This eleven-song debut EP shows the promise that Putumayo has. On Cairo To Casablanca album, Putumayo have renewed their membership in the ‘if it ain’t broke…’ school of songwriting. Lead single “Ya Rayah - Rachid Taha (Algeria)” and “Mabrouk Wo Arisna - Ali Hassan Kuban (Egypt)” start with near-whispers before kicking into giddily catchy, fuzz box-driven hollered hooks. I Love Cairo To Casablanca from start to finish!
is an upbeat song with a constant snare hit.
Mabrouk Wo Arisna - Ali Hassan Kuban (Egypt) is the funkiest number on the album. Ki Kounty - Khaled (Algeria) defines beauty, yet is as unforgiving as an astringent stone. Dikra - Raina Rai (Algeria) - is a breath or fresh air compared to many previous songs of Putumayo. Putumayo sings his heart out in Nahawand - Sharkiat (Egypt). Zwit Rwit - Idir (Algeria) has to be one of the most beautiful tracks on the entire album. I like the idea behind Ya Maalem - Maurice El Mediouni (Algeria). Leali - Rasha (Svdan) is a strong cut, one of many. Music and lyrics of Through The Veil - Jamshied Sharifi & Hassan Hakmoun (Iran Morocco) creates, for me, fertile ground for daydreaming. Madanitche - Kadda Cherif Hadria (Algeria) - This one makes me want to not only sing along.
Cairo To Casablanca CD
| Song Name | Time | ||
| Ya Rayah - Rachid Taha (Algeria).mp3 | 6:15 |  |
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| Mabrouk Wo Arisna - Ali Hassan Kuban (Egypt).mp3 | 4:13 | |
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| Ki Kounty - Khaled (Algeria).mp3 | 4:39 | |
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| Dikra - Raina Rai (Algeria).mp3 | 4:15 | |
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| Nahawand - Sharkiat (Egypt).mp3 | 6:09 | |
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| Zwit Rwit - Idir (Algeria).mp3 | 3:38 | |
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| Ya Maalem - Maurice El Mediouni (Algeria).mp3 | 4:51 | |
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| Leali - Rasha (Svdan).mp3 | 4:06 | |
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| Through The Veil - Jamshied Sharifi & Hassan Hakmoun (Iran Morocco).mp3 | 5:08 | |
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| Madanitche - Kadda Cherif Hadria (Algeria).mp3 | 5:53 | |
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