Finally back on wax! Analog Africa has really outdone themselves by digging up this gem from Orchestre Poly-Rythmo. Out of print since 2009, this The Vodoun Effect collects rare cuts that the Orchestre Poly-Rythmo released for small Benin record labels on the sly (when the head of their main label was tending to his other business). Since these small labels often had limited budgets for equipment, the quality varies and most of these songs were recorded in one take (but still incredible despite variation in quality). Needless to say, this is stuff is pretty rare, with most of these songs only being distributed in small runs within the town of Benin, and most haven't been widely released until Analog Africa got their hands on them. If you're into Western African funk and rock, this is a treasure trove of undiscovered sounds. 14 tracks total on 2 LPs, packaged in a gatefold sleeve that includes very detailed liner notes that tell the history of the group and their songs. Recommended.

• music label: Analog Africa 2009 / 2013

reviewed by Extravagant