Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Cotonou
(Benin, 1972)
Here’s a warning for you: unless you’re prepared to go down a rabbit hole of awesome music–the vast majority of which you’ve never heard before–don’t go check out the offerings of Analog Africa. They re-issue music from Africa and South America that…well, I was going to say didn’t get much play outside of the regions in which they originated, but I don’t know that. For years, I knew nothing about Northern Soul in the UK. For all I know, the music of Benin was played like gangbusters in Japan. Anyway, they’re putting this music out in the world digitally, when previously I’m sure finding it on its original vinyl would be a daunting task. It’s amazing, but if you’re going to go check them out, pack a sandwich.
