The opening "Y Pas de Arrangement" works a bit of James Brown funk into Zebda's rock/rai/raggamuffin mix, and that's a tell-tale signal that Essence Ordinaire is a mellower, more melodic disc. Only "Je Suis" really favors a heavier, rock guitar attack over the funkier, R&B rhythm guitar groove that dominates here; the arrangements are sparer all around, but that doesn't stop the Toulouse, France, septet from delivering another solid effort. Lyricist Magyd Cherfi seems to have been in a reflective mood -- "Quinze Ans" is an ...
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The opening "Y Pas de Arrangement" works a bit of James Brown funk into Zebda's rock/rai/raggamuffin mix, and that's a tell-tale signal that Essence Ordinaire is a mellower, more melodic disc. Only "Je Suis" really favors a heavier, rock guitar attack over the funkier, R&B rhythm guitar groove that dominates here; the arrangements are sparer all around, but that doesn't stop the Toulouse, France, septet from delivering another solid effort. Lyricist Magyd Cherfi seems to have been in a reflective mood -- "Quinze Ans" is an affecting, but not particularly nostalgic look back at being 15 and hanging with friends. Both the horn-flavored, sunny yet chunky ska-reggae of "Tomber la Chemise" and "On Est Chez Nous" celebrate the concert tribe and the sense of feeling free in that setting. "Je Crois Que Ca Va Pas Etre Posible" (I Don't Believe That's Going to Be Possible) recounts examples of everyday dreams -- looking for an apartment, going clubbing without being hassled -- running up against the discriminatory reality of being judged by one's appearance. The spiraling instrumental melodies of "Tout Semble Si" also spotlight the mournful Arabic side of Zebda's mix, but strings are featured more heavily and "Tombes des Nues" goes the acoustic-guitar-with-accordion route. So does "Qualalardime," reviving the French-Arab café flavor in the verses before breaking out in an exuberant string-driven chorus powered by Vincent Sauvage's drums. "Le Manouche" is pretty much in the same vein and Essence Ordinaire boasts fewer potent dance tracks, more singing than rapping, and a stronger French flavor -- a quieter record that shows a different side to Zebda. ~ Don Snowden, Rovi
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Add this copy of Essence Ordinaire to cart. $7.49, fair condition, Sold by Foggypaws rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Sonoma, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1998 by Barclay.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. CD, case and rear cover art are in very good condition. Just a few light scratches to the CD that does not affect the play of the disc. No front cover art. CD, case, and rear cover art only. Minor shelf wear to the case.
Add this copy of Essence Ordinaire to cart. $6.99, good condition, Sold by Book Alley rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Pasadena, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Barclay.
