Crammed Discs


Reviews


Aksak Maboul (2020)


Charles F. Bleistift EP
Highly collectable limited edition vinyl EP of irresistible synth pop taken from Belgian husband-and-wife duo Aksak Maboul's first album in thirty years


Aksak Maboul (2020)


Figures
Eclectic and unclassifiable new double album after thirty years away from avant-garde Belgian group Aksak Maboul


Aquaserge (2018)


Deja-Vous?
Eclectic and experimental live album from critically acclaimed Toulouse avant-garde outfit Aquaserge


Baloji (2011)


Kinshasa Succursale
Formidable message-over-music Afro-reggae from Congo-born and now Belgium-based rapper, Baloji


Batida (feat. Mayra Andrade) (2022)


Bom Bom
Addictive single from Angolan-Portuguese musician Batida with guest vocals from Mayra Andrad which proves to be this summer's catchiest anthem


Juana Molina (2013)


Wed 21
Uncompromising and unsettling but compelling sixth album sung in Spanish from Argentinian singer-songwriter, Juana Molina


Kasai Allstars (2008)


In The 7th Moon, The Chief Turned Into A Swimming Fish And Ate the...
Empowering debut album of overwhelming quality from Congo-based collective which currently runs to over 25 members


Kasai Allstars (2021)


Black Ants Always Fly Together, One Bangle Makes No Sound
Appealing fourth album from Congo collective Kasai Allstars which finds them returning to basics



Kasai Allstars (2014)
Kasai Allstars - Beware the Fetish

Beware the Fetish
Enthralling second album from Congo-based collective the Kasai Allstars, who have assembled their instruments out of garbage from the rubbish dump


Konono N° 1 (2010)
Konono N° 1 - Assume Crash Position

Assume Crash Position
Energetic and exalted percussion-laden second album from Konono N° 1, who come from Kinshasa in the Congo, and who asembled their instruments from steel parts found at a tip


Konono No. 1 (2016)
Konono No. 1 - Konono No. 1 Meets Batida

Konono No. 1 Meets Batida
Masterful album from Congotronic masters Konono N° 1 who have teamed up with Angolan artist and producer Batida


Konono Nº1 (2005)
Konono Nº1 - Congotronics

Congotronics
Hypnotising tribal-sounding collection of live and studio recordings from Congo-based World music act Konono No 1


Megafaun (2009)
Megafaun - Gather, Form and Fly

Gather, Form and Fly
Spontaneous and joyful back porch hymns and work songs on elegiac second album from North Carolina-based trio, Megafaun


Megafaun (2011)
Megafaun - Megafaun

Megafaun
Occasionally sublime, but all too confused and erratic self-titled fourth album from North Carolina band, Megafaun


Soapkills (2015)
Soapkills - The Best of Soapkills

The Best of Soapkills
Fabulous collection of mellow Beirut triphop pop, which was recorded between 2001 and 2005, from visionary duo, Soapkills


Staff Benda Bilili (2012)
Staff Benda Bilili - Bouger Le Monde

Bouger Le Monde
Exhilarating second album from ten-piece group of paraplegic Congo street musicians, Staff Benda Bilili



Staff Benda Bilili (2009)
Staff Benda Bilili - Tres Tres Fort

Tres Tres Fort
Surprisingly uplifting and funky debut album from Staff Benda Bilili, who are a group of Congo-based paraplegic street musicians


Staff Benda Bilili (2009)
Staff Benda Bilili - Tres Tres Fort

Tres Tres Fort
Exciting and breezy-sounding debut album from Congo-based band of paraplegic street musicians, Staff Benda Bilili


Various (2020)
Various - Kinshasa 1978: Originals and  Reconstructions 1978

Kinshasa 1978: Originals and Reconstructions 1978
Excellent double album which contains previously-unreleased recordings originally recorded in 1978 of four influential World Music bands from Kinshasa in the Congo in Africa.


Various (2021)
Various - Made to Measure Vol. 1

Made to Measure Vol. 1
Re-issue of abstract and new wave compilation from 1984.on Belgian label Crammed Discs


Zap Mama (2019)
Zap Mama - Adventures in Afropea

Adventures in Afropea
Superb reissue of Brussels-based five-piece female group Zap Mama's seminal world music album


Zita Swoon Group (2012)
Zita Swoon Group - Wait For Me

Wait For Me
Enthralling and innovative latest album from Belgium group Zita Swoon Group, upon which founder and guitarist Stef Kamil Carlens has combined together with Burkina Faso musicians Awa Deme and Mamadou Diabate Kibie