Consumer Guide Album

Soul Brothers: Jive Explosion [Earthworks, 1988]
An '80s best-of from Azanian pros who come as close as mbaqanga ever does to Ladysmith--and also to what Americans consider pop music. The saxes are smooth, the deep bass is fluid, a Fairlight fills out five tracks, and the vocals honor old Zulu harmonies while showcasing David Masondo's aching tenor. No matter what they're singing about--as much as they think they can get away with, say--their elegance is something they had to win. A−