Etran Finatawa

• Introducing Etran Finatawa [World Music Network, 2006] B+
• Desert Crossroads [Riverboat, 2008] *
• Tarkat Taiji/Let's Go! [Riverboat, 2010] *

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Introducing Etran Finatawa [World Music Network, 2006]
These Wodaabe and Tuareg obviously put aside their cultural differences, because seeing the world like those Tinariwen dudes beats breeding cattle or camels, as the case may be. But so what? Their Wodaabe polyphony is a difference worth selling the world. Sahara trance-rock, Niger stylee. B+

Desert Crossroads [Riverboat, 2008]
World-traveling Sahara band learned what it means to long for home, and so their music became more sere ("Saghmar N Nanna," "Gaynaako"). *

Tarkat Taiji/Let's Go! [Riverboat, 2010]
Mellower and funkier Saharan groove, though not therefore handsomer ("Aitimani," "Ummee Ndaaren"). *