Son Egal

1	Tsy Kivy Don't Be Discouraged 4:04
2	Avelo From Ghost 5:35
3	Voandalana Fruit of the Trip 3:25
4	Zotra Transport Theme 3:52
5	Sonegaly Senegalese 6:22
6	Rafrancois Rasoanaivo 3:42
7	Vavaka (Prayer) 2:37
8	Ady Fight 5:03
9	Sento Sigh 4:48
10	Raha Tiany Things We Like 4:17
11	Forever 4:35
12	Diso Be Very Wrong 5:02
13	Aza Misy Miteniteny Don't Say Anything 5:00

Barnes & Noble

The sunny, string-drenched rhythms of the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar are celebrated in their own right by artists such as Rossy, Justin Vali, and Tarika Sammy. But Tarika (the splinter group of this last-mentioned roots ensemble) alone has envisioned Malagasy pop as a vehicle for the world stage. Led by the sisters Hanitra and Noro Razaonialmiarina, Tarika employs the signature string instruments -- marovany, valiha, and kabosy -- over upbeat percussion. Vocalist Hanitra comes into her own on SON EGAL, a unique album of layered musical, lyrical, and political overtones. Dealing overtly with a legacy of colonial racism fostered by French overlords, SON EGAL confronts deep-seated Malagasy prejudices against black Africans and Europeans alike. As its title invokes both the word for "Senegal" and the phrase "equal sound," the album strives for a reconciliation between mainland and island Africans. And it succeeds with a vigor unmatched in Malagasy music as Tarika is joined by West African percussionists and instrumentalists. Brilliant and important. Mark Schwartz

All Music Guide

Politically, Madagascar has seen more than its share of unrest and instability in the 20th century. So if you're going to write angry political protest songs, Madagascar is an appropriate place to do it. Searing political commentary has often defined Tarika, an excellent Malagasy band that has enjoyed considerable popularity in the world of African pop. Like other Tarika efforts, Son Egal has a strong sociopolitical bent; but whether or not one understands the lyrics (most of which aren't in English), it's clear that Tarika is a melodic powerhouse. You may not understand the lyrics to "Vavaka," "Raha Tiany" or "Sento," but there's no missing how captivating the melodies are, or how much feeling Tarika singer Hanitra puts into her vocals. Green Linnet/Xenophile deserves a round of applause for the CD's comprehensive liner notes; Tarika's political views and the lyrics of all of the songs are given a close and thorough examination. Alex Henderson