Radio Africa

Named after Latin Quarter's most popular song, Radio Africa compiles tracks from the group's three '80s albums -- Modern Times, Mick and Caroline, and Swimming Against the Stream -- none of which had yet appeared on CD when this collection was released in 1997. Latin Quarter's heavily political lyrics may not be understood by some, especially when the band's references are too obscure or forgotten in the passage of time. When the music is taken into focus, Radio Africa sounds best when the group strays from their folk-rock origins. The ghostly keyboards and woeful vocals of "No Rope As Long As Time," confronting apartheid and violence in South Africa with sadness and anger, hasn't lost its punch even when lyrics like "Nelson Mandela in the prison" make it outdated. The risk of tackling current issues, no matter how controversial, in rock & roll is that the succeeding years can render the words irrelevant. Nevertheless, the cuts from Modern Times -- mainly "No Rope As Long As Time," "Radio Africa," "America for Beginners," and "Toulouse" -- remain fresh and engaging. Latin Quarter channels the socially conscious rage of the Clash into a design of their own, borrowing from folk, soul, dance, reggae, and new wave. ~ Michael Sutton