Tinariwen, Amassakoul (World Village/Harmonia Mundi) (Mali)

From the first crisp chanks and guttural, strong vocal lines of the lead track, it's clear that the kings (and queens) of Tuareg desert rock have sharpened their sound from the moody desert dreamscapes of their 2001 international debut, The Radio Tisdas Sessions. The cool vibe is intact, but there's a new energy and focus. This is a wonderfully evocative album from one of Mali's most promising new acts. --BE