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VARIOUS ARNHEM LAND ARTISTS...
MEINMUK - Music from the Top End...
ABC Records...

National radio station Triple J is well known for its recording and promotion of new music, and along with ABC TV's Songlines, has brought many top end Aboriginal bands to national attention. 'Meinmuk' is a 24-track compilation of 14 acts, and was recorded at Maningida on the Northern coast of Arnhem Land Australia's Top End.

The project was coordinated by Allen Murphy, a New York drummer and producer who first came to this country in the 80s in the Village People's band and stayed on, joining the Warumpi Band. He has also played with many other indigenous Australian acts including Yothu Yindi. The compilation was produced by Tony Collins and veteran recording engineer Chris Thompson.
'Meinmuk', is the phonetic spelling of manymuk, the Gumatj word meaning "good" or "that's cool!" - one of the most commonly heard expressions in Arnhem Land and, in fact, in aboriginal communities country-wide. And this album is indeed very cool! Whether you are into Reggae, Rock, Roots, Country, Gospel or Heavy Metal, Meinmuk' has a taste for you. My personal favourite band is Letterstick and the Colin Maxwell song, 'Bartpa', has been released as a single. Forerunners of the Saltwater Reggae Style, Letterstick has an easy flowing sound, great for dancing.
Tim Wilson's angelic tones on 'Love Is Like A Dream' soar sweetly through the melody. In similar vein the Galiwinku (Elcho Island) based Saltwater Band sing honied vocal harmonies which create a counter balance for the raucous rock'n'roll and the rythmic reggae of the other tracks.
Traditional pieces, by the Marrugeku Company, are scattered throughout. 'Road' is an example of the World Music genre, with violinist Mathew Fagher adding a Sufi mystical effect. The most experimental track on the CD is 'Final Judgement' by the Gamedi Outstation Choir. Blending mood music with singing and spoken word, under the direction of (The Sunrize Band's) Ben Pascoe, the composition just oozes with message and meaning.

Learn more about this author, Peter Dawson.
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