Consumer Guide Album

The Rail Band: Buffet Hotel de la Gare [Mississippi, 2024]
Discographically I'm somewhat hornswoggled by what would seem to be the fourth U.S.-available album by this government-supported or do I mean state-railroad-supported Malian band, not least because legendary lead vocalist Salif Keita, an albino not to be confused with the football star of the same name who died last September, is said to have retired decades ago. But I can responsibly report that there's a relaxed yet impassioned feel to this particular collection that achieves a simple sweetness I don't find on the Rail Band CDs I'm happy to have acquired over the years. For Afropop adepts only, you could say if so inclined. But also an excellent reason to get on board. A-