First in the new Analog Africa - Limited Dance Edition series, The 1st Album showcases rare tracks from Orchestre Poly-Rhthmo, one of the most prolific Benise Afrobeat bands. Benin, a West African nation nestled in between Nigeria and Ghana, is credited with having birthed "some of the most raw and psychedelic Afro sounds," and OPR's first LP is one of the country's rarest and one of its best works of music. The story goes, it took the band 2 tries to record The 1st Album - the first edition, which contained "far too much background noise," was rejected and, OPR was able to put out an official release only after getting rid of "an obnoxious organ amplifier". This recording from Analog Africa contains the two tracks from the REJECTED first recording, as well as two tracks from the official vinyl, all composed by Vincent Ahehehinnou (legendary Benin Afrobeat/funk artist) in 1973. Heavy Afrobeat business for sure, highly recommended for fans.

• music label: Analog Africa 2011

reviewed by: nakinboots 06/2011