Juju Jubilation

Although he didn't actually invent juju, Chief Ebenezer Obey did introduce the Western electric instrumentation that has become an integral part of its distinctive sound. This collection of tunes from the '70s and '80s features frolicking electric guitar runs, lots of Yoruban (West African) drumming and choruses, and solid pop backing. The musicians draw you in with hypnotic grooves and festive flourishes-- often sounding like Ali Farka Toure meets the Grateful Dead. The long song suites not only maintain interest for nearly 20 minutes apiece--they seem to end too soon. But then, there's always the CD player's "Repeat" button. --Richard Price