Grands Ensembles Africains

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  • Post published:February 8, 2026
  • Post category:TRAD TRENDS

In the '60s and '70s, Francophone West African big bands like Bembeya Jazz and Rail Band dominated the music scene. Their fusion of traditional and Western instruments created rich textures and rhythms that went beyond mere foot-tapping. The legacy of artists like Salif Keita and the Syli Orchestre National continues to shape the continent's sound, while the regional styles of Guinea, Mali, and Senegal add depth to the era's cultural tapestry.

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Native American

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  • Post published:February 8, 2026
  • Post category:TRAD TRENDS

From the heartfelt chants of R. Carlos Nakai to the powerful narratives of A Tribe Called Red, this collection of music showcases the timeless beauty and resilience of Native American culture. Delve into the geographical variations of sound, from elaborate Powwow anthems on the Plains to the haunting melodies of the Southwest flute. Experience the reverberations of heritage and identity in each note, as musicians like Mary Youngblood and Bill Miller continue to preserve traditions and carve new paths in the world of Native American music.

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On TV today, Sam Cooke with Johnny Carson (1964)

On TV today, Sam Cooke with Johnny Carson (1964)
On TV today, Sam Cooke with Johnny Carson (1964)
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‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ N°542 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of Colin MacIntyre’s Mull Historical Society blends nostalgia and loss in the indie-pop gem "Watching Xanadu," while Arab Strap’s "Love Detective" delivers raw discomfort through spoken word and sparse keys. El Presidente’s glam-charged "Rocket" struts with bold riffs, contrasting with the reflective melancholy of Goldfrapp’s synth-laden "A&E." Funeral for a Friend’s "Escape Artists Never Die" wraps intensity in post-hardcore urgency, and Patrick Wolf’s "The Libertine" pairs dramatic strings with windswept emotion. Bloc Party’s "So Here We Are" stands out for its shimmering guitars and quiet introspection, offering a poignant counterpoint to the sharper edge of its accompanying tracks.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘Look Ma, No Mike!’ N°133 – 2010s Music Videos

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N-Dubz’s "Girls," with its hedonistic themes and polished beats, sees Dappy's over-the-top theatrics paired with a glossy yet disjointed music video, peaking modestly at No. 18 in the UK. Troye Sivan’s "Youth" shines as millennial synth-pop, blending sparkling hooks and universal themes of first love, landing higher in charts like Australia (No. 17) and achieving multi-platinum accolades globally.

The Vamps and Matoma teamed up for "All Night," a streamlined EDM-pop crossover with childlike vocal production quirks, staying on UK charts for 26 weeks. Sophie Ellis-Bextor slowed the pace with "Young Blood," an introspective chamber pop piece that peaked at No. 34 in the UK, offering cinematic strings and tender vocals that departed from her dance-pop roots.

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‘L’Amour Toujours’ N°309 – Vintage 80s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of Sade’s "Hang On to Your Love" delivers sleek, restrained grooves, while Daryl Hall & John Oates’ "One on One" balances intimacy with sports metaphors. Anita Baker’s "Caught Up in the Rapture" embodies quiet storm elegance, and Wendy & Lisa’s "Are You My Baby" channels funk-pop charm with a Minneapolis twist. Yazz’s "Fine Time" radiates late-'80s gloss, and Michael Ball’s "Love Changes Everything" marries idealistic lyrics with Broadway drama. For softer vibes, Carly Simon’s "Coming Around Again" mixes reflection with accessible pop, and Styx’s tender "Babe" showcases heartfelt simplicity.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘Music For The Dancers’ N°112 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" kicks off with punchy synths, capturing the reckless fun of late-2000s dancefloors, while Kylie Minogue’s "Wow" brings glittery escapism with sci-fi visuals. Mika’s “Relax, Take It Easy” blends disco-light grooves with emotional undertones, and Ricky Martin’s "She Bangs" pairs bold Latin rhythms with unstoppable energy. Las Ketchup’s "The Ketchup Song" is pure quirky fun, while Girls Aloud’s "Biology" defies pop norms with its shifting melodies, showcasing Xenomania’s playful ingenuity.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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This week In Jazz Legends 06/52

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Ben Harper’s "Whipping Boy" blends blues and folk elements in his 1994 debut, "Welcome to the Cruel World," maintaining a restrained charm that invites reflection. Whitney Houston's "It’s Not Right but It’s Okay" channels late-'90s precision and resilience, backed by Rodney Jerkins’ slick production, with Grammy-winning vocal defiance and a club-ready Thunderpuss remix that kept listeners engaged.

D’Angelo’s "Brown Sugar" fuses funk and jazz with lyrical nods to his neo-soul style, while Soundgarden’s "Spoonman" integrates unconventional rhythm and actual spoon solos for a gritty twist on grunge. Erykah Badu’s "Other Side of the Game" offers subdued storytelling, with her conversational delivery defining its quiet intensity. Each track marks a unique moment tied to its creators’ distinctive vision.

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‘Music For The Dancers’ N°521 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of Rachid Taha’s electrifying "Voilà Voilà" fuses techno with North African rhythms, delivering a fierce anti-xenophobia anthem, while Altern-8’s "Frequency" channels ‘90s rave chaos with breakbeats and gas-mask theatrics. Johnny Clegg’s "Cruel Crazy Beautiful World" blends optimism with South African roots, and Garland Jeffreys’s "Hail Hail Rock 'n' Roll" examines race in rock history, mixing raw energy and critique. "Piano Fantasia - Song for Denise" captures Italo-disco’s nostalgic charm, and The Shamen’s "Heal (The Separation)" shifts rave euphoria into introspection with hypnotic synth pulses.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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This week In ‘Hard & Metal Throwback’ 06/52

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Gary Moore's "GM Shreds" flaunts blazing alternate picking, legato runs, and emotive string bends, showcasing his mastery over blues, rock, and metal. While the solos channel classics like "The Loner" and "Still Got the Blues," the lack of strong melody makes it more a technical masterclass than a replayable track. Jeff Beck's "Dirty Mind," blending sharp guitar riffs with Imogen Heap's ethereal vocals, thrives on contrasts, earning a Grammy but feeling polished to the point of restraint.

Tommy Emmanuel's "Travelling Clothes" offers warm, pastoral guitar tones inspired by Alison Krauss’s style, though its comfort risks predictability. Meanwhile, Pat Metheny’s "Go Get It" bursts with high-energy interplay with Antonio Sánchez, though its relentless pace can feel overwhelming. Eddie Van Halen’s bold solos like "Eruption" and "Cathedral" mix technical ingenuity with live spontaneity, while Shawn Lane's "Get You Back" and Joe Bonamassa’s "Beck’s Bolero" reveal meticulous tributes paired with individual flair.

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Metallica serenade Copenhagen (2017)

Metallica serenade Copenhagen (2017)
Metallica serenade Copenhagen (2017)
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KEXP tape IDLES & Heavy Lungs in London (2019)

KEXP tape IDLES & Heavy Lungs in London (2019)
KEXP tape IDLES & Heavy Lungs in London (2019)
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Tina Turner rocks Vienna (2009)

Tina Turner rocks Vienna (2009)
Tina Turner rocks Vienna (2009)
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The Blues spends the night at Radio City (2003)

The Blues spends the night at Radio City  (2003)
The Blues spends the night at Radio City (2003)
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