Wagram France Vinilo y CD

Review: A new week means yet another new compilation from Wagram. The French label has become expert at myriad different genres from staples like house and techno to more esoteric world genre niches. This time out they launch a new series that looks into the rich sounds of Afrobeat, first pioneered by the likes of Fela Kuti and his drummer Tony Allen. Neither of them feature here but the four sides of tunes we do get all make for a deep dive into this compelling rhythmical music.

Review: French label Wagram is a go-to when it comes to quality compilations that take a broad look at certain sounds and scenes, and this one is an on-going series that focuses on house sounds with an Afro undertone. The grooves are lively and often come with plenty of percussion. The drums hit hard but with funk, the vocals are Afro-centric and plenty of irresistible hits come thick and fast from the jazzy tribal swagger of 'Imbalaye' to the big steel drum party sounds of 'Viet Dao' (Klement Bonelli & Yann DL remix). Another great collection of colourful Afro house sounds.

Review: The seemingly endless list of compilations that Wagram have been working on over the last years keeps on turning out gold. This time after editions looking into tech, soul, house and everything else, they serve up an overview of calypso. Arriving in a lovely gatefold sleeve, this one takes in key tracks by all the masters of this form such as Atilla the Hun, Lord Invader, Sonny Rollins Four, Mighty Panther and Henri Debs Sextet & Paul Blamar in a selection that will have you feeling the sun on your face in no time.