Radioidiot is the wonderfully titled third album from leading purveyors of Japanese afrobeat Kingdom✭Afrocks. Together with JariBu Afrobeat Arkestra, they carry the torch for the afrobeat sound in Japan, though Kingdom✭Afrocks have arguably made a bigger splash internationally having performed and recorded with legendary drummer Tony Allen and securing airplay and support from Gilles Peterson and Okayafrica.
Their last album SanSanNaNa didn't quite live up to the blistering standards set on their 2011 studio debut, Fanfare, but Radioidiot is a fine return to form. As with the previous two releases they have mixed the classic afrobeat groove with elements of Latin and funk and added their own little twist to create their own distinct sound.
Things get under way with I KNOW ～愛のドレ♪ミレ☆ド～, a funky number with Tony Allen guesting on drums and ハナレグミ (Hanaregumi) on additional vocals. The good vibes continue with Listen Inner Voice, again featuring the drums of Tony Allen, a slower shuffling groove with voice from keyboard player sumilady.
Next up is an uptempo cover of a Fela classic, here delivered at full speed and with lyrics translated into Spanish, sung by percussionist Izpon, and re-titled Zombie Disco. Not a bad cover on the whole, but not the best track on the set.
The next couple of tracks almost justify buying the whole album by themselves, however. The first is a medley of the Labelle classic Lady Marmalade and the 1972 Fela tune, Lady, vocals are provided by guests Chan-Mika and Rumi. The transition from funky soul to a sensuous afrobeat groove is skilfully executed and even though it stretches to nine minutes, the track seems to end to soon.
This is followed by the slower groove of Zimboo Zin, an epic tune with a laid back bass line and shuffling drums and some fine guitar work, over which Naoito sings with his distinctive voice. A heavenly tune.
The album probably should have finished there and been complete, but there are a couple of remixes of earlier tunes added in to round things off to give more minutes of music for the price of the album.
A great album on the whole from a top band that will not disappoint their fans and is also a good place to start for any newcomers. Recommended.
Tracklist
| 1. | I KNOW? feat.TONY ALLEN |
| 2. | Listen inner voice feat.TONY ALLEN |
| 3. | ZOMBIE DISCO |
| 4. | LADY MARMALADE / LADY feat. CHAN-MIKA & RUMI |
| 5. | ZIMBOO ZIN |
| 6. | STUDIOIDIOT (interlude) |
| 7. | FANFARE DJ UPPERCUT REMIX |
| 8. | Escucha Tettory BLK Remix |
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