Oct 2/04
Blind love, big blues
Amadou and Mariam are all about their love story that began at the Institute for the Young Blind in Bamako, Mali. Translated from the French and Bamako most of their songs go something like this:
“I love you!” - Amadou. “No, I love you.” - Mariam. “No, I love you more.” - Amadou. “You kidding? I fucking love you more.” - Mariam.
They chant variations of this theme over Malian blues-rock guitar and driving beats, coming up with some kicking music. Who knew two blind Malian middle-aged lovers could rock it so well. I recommend listening to this stuff while having a shower in the morning.
They’ve released a ton of cassettes in Mali, Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast over the years but I’d recommend starting with their three wide-release LPs, Tje Ni Mousso (particularly good), Sou Ni Tile, and their latest, Wati.
Amadou et Mariam - Chantez Chantez
Amadou et Mariam - Pauvre Type
October 2nd, 2004 at 11:22 pm
Thank you for posting this beautiful music!!
December 17th, 2004 at 2:04 pm
[...] arka Toure have popularized the Malian “desert blues” sound, while others like Amadou and Mariam are spreading the sub-Saharan rock love. Tinariwen is anothe [...]
January 7th, 2005 at 3:23 am
Thanks for this precious history!! Seems to me very inspiring like the real life!!
Kudos for you, here in Argentina, a preacher of your weblog!!
June 2nd, 2005 at 6:33 pm
[...] but it’s the music that matters so I’m sure you’re over it. I’ve posted Amadou and Mariam a couples times on this site already. They’re g [...]
April 28th, 2007 at 5:37 am
[...] you’re not convinced yet, let Matt Yanchyshyn describe them for you: Amadou and Mariam are all about their love story that began at the Institute for the Young Blind in [...]