Head-Fi.org › Forums › Misc.-Category Forums › Music › If I don't understand any African Languages, will I like Ali Farka Toure?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

If I don't understand any African Languages, will I like Ali Farka Toure?

post #1 of 10
11/2/09 at 9:47pm
Thread Starter 
I've heard good things about his music and I'm slightly interested, but the problem is that he is speaking in African Languages. Usually, when I listen to music, I like to be able to understand what the singer is saying, but in this case, I will not be able to. Would the lack of understanding of the lyrics make it any less enjoyable? Is it worth trying if I have that fetish? The bottom line, would I be able to enjoy it w/o knowing what the lyrics are?(I know that these are personal decisions, but I'd like to have head-fiers opinion)
Reply
post #2 of 10
11/2/09 at 10:50pm
regardless of language rhythm is rhythm and he has plenty
definately worth a listen, I love his music and do not understand a word.
Reply
post #3 of 10
11/2/09 at 11:46pm
I don't understand what Thom Yorke is saying half the time, but I like Radiohead.
Reply
post #4 of 10
11/3/09 at 12:37am
He speaks the international language of guitar.
Reply
post #5 of 10
11/3/09 at 12:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by NiceCans View Post
regardless of language rhythm is rhythm and he has plenty
definately worth a listen, I love his music and do not understand a word.
x2. Do you like instrumental music? If so, just think of the vocals as another instrument. Some of my favorite music is in languages I don't understand.
Reply
post #6 of 10
11/3/09 at 2:37am
Not being really into lyrics, it's hard for me to say. However, if lyrics are vitally important to you, you might have trouble appreciating the records. African songforms tend not to emphasize lyrics so much as vocals, rhythms, and instrumentation. And when the lyrics do take recognizable form, they are usually not personal or impressionistic, but more political, aphoristic or sociocultural. Of course I am generalizing, but as a long time compulsive reader of trots I'm going to stand by that. I wish I could tell you where Toure fits into that, but I'm sorry, I can't actually remember details. I distinctly remember reading translations, and obviously carried nothing away from that.
Reply
post #7 of 10
11/3/09 at 3:00am
Best thing to do - try one of his cds. I'd recommend starting with his collaboration with Ry Cooder on Talking Timbuktu. It's well recorded and one of his best cds.
Reply
post #8 of 10
11/3/09 at 3:48am
Hell yes you'll enjoy Toure. Stop dithering and get one of his CDs. You might find yourself singing along in a language you don't understand.
Reply
post #9 of 10
11/3/09 at 4:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hew View Post
Best thing to do - try one of his cds. I'd recommend starting with his collaboration with Ry Cooder on Talking Timbuktu. It's well recorded and one of his best cds.
X 2, I'd like to add to this and say, this is where blues meets African music - it will ease you into his music. One of my favourites.
Reply
post #10 of 10
11/3/09 at 3:20pm
He is that good wether or not you understand him and I agree with everyone else, stop hesitating and get his stuff.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Music
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Misc.-Category Forums › Music › If I don't understand any African Languages, will I like Ali Farka Toure?