Albums to watch

Lala Belu

Hailu Mergia

Lala Belu

First album in two decades from the Ethiopian keyboard maestro who still works as a Washington DC taxi driver

ADM rating[?]

7.2

Label
Awesome Tapes From Africa
UK Release date
23/02/2018
US Release date
23/02/2018
  1. 8.0 |   The Quietus

    This record has the capacity to stir the feelings without using words; knowing the years of heartache and hard work that preceded it simply makes you happy to live in such interesting times
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  2. 8.0 |   Tiny Mix Tapes

    With only six tracks, Lala Belu shows that being hypnotized is what we secretly want
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  3. 8.0 |   Pitchfork

    The Ethiopian keyboard maestro’s first new album in two decades radically updates a style that already sounded like the future
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  4. 8.0 |   Uncut

    Surprisingly experimental. Print edition only

  5. 8.0 |   Q

    Any fears his propulsive energy may have waned in exiles are quickly dispelled. Print edition only

  6. 8.0 |   Mojo

    These six new tracks flow neatly on from those recorded for Tche Belew 40 years before. Print edition only

  7. 6.0 |   Record Collector

    Depending on whether or not you’ve encountered him before, this is either an infectious comeback or one seriously charming introduction
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  8. 6.0 |   The Guardian

    It’s not a life-changing body of work, but the biggest achievement of all is that, all these years later, Mergia is still a true original
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  9. 6.0 |   The Observer

    Exuberant or contemplative – the closing Yefikir Engurguro is solo piano – it’s a thrilling ride
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