun recording, while Tam-Tam Des Cools bring ragga and hip-hop to La Reunion. Kaya, from Mauritius, has developed a style called seggae, where reggae and the local séga music come together in stunning fashion. There's not a dud among the 18 cuts here and this contains enough intriguing material to start any inquisitive listener on a search for a lot more. by Chris Nickson  
Tracklist:
1    Tarika–    Koba (Franglais Mix)    3:58
2    Denis Azor–    Ala Li Lá (Segá)    4:05
3    Danyel Waro–    Bayoun    5:37
4    Feo-gasy–    Maria    3:49
5    Françoise Guimbert–    Sak La Point    5:09
6    Ricky Randimbiarison*–    Zaza Mitomany    5:19
7    Culture Musical Club*–    Wacha Yakufike    6:41
8    M'Toro Chamou Et Les Watoro–    Oh! La    3:20
9    Jean-Noël–    Neni Baba    4:11
10    Baster–    Ti Koné Mi Yinm Sa Baba    3:32
11    Kaya–    Sensé    3:49
12    Seychelles String Band–    Polka    3:26
13    Tam-tam Des Cools–    Pa Bezoin Zot’ La Pèr    3:55
14    René Lacaille & Bob Brozman–    Lang Là    3:39
15    Seychelles All Stars–    Anmenn Mwan Dan Lakour    4:02
16    Belle Lumière–    Dzinyo    5:50
17    Kaskavel–    Mo Mari Ô    3:42
18    Lego–    Mamandrako    3:38