This -song debut EP shows the promise that Various Artists has. Since completing 2003’s ‘Thievery Corporation / Facing East’, Various Artists fulfilled their contract with Savoy Records and where under no obligation to release another album. Various Artists was a flawless and timeless record. Not surprising from Various Artists and Oriental 2 CD 1 together. This is what good Pop should be.
Farid Ali / DC Masala is beautiful, yet underrated track. Some of the arrangements found on Oriental 2 CD 1 are surprisingly edgy. I like Anoushka / Ya Leil (remix) because it’s extremely catchy and has awesome drumming. Once you hear Hossam Ramzy & Rafat Misso / Sallam Allay, you will listen to it over and over. This song may be the most meaningful. In Miryah / Sidi Mansour the light shines equally on lyrics, vocals and instrumentation. Karuan / Dunya is a bit of a show-tune. This is one hell of a track. I can’t stop playing Los Ninos de Sara / Mizai. Mokhira / Galling Galling is the album’s biggest hit, I think. Various Artists sings his heart out in Sahara / Mela Vich. Vocal harmonies in this track are great and song structure is just right. I’ve found myself listening to Deepak Chopra feat. Angelica Huston / I will come to you back to back and back many times. Leila K / Shamma is probably the most interesting track on Oriental 2 CD 1. When I listen to Radar / Caravane in my car when traffic ain’t going so good.
Oriental 2 CD 1 CD


