***SONGHOY BLUES is a band whose experiences in Mali have opened their eyes to universal problems plaguing people everywhere. Using the pain and lessons learned from having to leave their hometowns in northern Mali, the band realizes that human rights is a concept that extends far beyond what they have seen with their own eyes and far beyond just the borders of Mali. In order for the band to see their homes restored, they understand the fight must be fought on all fronts, for everybody across the spectrum. They are no longer refugees or exiles or four people with instruments—they are Songhoy Blues, a musical voice for empowerment and equality. Working with MATT SWEENEY, who encouraged Songhoy Blues to make the album they want to make, Optimisme confronts our world today. On “Badala" and "Gabi," the band seeks the empowerment of women, asking for centuries-old misogynistic practices to be done away with. With “Worry,” the band advises both the young and the old that positive vibes and persistence are the best tools to fight our struggles. In “Assada,” the band praises and thanks the everyday warriors who wake up everyday to sweat for the betterment of their communities and in “Dournia,” the band laments the lack of compassion and empathy between humans today in the face of increasing materialism and selfishness. “Bon Bon” warns of being fooled by shiny promises, and in “Barre” the band asks for the youth to get involved at home for change while warning...
LP $25.45
10/23/2020
***Mali's SONGHOY BLUES return with their first release since their critically acclaimed 2017 Resistance album. Features covers of blues legend Junior Kimbrough's "Meet Me In The City" and Fela Kuti's "Shakara," along with the track "Time To Go Home," with lyrics by WILL OLDHAM and music by the band and MATT SWEENEY. Bonus mixes by BLAKE MILLS and DAVID FERGUSON round it out.
LP $25.50
10/18/2019
***The anticipated new album from Mali's SONGHOY BLUES. "Definitely the album of the summer. We've been jamming on this hard here at Fat Possum and we're super antsy for y'all to peep. It's a crazy cocktail of desert punk, hill country blues, tropicalia, and rock 'n roll featuring appearances from Iggy Pop and Elf Kid." "A skittering disco-tinged guitar vamp slinks through the track alongside spaced-out synth lines and brassy horn blasts while singer Aliou Touré delivers a punchy vocal performance." (Rolling Stone)
LP $25.45
06/30/2017