VA - Tresors De La Musique Algerienne [2CD Box Set] (2004)

One of the most notable releases from the Institut du Monde Arabe, this rich two CD-set covers a wide variety of early recordings of Algerian Chaabi, Malouf and Kabyle musics. Culled from the archives of Algerian Radio, this release covers much of the nearly forgotten music from the middle of the 20th century. From the lush, full Arabo-Andalusian orchestras of Constantine, to urban poetry from the streets of Oran, this CD covers a wide variety of North African music. The second CD is especially notable for including Kabyle Berber singers like the legendary Slimane Azem, Cherifa, Cherif Keddam, Noura, Cheikh el Hasnaoui and Akli Yahiaten, as well as another lesser known Berber genere, the Chaoui of the Aures (represented by Aissa el Djarmouni and Beggar Hada). Even further afield is music from the Sahara, including a Toureg troupe from the Hoggar mountains. Algeria's best known musical export, Rai, doesn't make an appearance on this album. However, its ancestors can be seen in the chaabi and popular music performances. As the liner notes proclaim, this is the music that influenced Rachid Taha, Khaled, and l'Orchestre National de Barbes. In fact, the original recording of 'Ya Rayah' (made famous by Rachid Taha on 'Diwan') is here, done by Dahmane el Harrachi. So if you love Rai, or North African music in general, you owe it to yourself to check this CD out. It is a rich documentary of North Africa's culture heritage, taken directly from the heart of the Maghreb. With so many rarities and obscure tracks, it really is a treasure box of Algerian music.