World Music Cup: Quarterfinals

[Jeff]

Welcome to the quarterfinals of the World Music Cup's knockout stage. The winners of each matchup advance to the semifinals while the losers are eliminated.

Listen to all of the songs at least once and select the one in each matchup that you most prefer.

If there is a problem with any of the links (e.g., region locks, dead links), please mention it in a post below and do not vote for that matchup until you have heard both songs.

Voting for this session ends 5 March at approximately 11:59pm UTC / 6:59pm EST. If a matchup ends in a draw, a tiebreaker round is held 6 March with each nation using a different song. Note that tiebreaker rounds last only one day.

The quarterfinals feature matchups between South American powerhouses, two nations that are excellent at a completely different sport (baseball), plucky underdogs Belgium against die Mannschaft, and Africa's last team taking on their former colonial rulers.


BRAZIL VS. ARGENTINA
BRA: Chico Science & Nacao Zumbi - Rios, Pontes & Overdrives
Some sort of crazy mid-90s hip hop/funk/local traditional amalgam, this is an absolute earworm. - sonofsamiam

ARG: Astor Piazzolla - Libertango
Born in Argentina from Italian parents, raised in NYC in the jazz age, back to Argentina to play classic tango in night clubs and then to Paris to study classical contemporary music. With all these influences and his virtuoso playing of bandoneón (the Argentinian accordion) Ástor Piazzolla created the "nuevo tango" and, in Steve Huey words for allmusic, "took an earthy, sensual, even disreputable folk music and elevated it into a sophisticated form of high art". "Libertango" immediately evokes the sound of Buenos Aires and acts as the perfect definition of Piazzolla's attitude as showcased itself on the title of the piece: "Libertango" is tradition ("Tango") but it's also freedom ("Libertad"), the free approach and the innovation that always permeated his style. - Honorio

CUBA VS. JAPAN
CUB: Orlando Cachaíto López - Redencion
Dummy-team submission by spiritualized.
[Note/Plea: Cuba has only one song left after this one. Additional submissions are much appreciated!]

JPN: Cornelius – Star Fruits Surf Rider
Cornelius is an exemplar of a super-smooth variety of Japanese pop called Shibuya-kei, named after the Shibuya district of Tokyo where it originated. It harkens back to the baroque pop sound of the '60s, but updates it with some electronic flourishes. His association with the movement sells him a bit short, however, as Cornelius is one of the more eclectic musicians I have heard. Note the jungle influence here—most prominent during the chorus—in addition to typical Shibuya-kei and baroque pop trappings. - Jeff

BELGIUM VS. GERMANY
BEL: Soulwax - Much Against Everyone's Advice

GER: Nico - All That Is My Own


MALI VS. FRANCE
MLI: Rokia Traoré - Dounia

FRA: Michel Polnareff - Le Bal des Laze

[luney6]

Ummm.. Jeff. I had actually private messaged you regarding changing my line up a little bit, because i thought Janitor of Lunacy wouldn't do all that well. I was a little late though, sorry. Would it still be possible to switch Janitor of Lujacy with The Falconer, also by Nico?

Edit: Actually, really sorry. but All that is ny Own by Nico, and notbthe Falconer.

[Jeff]

Ummm.. Jeff. I had actually private messaged you regarding changing my line up a little bit, because i thought Janitor of Lunacy wouldn't do all that well. I was a little late though, sorry. Would it still be possible to switch Janitor of Lujacy with The Falconer, also by Nico?

Edit: Actually, really sorry. but All that is ny Own by Nico, and notbthe Falconer.

Sorry about that luney6. I had a suspicion that I made a mistake with one of the songs for this round . I've edited the post to have "All That Is My Own" instead.

[luney6]

Ummm.. Jeff. I had actually private messaged you regarding changing my line up a little bit, because i thought Janitor of Lunacy wouldn't do all that well. I was a little late though, sorry. Would it still be possible to switch Janitor of Lujacy with The Falconer, also by Nico?

Edit: Actually, really sorry. but All that is ny Own by Nico, and notbthe Falconer.

Sorry about that luney6. I had a suspicion that I made a mistake with one of the songs for this round . I've edited the post to have "All That Is My Own" instead.

No problem at all Jeff. Thank you, in fact. I should've made up my mind as too which nomination to use.

Anyways, all's well that ends well.

[Romain]

Argentina - This one, in final, would beat anyone. An absolute classic.
Cuba - So cuban. Is it possible to not love this kind of music?
France - Because it's one of my favorite French song, I like the music and the sad story... but Mali, as usual, is perfect. I think it's the country who make the most perfect world Cup. I don't know if it's the language or the voices but it's always great.

Belgium or Germany - the two songs are in english... it's sad but I take Belgium finally.

[luney6]

Argentina - This song has some truly fantastic moments in it. If only some of the playing was a little more virtuosic and pushing, it would have been perfect. Brazil is good as well, but I preferred some of the earlier submissions to this one, unfortunately.

Cuba - What a spectacular song! Japan tries really hard to get close to it, but this song is nearly unbeatable.

Germany - I love Nico, and especially this track. The Belgian song is interesting, but Germany is my home team, after all.

France - Both very strong tracks. The one from mali is really good, the French song has some of the most epic cohesive ability of all songs I've in this tournament so far.

What fantastic music everyone! And sorry Romain. I don't pay as much attention to the lyrics of songs as I used to, so I thought I didn't notice the language most of my submissions were in. Next time onwards, I'll keep in mind to incorporate songs in the local language of the region I submit for.

[spiritualized]

Belgium or Germany - the two songs are in english... it's sad.

Actually, I think it has some relevance. The Belgians have embraced Anglo Saxon music in such a way that they have become masters themselves. And what would the VU be without Nico ?
Local language music has its place, but I don't think music should be limited to one language. Sometimes French sounds better in a song, and sometimes it clearly doesn't. There are some rhythmic patterns that do NOT fit well with German for example (Blumfeld and Einsturzende Neubauten being notable exceptions). Kraftwerk sang in both and yet, I think the English version of "the Model" sounds better.

However, these songs are not strictly anglo saxon - there is always a tinge (more or less pronounced) of the original homeland in any foreign song. dEUS, for example, are strictly singing in English and yet they have managed to create a "Belgian" Rock which many have followed.

Finally, Eden Hazard (Belgian) is playing in England for Chelsea, does that make him "less" Belgian ?

[Honorio]

Argentina

Cuba

Germany

Mali

[Romain]

Argentina - This song has some truly fantastic moments in it. If only some of the playing was a little more virtuosic and pushing, it would have been perfect.



And sorry Romain. I don't pay as much attention to the lyrics of songs as I used to, so I thought I didn't notice the language most of my submissions were in. Next time onwards, I'll keep in mind to incorporate songs in the local language of the region I submit for.

It's the problem (or the blessing) with Piazolla. They are thousand of interpretations by himself or not. If this one is not in your taste, you can looking for another one.

And don't be sorry, it's not in the rules. You totally have the right to choose a song in english. If I not make the choice, it's because I don't know what song I prefer.

[Romain]

Actually, I think it has some relevance. The Belgians have embraced Anglo Saxon music in such a way that they have become masters themselves. And what would the VU be without Nico ?
Local language music has its place, but I don't think music should be limited to one language. Sometimes French sounds better in a song, and sometimes it clearly doesn't. There are some rhythmic patterns that do NOT fit well with German for example (Blumfeld and Einsturzende Neubauten being notable exceptions). Kraftwerk sang in both and yet, I think the English version of "the Model" sounds better.

...

I agree spiritualized, but i'm so desperate about the lack of variety in this world, I'm always pleased to see that beauty can exist in all languages.

[Jeff]

BRAZIL VS. ARGENTINA
I love Piazzolla, but sonofsamiam is right about "Rios, Pontes & Overdrives" being an earworm. The shock of the new is enough for Chico Science & Nacao Zumbi to get my vote, though I'm not sure I would want to listen to an entire album of theirs.

CUBA VS. JAPAN
Cuba's good, but Cornelius makes for sublime chillout music which is the kind of mood I'm in right now.

BELGIUM VS. GERMANY
I had no idea Soulwax used to be a rock band, but then I'm only familiar with them by proxy through 2 Many DJs' As Heard on Radio Soulwax and their various remixes. Nico, of course, I know quite well. Ironically, "Janitor of Lunacy" would have got my vote. However, "All That Is My Own" is a bit weaker in my estimation making this choice rather difficult. I'm tentatively going with Belgium since they're heavy underdogs.

MALI VS. FRANCE
France has had a habit of late of getting into close matches for me. This time, though, it's because both of the songs are so good. The organ and melody in the Michel Polnareff is great, but then so is the voice and guitar in the Rokia Traoré song. I'll need to revisit this one later in the week to make up my mind. Ultimately, the French organs are enough to sway my vote, not that it matters at this point.

[DaveC]

Argentina
Playing the hand of god in another quarter final. Someone had to say it.

Cuba
Never heard either of these artists before. Both engaging songs.

Germany
Tactical superiority as usual.

Mali
Close match.

[luney6]

Argentina - This song has some truly fantastic moments in it. If only some of the playing was a little more virtuosic and pushing, it would have been perfect.



And sorry Romain. I don't pay as much attention to the lyrics of songs as I used to, so I thought I didn't notice the language most of my submissions were in. Next time onwards, I'll keep in mind to incorporate songs in the local language of the region I submit for.

It's the problem (or the blessing) with Piazolla. They are thousand of interpretations by himself or not. If this one is not in your taste, you can looking for another one.

And don't be sorry, it's not in the rules. You totally have the right to choose a song in english. If I not make the choice, it's because I don't know what song I prefer.

Thank you for the recommendation Romain. I'm checking it out right now.

[spiritualized]

Brazil - first of all, I think it's a sample of Mark E Smith's voice in the first few seconds ??? That has to be the golden goal for me. AND no hand of god for me, I don't particularly like accordion anyway

Cuba - What a tough choice !!! I really enjoy Cornelius as a whole, brilliant artist. However, I don't think this is my favourite track. Going for Cuba as a result !

Belgium - Jeff is absolutely right - it's a little-known fact they were a rock band before, and I highly suggest you listen to the album of the same name as this track. Besides, I've always been a little scared of Nico.

France - as much as I like the Mali song, I am putting my full weight behind my home country now that Italy has been smashed out of the competition ! The fact that it's a great song helps too...

[Romain]

Brazil - first of all, I think it's a sample of Mark E Smith's voice in the first few seconds ??? That has to be the golden goal for me. AND no hand of god for me, I don't particularly like accordion anyway

Red card mister the referee for spiritualized! He insult all the Argentina team, he say they play with accordion, fool man... fool fool man. it's obviously a bandoneon

[luney6]

BELGIUM VS. GERMANY
I had no idea Soulwax used to be a rock band, but then I'm only familiar with them by proxy through 2 Many DJs' As Heard on Radio Soulwax and their various remixes. Nico, of course, I know quite well. Ironically, "Janitor of Lunacy" would have got my vote. However, "All That Is My Own" is a bit weaker in my estimation making this choice rather difficult. I'm tentatively going with Belgium since they're heavy underdogs.

It's 3-2. I'm beginning to regret taking All that is my own over Janitor of Lunacy.

[spiritualized]

LOL Luney, you're allowed 3 subs in football only Be fair !!!

To Romain : it looked like an accordéon on the picture, I am NO SPECIALIST whatsoever Give me a bass guitar and I will know where to put my fingers, but an accor-bandon-eon, nope !

[jamieW]

Argentina (“Rios, Pontes & Overdrives” is wonderfully unique; but I'm a big fan of Piazzolla, and this is one of his very best.)
Cuba (Both new discoveries for me; I like Cornelius, but I love “Redencion.”)
Germany (A rare easy win for me. Soulwax is decent, but they’re up against one of my favorite songs by Nico from my favorite album of hers.)
Mali (Remembering my comment about music from Mali last week, “Dounia” made my Top 500 songs list, and is my favorite of all the great Mali songs I’ve ever heard. It’s such an unfortunate draw for Polnareff, since I would’ve voted for him over anyone else but Argentina this week.)

[sonofsamiam]

Brazil - it looks like I wasn't very strategic with my ordering, as my desire to extend into other decades/genres for Brazil ran into the AM buzzsaw that is Piazzolla. Alas.

Japan, love Cornelius.

Germany, love Nico (though prefer "The Falconer")!

Mali - Polnareff got a tough draw, "Dounia" is a modern classic.

[Dan]

BRAZIL VS. ARGENTINA
The Brazilian song is indeed refreshingly unique, but I'm a big fan of accor-bandon-eon music when it's done well, and "Libertango" is probably the most famous accor-bandon-eon tango song there is... and deservedly so.

CUBA VS. JAPAN
There's a lot of Afro-Cuban jazz that I like, but sometimes the part of my brain that dictates my taste in music tells me that some artists place too much emphasis on formal jazz music and not enough emphasis on energetic African and Cuban music when they play Afro-Cuban jazz. Orlando Cachaíto López is an example of this. Cornelius, on the other hand, surprised me. Even before checking the release date, I knew the song had to be from the late 90s, thanks to its psychedelic-tinged electronic Britpop. I also enjoyed the Tropicália and drum 'n' bass touches.

BELGIUM VS. GERMANY
Not for the first time, I have to admit that I usually don't think that non-Anglophone countries are as good as Anglophone countries at making rock music. (I have a totally different feeling about pop music, thanks to the Nordic countries). But the Belgian songs during these knockout rounds are making me question this. Having said that, don't I like those Belgian rock songs because they sound like Anglophone rock songs? Hmmm... Aren't the rock songs that don't sound too Anglophone in fact better because they don't sound too Anglopone? Nevertheless, I'm voting for the Belgian track. Another admission: I've never understood the appeal of Nico without the Velvet Underground. But this song of hers has really grown on me this week and I'm beginning to realize that I should be more open to her music.

MALI VS. FRANCE
My second and third favourite songs of the round, after "Libertango".

[Henrik]

2. Argentina
4. Brazil

7. Cuba
8. Japan

5. Germany
6. Belgium

1. Mali
3. France

[bonnielaurel]

Argentina
Cuba
Germany
Mali

[BITUSSR]

ARGENTINA
JAPAN
BELGIUM
MALI