"Ady" (Live at WOMAD)

Retrospectives are rarely so full, and, as 10 shows, culturally relevant. The decade-old Tarika helped put Madagascar on the musical map as A) another diverse extension of African sound and B) a social unit with its own political ails in need of intervention. Lead singer Hanitra Rasoanaivo, in fact, has made a point in using music as ideological vehicle, layering meaningful messages into guitar- and percussion-driven rhythms. This album showcases songs from the band's first four albums, including Son Egal, an exploration of the historical relationship between Madagascar and Senegal, and D a set of remakes of all-but-forgotten, classic Malagasy hits.

Putting action into meaning has been Hanitra¹s aim for some time. Spending time living in London, constantly introducing Malagasy culture to international audiences through touring, she rejoined sister Noro Raharimalala and group not only sonically, but nationally, physically building a cultural center to match her emotionally musical landscape. She also started Valiha High, a school teaching youths how to play instruments in her hometown of Antananarivo, after being appalled at the lack of activities available to them. Calling home "home" once again, Hanitra launches her global missive from her native island's shores.

This is a band with the sole (and soul) goal of keeping traditional, and 10 is a living mythology of Indian Ocean musicology. The gorgeous interplay of guitar and he tube zither, valiha on "Taraina" and Hanitra's rolling vocals on "Koba" distinguish this well-selected 15-cut compilation. The band sing with the closeness and personal resonance of a family, which they virtually are. A cranking live version of "Ady" from the WOMAD festival conveys the band's infectious live energy.

These tracks mostly feature the group's signature acoustic sound, acoustic ¬guitar and various Malagasy percussion instruments dancing alongside local string instruments like the valiha and four-string kabosy, a kind of mandolin. But the set¬ is not without digital goodies: the Afro Celt mixdown of "Avelo" and Transglobal Underground's brilliant tinkering of "Madindo" add nice electronic finishes to beautiful originals (unfortunately not included). Two videos, "Koba" and "Sulawesi," round out a collection destined to repeat on your stereo until 20 is ready for retail.

Contributed by: Derek Beres