Music video: Amadou & Mariam

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I was lucky enough to visit my sister when she was in the Peace Corps in Mauritania some years back, and we also visited Mali, Senegal and Gambia briefly. The experience affected me in many positive ways, including turning me on to West African music.

Never appreciated West African music before? That may be about to change. Want to see some fascinating scenes of Senegalese street life, and hear some entrancing music by the famous blind Bambaran couple Amadou & Mariam, with Manu Chao chiming in? Sure you do!

If 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 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.

Watch below the fold… and then you can view more video at their site.

Also, if you have thoughts about the story of the song and the video, please share. I think I get the general drift, but I don’t know much French beyond the “Comment ça va?” “ça va” greeting everyone exchanges in West Africa.

Senegal Fast Food

p.s. You can buy downloads of their music at Calabash.

Double wow.

Posted by & filed under music, the internet, and life.

Kuchinich introduced articles of impeachment against Cheney today.

He explained to a reporter that Cheney should be impeached first, because if we started with Bush, then Cheney would become president, and we’d end up having to impeach two presidents in a row.

More here.

Wow. Sometimes the bad guys don’t win.

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One American tried to steal forty million dollars from Zambia, money that is supposed to pay for education and health care in that country. Grrrr.

Thanks to the zealous reporting of Greg Palast and Democracy Now! and also the declining fortunes of Alberto Gonzales, this theft may be stopped.

Go and read the whole story.

Perhaps the only good thing one can say about this individual’s actions is that he didn’t wage war to extract his profit; he only used bribery.

I can only hope that nabbing this guy will embiggen folks to take on even badder guys.

Vermont flagIn other news, Vermont senators approved a resolution calling for the impeachment of Bush and Cheney.

I’d like to take a moment to wave the Vermont flag.