Audio CD review:
Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Somewhere In Africa

Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Somewhere In Africa

Band: Manfred Mann's Earth Band Title: Somewhere In Africa Rating: Release Date: 04 July, 1999 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Tribal Statistics 2: Eyes Of Nostrabamus 3: Third World Service 4: Demolition Man 5: Brothers And Sisters Of Azania 6: Africa Suite 7: A) Brothers And Sisters Of Africa 8: B) To Bantustan? 9: C) Koze Kobenini? (How Long Must We Wait?) 10: D) Lalela 11: Redemption Song (No Kwazulu) 12: Somewhere In Africa 13: War Dream 14: Holiday's Dream 15: Redemption Song (Single Version) 16: Eyes Of Nostradamus (12 Inch Single Version) 17: Demolition Man (Single Version/Alternate Mix)

Customer Reviews A Truly Outstanding Album Great tracks,outstanding production,solid execution all contribute to a must have recording! . This is probably my favorite Manfred Mann album and one I highly recommend. Somethere in Rock and Ethnomusic Here Earthband used the samples of African ethnic singing and of traditional instruments. This is not the best album by Mandfred Mann, but probably it`s most original and less predictable. And it was years before releasing of the albums by Peter Gabriel and Deep Forest. So Manfred Mann was a kind of Columbus in this area of modern music. Album is devoted to South Africa`s political problems in the 80s. Now situation there is quite different (and the problems are much more sophisticated and difficult), but epic "The Redemption Song" still impresses me by its mix of ethnic singing, rock energy and Rick Wakemanesque keyboards solo by Manfred Mann. Another hit of album - "Eyes of Nostradamus". Album contains concept peace of songs and music - "Afrika Suite". Probably you would find something interesting for you in other tracks (read all reviews). The album got scent of pop music of the 80s - electronic keyboards, loops, but if you like the manner of playing by Manfred Mann - you would like this album - distinctive sound by Manfred Mann`s Earthband is here. By the way, I`ve got European version of this CD, without "Runner" and "Rebel" (they were included as bonus tracks on remastered CD "Criminal Tango"). Single versions of "Redemption Song" and "Nostradamus" are differ from the album cuts. In single version of "Redemption Song" you would hear Earthband with female lead vocals. If you like this "somethere in Afrika" version of Earthband - then try next CD "Criminal Tango" (1986) - with polished and dynamic AOR sound. . Manfred Mann's Best Ever Release The One Way Records edition is totally different from 90% of the other editions currently out there. If you are a Manfred Mann's Earth Band fan, this is the ultimate disc to own. The cd was first released in europe & had a different song list on it. The One Way Records edition faithfully recreates the U. S. record release. The songs are in a totally different order & the two best songs on the cd are LEFT OFF the european edition (Runner & Rebel). This gives the One Way Record edition a totally different feel from the get go. Mann's rendition of Police cover 'Demolition Man' starts the cd followed by 'Runner' & 'Rebel'. 'Runner' was his tribute to the 1980 olympics. 'Rebel' is one of Mann's best songs & is only availible on THIS version. As if these three songs aren't enough to melt your mind, he follows them with an Al Stewart cover of 'The Eyes of Nostradamus'! Mann then follows with some of the most stunning work he ever did, an African tribal music medley of songs that spanned the entire B side of the album. These songs give you insight into Manfred Mann's homeland & country & his pride in his African heritige. This is one of the VERY FEW albums out there that you can play straight through with absolutely no let down. I love 'Solar Fire', 'Nightingales & Bombers', 'Roaring Silence' & 'The Good Earth' as much as anybody but 'Somewhere In Afrika' is a whole different game! Prepare to be stunned. . . You can see a complete list of all Manfred Mann's Earth Band discography, or go back to the Manfred Mann's Earth Band tabs