When the World Music Network assembled a collection of recordings by Australian Aboriginal artists, it could have taken a purist approach and focused exclusively on acoustic tribal music. But instead, the Network opted for diversity, and the label keeps things unpredictable by spotlighting the most traditional Aboriginal artists as well as the most modern. This collection of 1980s and 1990s recordings ranges from the Aborignal pop of Christine Anu's haunting "Sik O" and Archie Roach's "Native Born" to raw, highly rhythmic traditional recordings by Arnhem Land ("Nyindi-Yindi"), Rimijmara ("Wongga Initiation Song"), Budal Lardil ("Buthamar") and the late Alan Maralung ("Bushfire"). Many of the CD's tribal offerings employ the very recognizable didgeridoo, which is known for its ultra-deep sound and is the best-known wind instrument invented by Aborigines. The didgeridoo has one of the deepest sounds you'll hear in music -- in terms of deepness, it even rivals some of the sounds that Catholic monks of Europe have provided during Gregorian chants. Those who have appreciated other Aboriginal collections will find a lot to admire about this one. by Alex Henderson
Tracklist:
1 Dusty Legune & Campbell Allenbar – Saltwater 2:17
2 Ruby Hunter – Kurongk Boy, Kurongk Girl 3:33
3 Archie Roach – Native Born 3:59
4 Tjapukai Dancers – Tjapukai Sunset 2:09
5 Rimijmara – Wongga Initiation Song 1:41
6 Mark Atkins – Bullima 4:31
7 Waak Waak Jungi – Kava Song 5:49
8 Jimmy Murray – Drag Net 1:17
9 Tjapukai Dancers – Heart Of My People 6:05
10 Christine Anu – Sik O 3:11
11 Arnhem Land – Nyindi-Yindi 3:44
12 Gapu – Celebration 4:44
13 Alan Maralung – Bushfire 3:29
14 David Page – Black 11:54
