M.I.A. manages to work that one-two punch into a thoroughly engrossing sonic collage without even the barest hint of tiresome hand-wringing, which makes her songs feel topical in a straightforward, unsensational way, but not in the least bit brow-beatingly political.
Arular is infectious and relentlessly grooving, but more than that, it's sharp, aesthetically interesting, and surprisingly addictive. Arulpragasam's multi-cultural sensibility, intelligence, and intentional force as an artist are present in every beat. Her sexiness is not the manufactured, plastic sameness usually served up by the ladies of pop music, but something organic, and arising from her forthright individuality and the raw force of her self-possession.
From her remarkable biography (Arulpragasm is the daughter of a Sri Lankan militant Tamil leader who moved from Sri Lanka to India and back before landing in the notoriously racist council estates in Mitcham, Surrey at age 11, where she learned English) to the astonishing confidence of her free-wheeling mash-up of styles, cultures and "let's just get on with it" attitude about the world's troubles, there's no denying that Maya Arulpragasam is, indeed, a fascinating new voice.
Arular is an impressive opening salvo.
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Article comments
1 - Deanna
Very nice review. This record roolz.
2 - Kate
Great review. As always, I really enjoyed your take on the artist and the music.
3 - sydney
I got this album because of all teh rave reviews and to tell you the truth I don't find it as catchy as the praise suggests.
I do appreciate that its an orriginal blend of musical genre and seemleslly blends difffernt musical genres into tight song. But...I just find that there is cooler dance music out there... though not much.
I have to admit though that I'm not a dance music guy. I listen to depressing alternative music and so I havent a finely tuned ear for this shit.
Mind you I am a follower of he UK garage scene and so I do have other albums along these lines.
My main beef is that its just not as catchy as I hoped and when it is catchy I find it to be catchy in a mini-pops sort of way... lke you can see the hook comming from a mile away.
I'll give it a few more tries. good reveiw. I recommend Dizze rascal albums though if you like this sort of sound..
4 - Lankan
Never heard the record but reading this review makes me wanna listen to it
5 - Jaffna MF
I bought this.This is big SHIT.I want my mony back.