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 Arular

Artist(s):

M.I.A.

Label: Xl/Beggars US
Publisher(s):

Xl/Beggars US

Studio: Xl/Beggars US
Manufacturer: Xl/Beggars US
Binding: Audio CD
List Price: $13.98

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Track Listing

1.

Banana Skit

2.

Pull Up the People

3.

Bucky Done Gun

4.

Fire Fire

5.

Freedom Skit

6.

Amazon

7.

Bingo

8.

Hombre

9.

One for the Head Skit

10.

10 Dollar

11.

Sunshowers

12.

Galang

Editorial Reviews

Album Description

Japanese pressing adds 4 Japan only bonus tracks 'Pull Up The People' (D`explicit Remix), 'Bucky Done Gun' (Dj Marlboro Carioca Remix), 'Bucky Done Gun' (Yes Productions Remix) and 'Bucky Done Gun' (Davinche Remix).

Amazon.com

M.I.A.'s debut record is both intensely urban and aggressively modern. The group's sole member, Maya Arul, infuses her blend of hip-hop and chunky electro with raw, tribal overtones and a healthy dose of sex appeal. There are elements of world music here, in Arul's multilingual vocal as well as the tonal shifts and instrumentation (like the drone that opens up "Hombre"). Her delivery uses a variety of yelps and tics full of street-wise confidence and bratty energy. But there's also an appealing melodic sense, like early Neneh Cherry or Miss Kitten when she's not in diva mode. M.I.A. doesn't really sound like anybody; the music is just experimental enough to wiggle out of easy comparisons. The IDM-style bleeps and beeps of "Galang," for example, give an already catchy song extra punch. The only problem with the record, a common flaw for debuts, is a sameness from track to track which robs it of the ability to surprise. Still, Arul is hugely talented and her abundant originality packs a wallop. --Matthew Cooke

Customer Reviews

Still Groovin On These Unique, Kickass Beats!

I'll put this on in the car and get pumped up.

BREAkdown:

"Banana Skit" (:36) - "Refugee education #1!" The cool drums have already begun - word to the refugees "get yourself an education!" ****

"Pull Up The People" - Techno like you've never heard it before. "I've got the bombs to make you blow." *****

"Bucky Done Gun" - ?! Huh? This quasi-militaristic groover is catchy as hell. Note to the manufacturer: I don't appreciate the blacked out lyrics in the booklet. Either print all the lyrics or don't print 'em at all. Wiggy tune. ****1/4

"Sunshowers" - I couldn't tell you what all the different styles are on this album but raggaeton has got to be an influence. More militant chanting from M.I.A. The Chorus is sweet but ultimately takes time away from her majesty- but it's aaalll good. ****

"Fire Fire" - Another track mixing guerrilla warfare with hard partying and alt-rock - she name-drops the Pixies, the Beasties, Lou Reed, even dropping acid. ****

"Dash The Curry Skit" (:41) - ****

"Amazon" - "Hello, this is M.I.A./ Won't you please come get me?" Hypnotic and urgent at the same time, an interesting tale of a captive who comes to think she may actually like her captors. ****1/2

"Bingo" - Sexy, driving, killer beat, totally infectious. Love the Caribbean steel drum accents. *****+

"Hombre" - Even more sexy and compelling, the fire gets turned up higher! *****+

"10 Dollar" - A dial-a-bride from Sri Lanka?" - whatever this is hot! *****+

"U.R.A.Q.T." - has these weird Sanford and Sons sounds and even a sampled dude that sounds like Redd Foxx. Pretty freakin' cool song. ****1/2

"Galang" - All the strengths of this album are evident on this great single, although I sometimes find the chorus to be a bit nagging. Most infectious. ****1/4

bonus cut -

"You wanna war? You're old, YOU GO!" "President Bush taking over" "You wanna be a follower but who's your leader?" . . . It's words like this that got M.I.A. banned from coming to America. She is indeed an unapologetic supporter of the Tamil Tigers, but one should never forget her background. As far as the song goes, I love it. ****1/2

excellent

For me this is a little tricky. I know next to nothing about this type of dance music, so I really have no criteria to judge MIA.

But I do like the low frequencies, quite a shock for a rock and jazz guy. I also like the singer's voice: she can sing at quite a speed, but through her Shi Lankin accent, the emphasis is placed in the most interesting places. All the little moans and in between music noices remind me of jazz. I also like the little eletronic ambers that burn through the tracks.

As sound, this is quite a treat.

Great artist with unique sound

I first heard her music on the radio; the station played the song Galang, which I didn't like at first, until I found myself endlessly singing it. It had found its way into some crevice in my brain, and it's still there to this day. I eventually bought the album for myself, and I was blown away by it. This is M.I.A.'s first album, and it is remarkable. Such incredible rhythm and lyrics, with messages and depth. Such an incredible range of instruments I've never heard of, culled from many different parts of the world. Everything, even down to the cover design, which she did herself, I've been told, is absolutely drenched in a sense of originality and individuality that is so unheard of in the music business today. I can see thousands of Miley Cyruses or Jonas Brothers, churning out pop ballads about your boyfriend breaking up with you or a pretty girl you like, and I weep for the future of music. But then I hear music like this, from a new artist, no less, about things like how an AK-47 can be purchased for only 10 dollars in Africa and I have hope that kids in the future will grow up with music that was handmade with care and thought, and not just churned out, coated with honey, and with the edges filed off for profit and mass consumption. A flawless merging of disparate genres and elements with unique design and lyrics that matter. Absolutely fantastic and unmissable.

M.I.A's First and Awesome Music!

After getting her second CD, Kala, I decided to get her first CD. I am actually impressed how good her first CD is next to her second one. I really don't understand how she didn't get popular from this CD. I recommend this CD if you love Kala. Its worth it!

Excellant

I love Kala as well, because it sounds cleaner and more developed. However this album was an excellant break out in her career. fire, fire is one of my favorites. Mix with marijuana.