The Algerian-born, Paris based Taha continues his one-man peace mission to not only infuse Arabic rock with Western influences, but to tweak labels. How, exactly, are you going to tag an Algerian version of the Clash's "Rock the Casbah"? Or rai twisted with electronics, African rhythms, rock and hip hop? Collaborating once again with producer/arranger Steve Hillage. Taha drives home his opening question - "Tekitoi," or "Who are you?" - with rhythmic and thematic focus on connections rather than differences between musics and people, with stimulating results. Accompanyimg DVD shows Taha and band touring Mexico last spring - performing concerts, meeting fans, giving interviews, and offering insightful commentary (plus some wicked humor) on shifting meanings of "world" and "rock" music. www.rachidtaha.eom.

-Bliss