Luaka Bop

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Luaka Bop is a world music-oriented record label established by David Byrne, former guitarist/singer/songwriter of the art rock/new wave band Talking Heads. It is considered a semi-independent label, since it receives major-label distribution. The label was started in the late 1980s; in addition to Byrne's solo records, the label has put out albums by Los Amigos Invisibles, King Changó, Jim White, Shoukichi Kina, A R Kane, Tom Zé, Os Mutantes, Zap Mama[1], and Cornershop, among others. Luaka Bop has also been responsible for putting together several series of compilations representing sounds from around the world. Brazil Classics kicked off the label and a set of seven albums surveying eras and artists ranging from Samba to Tropicália. Ventures into Afro-Peruvian[2] and AfroPean musics unearthed the talents of Susana Baca and Zap Mama, respectively. World Psychedelic Classics is made up of 4 albums and includes artists such as Shuggie Otis[3], Os Mutantes[4], Tim Maia[5] as well as West African artists of the late 60's. Additionally, the label has released Cuba[6] and Asia Classics[7].

Byrne took the phrase "Luaka Bop" for his record label from the inner packaging of a specialty tea which is sold in England. (Luaka is the name of a tea importer. Luaka's "Broken Orange Pekoe" is packaged in a silver foil block; when the sleeve is removed, it reveals a white label stuck to the foil, reading "Luaka BOP".)

Contents

[edit] Albums

[edit] Compilations

[edit] Studio Albums

Susana Baca

King Chango

Los Amigos Invisibles

Jim White

Nouvelle Vague

Shuggie Otis

  • "Inspiration Information"[24]

Zap Mama

Kassin + 2

  • "Futurismo"[30]
  • "Sincerely Hot"[31]
  • "Music Typewriter"[32]

Tom Zé

[edit] External links

Languages