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Cd Reviews

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Daft Punk’s new album leaks

The French duo’s album has leaked on social media before the release date next Monday, giving fans the best platform to react – Twitter.

Rokia Traoré. ‘I didn’t want to sing about my sadness.’

Rokia Traoré brings a spark of life to a country in political turmoil

Rokia Traoré has been pursuing her muse — and discovering more of her Malian musical identity.

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Keeping up with Mr Jones: Where’s David Bowie Now?

Listening to his latest album makes you hope it’s not a one-off, that musician David Bowie’s return continues apace.

Khuli Chana: Mother tongue lyricism

Khuli Chana’s timeless sound makes his latest album one of the most enjoyable this festive season and beyond.

Make-Overs: Art-pop punk

Make-Overs: Art-pop punk

If there was any justice in the music industry, thousands of South Africans would find a copy of the new Make-Overs album in their Christmas stocking.

The Brother Moves On end 2012 on a high note

The Brother Moves On end 2012 on a high note

This has been a big year for Johannesburg’s performance-art wonderkids.

Zuluboy: An MC trapped in a musician’s body

One thing to be said about Zuluboy is that his delivery is never lacklustre, regardless of the tempo of the beat.

Spoek Mathambo: Afro-futurism’s heir apparent

Spoek Mathambo: Afro-futurism’s heir apparent

The Future Sound of Mzansi is a compilation album of rarities, remixes and collaborations that will be distributed across the continent.

The Soil.
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The Soil: Kasi soul takes root

The a capella trio, The Soil’s self-titled debut album is taking their message to a wider audience.

Gong is Struck.
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Lark: Sticking to a basic formula

Lark’s latest material doesn’t offer their fans anything new, despite the evolution of South African electronic music, writes Lloyd Gedye.

Busy Signal
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Busy Signal: Evolution rather than revolution

We are used to this now: a barnstorming, fire-eating raggamuffin DJ who, midway through his career, discovers dancehall’s conscious roots.

Between the Times and the Tides.
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From Sonic Youth to musical maturity

It’s clear that within Sonic Youth or outside of its confines, Lee Ranaldo has a lot to offer the music world, writes Lloyd Gedye.

Music review: Actress – R.I.P

Music review: Actress – R.I.P

Actress typically presents washes of layered sound and then uses what sound like real instruments — piano, organ, flute — to carry the melody.

Music review: (alt-J) – An Awesome Wave

Music review: (alt-J) – An Awesome Wave

The fusion of folk harmonies with hip-hop’s swagger, rock’s bombast and great production has created a sound that has the music world all aflutter.

Music review: El-P – Cancer4Cure

Music review: El-P – Cancer4Cure

El-P has moved towards the mainstream, or at least a wider audience. Thankfully, he has pulled it off without sacrificing urgency and proficiency.