Calling this a
Cheb I Sabbah album isn't totally accurate. The original tracks are his, of course, from
La Kahena, but the versions on
Ghriba: La Kahena Remixed are from 11 other producers, all of whom bring their individual outlooks to bear. What's apparent (and understandable) throughout is the emphasis on rhythm, natural in something based around North Africa. Inevitably, some remixes work better than others, with the Chakadoons take on "Toura Toura" and
Temple of Sound's deep bass on "Esh 'Dani, Alash Mshit" being real standouts. But there's not a bad cut here, each taking the basic ideas into new dimensions, from the Indian inflection of
Gaurav Raina's "Im Ninialou" to
Bill Laswell's almost epic grandeur on "Esh 'Dani, Alash Mshit." Great for those rumbling bass bins, but your downstairs neighbors might not be too happy if you play it loud. ~ Chris Nickson