Other Roads: Fondo Remixed

iTunes Review

Malian guitarist and singer Vieux Farka Touré’s self-titled debut was reimagined on 2007’s Vieux Farka Touré Remixed: UFOs Over Bamako. And in 2009, his acclaimed sophomore effort, Fondo, gets nicely reworked on the varied Other Roads: Fondo Remixed. The original version of “Diaraby Magni” had a Jamaica vibe; here, Yossi Fine intensifies that flavor, while Peter Pozorek and DJ Umb Juke Boyz introduce splashes of water and a minimal chug to their take on the song. Idan K and the Movement of Rhythm bring an uptempo, rumbling undertow to “Sarama,” which uses snippets of Farka Toure’s vocals and guitar as catchy riffs. Gaslight Troubadours inject synth squelches into another remix of “Sarama,” while Brownout brings horns and a hint of Hendrix to yet the same material. Mo DJ’s “Walé” rocks particularly hard, while a crisp beat animates J-Boogie’s “Fafa,” a cut marked by squiggly guitar lines. Layers of loops serve as an intro on 310’s “Aï Haïra,” which later settles into a midtempo groove before it morphs again. BiggaBush’s “Paradise” closes the album on a moody, low-key note; it’s also one of the best tracks here.