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French Algerian rocks the casbah downtown
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New York Resident, French Algerian rocks the casbah downtown >>
Rachid Taha, the Algerian rocker who resembles Al Pacino in "Serpico," serves up punk sounds with Arabic instruments such as the bendir and mando-lute, mixed with Western instruments like electric guitar and bass. He also throws in a bit of attitude.
His ironic recording of Charles Trenet's "Douce France" caused quite a controversy in France, somewhat like Jimi Hendrix's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
The title track of his new album, "Tekitoi" (Wrasse Records) means "Who Are You?" and is an attempt to bridge the gap between Europeans and North Africans. The one tune that will be familiar here is "Rock el Casbah," an Arabic translation of the famous Clash song. It takes on new meaning when sung by a French Algerian.
As the outspoken singer proclaims, "I take Western music and read it right to left." His stance is provocative and his music is both familiar and exotic.
On July 6, Taha will perform at Bow ery Ballroom (6 Delancey St. at Bowery, 212-533-2111, www.boweryballroom.com).
-Barry Bassis 07/04/05
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