Arabica [2005]

Artist	Various Artists
Producer	Aki Nawaz, Sep Dorjos, J.D. Ererve, Mala Haraq, Chandra Mahal, Howie Omegare, Yahiya Emerick, Mina Seyahi, Rey Ra
Label Name	Apace
Song List	1: Dub Yalil (6:09) 2: Air Giant (1:52) 3: Souk Nationala (5:07) 4: In the Kasbah (4:21) 5: Jassalmer [Tangiers Dub][Dub] (5:03) 6: Don't Cry (5:34) 7: Phase 3 [Arabic Mix] (6:45) 8: Middle Sky [Mix] (6:40) 9: Ray of Light (4:45) 10: Sambal [Bombay Dreams Mix] (4:08) 11: Sanctuary [Jupiter Mix] (3:09) 12: Soul's Journey (3:55) 13: Descend (5:52) 14: Stotinki [Transglobal Underground Mix] (7:30) 15: Ruby Sunrise (5:17) 16: Coranz [Extravaganza Mix] (4:43) 17: Al Zihad (5:09) 18: Atlas Mountains [Over Mix] (5:46) 19: Born Again [Cycle Mix] (5:44) 20: Seven Sea [Stripped Mix] (5:19) 21: Earth Sunrise (4:30) 22: Hope (5:07) 23: Marrakesh (4:29) 24: Only When You're There (6:11) 25: Raqs Beledi (4:17) 26: Resolution Dub (5:58)
Format	CD
Release Date	2005 10 04
Style.Categories	Downtempo, Electronica

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It's possible for traditional rhythms and instrumentation to find a place next to sequencers, synthesizers, and modern-day drum machines. But since that hybrid is often fumbled into foggy mediocrity, sets like Arabica usually have legitimacy issues. Arabica is no different. It's a two-disc set of mild electronica, downtempo, and slick ethnic blends featuring artists like Transglobal Underground, Natacha Atlas, Romero, and Yasmine. But even if some of its beats and flavors are unique, exotic, or even just danceable, too much of it is only typical. Yahia's "In the Kasbah" finds a propulsive rhythm behind echoes of oud. But the "Bombay Dreams Mix" of Cesare Martinez's "Sambal" repeats the same formula. Fortunately Arabica's second disc is a little more promising, offering less beat-oriented material that more effectively explores the gap between organic and digital. Highlights include Rhythm Vendors' "Only When You're There," "Meridian" from Earth Sunrise, and Yasmine's "Ruby Sunrise." ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide