The opening "Y Pas de Arrangement" works a bit of James Brown funk into Zebda's rock/rai/raggamuffin mix, and that's a tell-tale signal that Essence Ordinaire is a mellower, more melodic disc. Only "Je Suis" really favors a heavier, rock guitar attack over the funkier, R&B rhythm guitar groove that dominates here; the arrangements are sparer all around, but that doesn't stop the Toulouse, France, septet from delivering another solid effort. Lyricist Magyd Cherfi seems to...   [ read more ]

CD $15.18

The opening "Y Pas de Arrangement" works a bit of James Brown funk into Zebda's rock/rai/raggamuffin mix, and that's a tell-tale signal that Essence Ordinaire is a mellower, more melodic disc. Only "Je Suis" really favors a heavier, rock guitar attack over the funkier, R&B rhythm guitar groove that dominates here; the arrangements are sparer all around, but that doesn't stop the Toulouse, France, septet from delivering another solid effort. Lyricist Magyd Cherfi seems to...   [ read more ]

SUPER-AUDIO CD $26.58

Zebda scored a major summer 2000 French hit with the ragga-propelled, jump-up-and-celebrate "Tomber la Chemise," and it was a double-edged sword for the Toulouse group. Not from pressure to duplicate the success, but from the political group's own desire to avoid being viewed as a mere pop band with nothing substantial to say. But Utopie d'Occase may tip the scales too far the other way in continuing Zebda's trend toward a more minimal sound since the hard-hitting Le Bruit et l'Odeur. ...   [ read more ]

CD $17.08