The always great Brighton label Mr Bongo returns with a second instalment of well curated and rare Malian musical treasures. Focussed on the 1970s’ and early 80s’, many of these post-independence tracks straddle the past and future. The recordings might vary dramatically in production quality but every song on ‘The Original Sound of Mali 2’ intrigues, haunts or brings joy to the listener. A young Salif Keita and the exuberant village songs of Allata Broulaye sit alongside state-sponsored orchestras and James Brown-channelling dance tracks, offering cultural history and sonic beauty in one package. Read / Listen.