When I hear the word "fusion" applied to music, I usually cringe. It
summons an image of some middle-aged hippie playing a synthesizer and
calling it jazz. However, Manu Chao fuses an incredible variety of
world sounds into something quite delectable, music that I wouldn't
be comfortable categorizing in any one genre. On the irresistibly
catchy "Bongo Bong" he raps in English over a simple percussion track,
while on "Mentira" he switches to Spanish in what could be a
traditional ballad. I also really like "Mama Call", a lovely and
poignant track from a prodigal son.
They say that I'm a clown
Making too much dirty sound
They say there is no place for little monkey in this town
Nobody'd like to be in my place instead of me
Cause nobody go crazy when I'm bangin' on my boogie
—"Bongo Bong"
Can't you hear me mama call
Can't you hear me crawling
Can't you hear me mama call
Can't you hear me trying
Can't you hear me when I call
I'm a long way from sight
—"Mama Call"
| 
Heidi J. De Vries
