Ladysmith Black Mambazo

While they may forever be associated with Paul Simon's Graceland, or that Heinz commercial, Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been releasing albums since the early ’70s. Their trademark arrangements and harmonies — out of the Zulu male choral tradition — have been dissected in this remix album by three different surgeons: Marc Woolford, Temple of Sound and the South African remix team of Nicky Blumenfeld, Dumi Dhalamini and Concord Nkabinde. The songs are from the albums Gospel Songs, Thuthakani Ngoxolo, The Ultimate Collection and Liph'lqiniso. Most tracks adapt well to the treatment given; of particular highlight is "The Wonder of the Hammerhead Bird" with its acoustic and steel guitars and "Behold My Heart" with its minimal effects and a prominent cello. At times, however, the beats, effects and synths are omens of a not too distant future when they will sound perilously dated — a fate a cappella Ladysmith Black Mambazo will never suffer.