Mari Boine's atmospheric and primal joik singing -- the singing of the Sami, or Lapp, people -- was made for remixing. And while the majority of those here keep to the more ambient nature of the original material, some do rise above it.
Jah Wobble applies some heavy bass to "Èuovgi Liekkas" that establishes a groove without ever losing the mystery of the original.
Mark de Clive-Lowe brings a light Brazilian touch to "Ále Ále Don" that comes as a shock, but whose percussive airiness works remarkably well. Equally good is "Mu Da Han Lean Oaivámuš," with its spoken word introduction and interlude, quite overtly political. Throughout, thankfully, the voice remains central, since
Boine has a particularly powerful, stirring voice, and the soundscapes of some of the remixers (like
Bill Laswell's contribution) only serve to emphasize her abilities to swoop and touch emotionally. It's an interesting project, and one that might make her name familiar to more people -- which can't be a bad thing. ~ Chris Nickson