Born in the Spanish speaking south of France. Travelling the world with his ex band Manu Negra. After they broke up he spent years travelling around south america, including at times, on his own train. He's a big big fan of Bob Marley. Manu Chao has many influences to draw upon and boy does he.

His records are a chaotic collision of samba, salsa, reggae, ragga, punk and pop. And they fuse together perfectly.

Although he does most of the singing and presumably the songwriting, reflecting his socialist ethos, Manu spends most of his time onstage somewhere off to the side. This allows his ever changing entourage of musicians and singers to take centre stage for their piece.

Prior to this he has released two solo artists. They were a blend of most of the influences mentioned above. They were however a pleasant listen. Their soft catchy, melodic rhythms were ideal for parties and restaurants. The new one isn't.

When I went to see him in concert I stuffed toilet paper in my ears and was quite frankly shoecked at the assault my ears(at the back of the theatre) received. It was an interseting gig that initially sold out its tiny venue and was moved to a much larger one. The following year he then played in the largest indoor venue in Dublin with a capacity of thousands. Manu Chao, you see, is not well known here or in Britain, but is massive on the continent. The concert we saw, so, was filled with screaming, bouncing Spanish and French students.

So when recovered from the whole experience I bought this release with such intrepidation. It is a live album and captures the experience perfectly with one minor difference; I have a volume control. I can listen at exactly the level I like. And what a joy!

Its full of spanish guitar, electric guitar, a whole brass section, programming, samples, solo singers, groups of singers, accordions etc. I don't believe there's a cello in sight.

Its party music! Its feel good music! Its tear your top off and bounce around the room! Sing at the top of your voice while stuck in a traffic jam music! It is simply brilliant.

Of the three albums this is now the only one I listen to. Its 100% energy and you need to buy it. Today!

Recording quality is average. Good for a live concert though. Vinyl quality perfectly adequate. Not heavy weight but a good pressing. Packaging is minimal.

NB: All his albums and certainly some/most of his singles are available on LP and 12" respectively. They are getting difficult to find though. This album is probably the easiest to find.