The sound of rockin' Africa (with free MP3s)

For such a huge place, Africa is still misunderstood musically. In fact, to assume that Africa has a united sound is way off the mark. If you think of the difference of accent between Liverpool and Manchester, and then bear in mind who geographically close they are, then the mind can truly start boggling at the prospect of working out what Africa sounds like.

Over the years, many have tried to plot Africa's musical journey through various comps, a lot falling under the dreadful catch-all term of 'World Music'. However, in a weird way, it is the music of the whole world - everything began in Africa.

Anyone who has heard the weird and brilliant Eastern influenced funk of Ethiopia, the great locked groove of Afrobeat and the intoxicating strings of Morocco will know that African music is something to be giddy about.

With that, Light in the Attic records have three LPs worth checking out. First up is Nigerian with the sound of the clubs between '63 and '69. Fela-Ransome Kuti and The Koola Lobitos created tracks so hot you need oven gloves to touch the rekkids!  West African Highlife, jazz, soul and funk is melded with Fela Kuti and The Koola Lobitos in those golden years before he became the renowned originator of Afrobeat. Beat hungry? Apply here. Lagos Baby: 1963 - 1969 is a deluxe Vampisoul package featuring extensive notes by African music specialist Max Reinhardt and artwork by artist Victor Aparicio. The 3-LP vinyl also features a special 10" LP of Kuti's legendary '66 performance, "Afro Beat On Stage, recorded Live at the Afro Spot" in its own jacket, with original artwork and liner notes. Here's a track from the Fela Kuti LP (Fela Ransome Kuti 'Bonfo')

Next release is the wonderful Highlife Time! which is the story of West African big-band Highlife. Fusing African roots and western music, this ruled the dance floors of Nigeria and Ghana prior to '70 Afrobeat explosion.  Jump-up tracks to set fire to the dancefloor, rooted in traditional music, sea shanties and military brass bands, Highlife became the soundtrack for a country freeing itself from the shackles of an empire. Jazzy and horn-heavy, Highlife brought a divided people together. The 2disc set features tracks by High Life legends like Accra, Roy Chicago, Rex Lawson, and Dr. Victor Olaiya.   Available on 2xCD and 3xLP formats, both featuring liner notes by African music authority John Armstrong. Here's a track from the Highlife Time! LP (Rex Lawson and his River Men 'Oko').

Last, and certainly not least, is the club friendly Vampisoul Goes To Africa: Afrobeat Nirvana. A collection of the defining tunes from the late '50s to the late '80s.  Everything from jazz to psych to folk to Highlife and Afrobeat is highlighted on the compilation, making it a perfect introduction to the body-shaking beats of the almighty African sounds.  Featuring Tony Allen, Orlando Julius, Fela Kuti as well as more obscure acts like Fred Fisher and Opotopo, this is your ticket into the exotic world of West African music. All songs on this release are taken from recent or upcoming releases in Vampisoul's massive Western Africa reissue project. Here's a track from the Vampisoul LP (Tony Allen with Africa 70 'Progress').

All LPs are available from Light in the Attic's online shop.