Album: Tinariwent, Tassili (V2)

Due to the uncertain political situation in their Malian home base of Tessalit, Tinariwen did what comes naturally to nomads, upping sticks and relocating to a tent in the Algerian desert to record Tassili.

As a result, the skirling electric guitars have been replaced by acoustic instruments which, allied to the ageless, weary but unbowed character of Ibrahim Ag Alhabib's voice, enhances further the bluesy nature of their music. The familiar funky camel-gait grooves and call-and-response delivery remain powerfully potent on tracks such as "Imidiwan Ma Tenam", one of several pieces stressing their twin concerns for homeland and companionship – the latter here extended to such as Wilco guitarist Nels Cline, whose droning, resonant tones underscore this track.

DOWNLOAD THIS: Imidiwan Ma Tenam; Ya Messinagh; Walla Illa; Imidiwan Win Sahara