A Little Song Review #1

This is a new segment of my blog that I'm to call 'A Little Song Review'. Here I'll be reviewing a random song with each installment. The song can be a new release, an old gem, an unreleased B-side or anything at all! I will also link a YouTube video of the song each time.

The first ever Little Song Review will go to Damon Albarn's Mr Tembo. Mr Tembo is a song written for a friend's newly acquired pet elephant. 'Tembo' means elephant in Swahili. Albarn never dreamed of recording the song however, co-producer Richard Russell decided that he'd like to hear the track recorded. It was released as the fourth single of Albarn's 2014 record, Everyday Robots and differs from the melancholia that surrounds the rest of the album.

The song opens with a ukulele, the percussion section and Albarn on vocals, introducing us to Mr Tembo. This leads smoothly into the chorus, where backing 'ah's and a piano bulk out the sound. As the song develops, The Leytonstone Mission Choir join Albarn on vocals, giving the song a truly African-gospel flavour. Embellished with a spoken rap, the track concludes with a huge choral sing-a-long into the outro.

Mr Tembo is an upbeat, tropical party song that adds much contrast to the rest of Everyday Robots. Albarn pushes the popular musical boundaries and forays into world music, something to be admired. He truly pulls it off and the track is to be thoroughly enjoyed!

M x