7. Alèmu AgaÉthiopiques 11: The Harp Of King David
Mystical drone music of the highest order! I guess that’s starting to be a bit of a common denominator with these records I’m choosing. It is on the Ethiopiques series but it is not at all like the majority of the releases on the series and for me it’s my favourite by far. I guess there’s lots of great stuff these days in the world of contemporary drone and trance music but for me this is getting to the source and almost makes me feel that it makes a lot of more modern music redundant. He has this really hypnotic voice and I think he is singing Bible passages in Amharic. Drones and Bible readings, what could be better? That is the kind of recital I want to hear at least! I also like Johnny Cash’s spoken word Bible readings and I might play some Tangerine Dream or something at the same time on the other channel as an accompaniment to similar effect but that can be dependent on mood and also the company I am keeping, whereas I can play this Alemu Aga stuff any time and it hits the spot.
