http://afropopshop.org/New Music From Manu Chao on Calabash Music2009-01-07T05:12:42ZThe Calabash Music Teamsupport@calabashmusic.comLa Radiolinahttp://manuchao.afropopshop.org/#album_915802006-12-12T07:40:55ZMusic from La Radiolina"La Radiolina" is Manu Chao's first new studio album in six years (since 2001's "Esperanza"). Chao has written, composed and produced the album. Manu Chao is widely acknowledged as a pioneer of Latin alternative music, and was the leader of Mano Negra. He recently completed his most extensive North American tour to date, following a highly acclaimed co-headlining performance at this year's Coachella festival as well as the Bonnaroo and Sasquatch festivals.]]>Rainin in Paradize EPhttp://manuchao.afropopshop.org/#album_902492006-12-12T07:40:55ZMusic from Rainin in Paradize EPNo other artist in the past decade has assumed the mantle of political engagement, passion and global empathy once worn by Bob Marley quite like Manu Chao.

Chao's EP release 'Rainin in Paradize' is a preview of his upcoming album 'La Radiolina' - his first studio album in six years. He is on a North America tour this summer and from a stage in Brooklyn, which was draped with a banner carrying the slogan 'Immigrants are not criminals', Chao shouted: 'You cannot fight terrorism with terrorism, you should fight violence with education not more violence.'

His music is multilingual and broadly multicultural, blending rock, reggae, punk, ska, found sounds, and more. The Paris-born, Barcelona-dwelling artist of Spanish descent finds inspiration in street cultures everywhere. Throughout his career, Chao has remained true to his anti-establishment principles and continues to mix music and politics by performing at events that promote anti-globalization efforts.

He has certainly been a pointed critic of U.S. policy, but when he was asked in a recent Guardian interview why he is touring in the U.S. given that he seems to hate America and all it stands for, Chao responded, 'I always criticise the government, not the people, and if I am criticising, it's better to understand what it is you criticise - more and more, for people in South America and Africa the US is like the devil. There's a heavy cost for the way of life here in the rest of the world. When I criticise the government everyone applauds - I just don't understand why there aren't thousands protesting outside the White House every day. Everyone always said you have to make it in the States. But I always thought the best way was to make it in South America first.'

The Guardian went on to call the new single 'Rainin in Paradize', "a glorious, fist-pumping riot of driving beats and soaring punk guitar lines, with Chao's irrepressible spirit making it a defiant rallying call rather than a resigned grumble. One of the singles of the year so far."

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