The Huffington Post,
CD Review
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Speaking of danceable, that term is trademarked by San Francisco Afrobeaters, Aphrodesia. Their fifth album, Precious Commodity (Shackrobeat Music), keeps the vibe of their previous Lagos by Bus going strong. It opens with what seems to be a short tribute to Antibalas's "Beaten Metal" before blaring into what I thought would be the title track, given the hook, but which is actually "Special Girl." While using the Fela-inspired form as a foundation, what I've always enjoyed about this eleven-piece is their sonic seeking: "By the Iron" goes its own way, one of their best guitar-driven tracks to date. Lara Maykovich's vocals just keep getting better. Founder Ezra Gale has created a band that feeds from its own recyclable and regenerative energy (their last album was inspired by a random trip to Nigeria which landed them next to Femi Kuti at the legendary Shrine). Their melodies are heartbreakingly gorgeous, and their pocket is deep and soulful. Precious, indeed. 07/14/09
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