Dur-Dur Band: Of Somalia Vol.1&2 Vinyl 3LP Dur-Dur Band

ANALOG AFRICA DIGS DEEPER THAN DEEP FOR THEIR NEWEST, SURE-FIRE RELEASE. For Dur Dur of Somalia – Volume 1, Volume 2 & Previously Unreleased Tracks, the label pulls out all stops and brings the grooving, hypnotic sound of Dur-Dur Band into the mainstream once again. Dur-Dur Band formed in 1980s Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, and soon became one of the country’s most popular (and arguably funkiest) bands. One could simply describe the music contained on these 3 LPs as funk overall, but Dur-Dur’s use of spacey psychedelic guitars, ethio-style modes, and Fela-style grooves creates an entrancing sound that is hard to put into a single “Western” genre. By blending traditional Somalian rhythms and vocal traditions with Western sounds – new wave, disco, afrobeat, funk, soul, even reggae – Dur-Dur Band’s music is entirely unique and infectious. When you drop the needle on the first track alone, “Ohiyee,” it’s impossible to not bob your head along with the fuzz guitar and swirling organs when the drums kick in. While it’s hard to imagine what 1980s Mogadishu might have been like before descending into civil war, listening through Dur-Dur of Somalia can give you a good idea of that thriving cultural era from the Horn of Africa. This release compiles the band’s first two albums, originally released on cassette-only in 1986 and 1987, respectively, as well as two previously unreleased tracks and extensive liner notes. Tracks to check out are “Ohiyee,” “Yabaal,” “Salkudhigey,” “Saafiyeey Makaa Saraayeey” and “Diinleeya.” For fans of Fela Kuti, Mulatu Astatke, Ata Kak, etc. 18 deep tracks on triple vinyl, including two previously unreleased tracks and extensive liner notes featuring interviews with original band members documenting this golden age of Somalia’s cultural history. Recommended.

• triple vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• digital download included
• music label: Analog Africa 2018

reviewed by rbg 11/2018