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Sample Track 1:
"Dvojka" from Kal (Asphalt Tango)
Sample Track 2:
"DJelem, DJelem" from Kal (Asphalt Tango)
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Kal (Asphalt Tango)
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CD Review

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Balkanization!Gypsy music—old, new, and borrowed.

By Jody Rosen
Updated Friday, Sept. 1, 2006, at 8:01 AM ET

Kal

Kal (Asphalt Tango, 2006)

Meanwhile, back in Eastern Europe, young bands are cross-pollinating indigenous music with Western pop. The Belgrade band Kal, led by brothers Dugan and Drasan Ristic, is one of the most voracious hybridizers, mixing rootsy "Balkan blues" with snatches of hip-hop, tango, bhangra, and, in one inspired instance, a keening Hawaiian steel guitar. Kal can be a touch too slick, and their taste in electronica is dodgy. (The techno beat in "Play MediaDuj Duj" is pure cheese.) But when they play a Play Mediafrisky, acoustic drum 'n' bass tune or lean their fiddles and guitars into what can best be described as Play MediaGypsy ska, the results bring a wide smile. Kal's self-titled album topped the European world-music charts earlier this year; they will tour the United States for the first time this fall.

(excerpt)

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