M.I.A. - Tamal Tigers, Sri Lanka and Foot-Tappers

[Big Tabs]

Mathangi Arulpragasam MBE (M.I.A)

Back in 2005 I got a copy of Arular. Not the best album and not the best singer I have ever heard, but full of energy and anger. Hooked.
Over the years I have shared my liking of M.I.A. and I knew there was a political history behind the lyrics but I didn't know the whole story. Her father was a high-ranking resistance fighter in the Tamal tigers.

The BBC recently put out this > Matangi/Maya/M.I.A. now available on BBC iPlayer.

A very personal insight into a refugee finding her voice. I highly recommend this programme.

I know many will dislike her music, but the spirit and determination is palpable. Her spats with american media are impressive.

Her first 2 albums are the best I reckon, although I have not heard AIM.

a taste?

 

[narabdela]

Do you mean Tamil Tigers?

 

[Still]

I watched that last night and really enjoyed it.
It's a must see for the M.I.A. massive.

 

[Big Tabs]

Do you mean Tamil Tigers?

yes I do.

It must be my accent.

 

[Sich]

I saw her at the big chill around 2005 inciting a crowd invasion on the stage.
I like her and the fact she's ballsy.

 

[Big Tabs]

I watched that last night and really enjoyed it.
It's a must see for the M.I.A. massive.

I think it is worth watching for the insight into the way political issues and music can mix, and how (white) american media tried to stamp the artist down. (again)

 

[Still]

I enjoy M.I.A. for her political activism and music.

 

[Big Tabs]

I enjoy M.I.A. for her political activism and music.

agreed.

When I first heard Arular way back when, it was the music that grabbed me, I had no idea about her political stance initially. The music sounded fresh and her voice and 'technique ' is original to my ears.
And let's not forget those huge bass thummms. It reminds me of the early sparse hip-hop of Just-Ice / BDP.

Not long after M.I.A. came Santigold who I think has a similar voice at times, her 2008 album Santagold is a regular spin here still.

 

[Elephantears]

Pinkfish, quieten down I need to make a saaaand....

(looking forward to watching this soon)

 

[Still]

Have any of the lil' fish investigated best sq versions for M.I.A. releases?

Asking for an obsessive.

 

[Big Tabs]

Have any of the lil' fish investigated best sq versions for M.I.A. releases?

Asking for an obsessive.

I have the first 3 on c.d. I think the sound is good, a liking for 808 beats helps. Subtle it ain't. - the first 2 Arular & Kala are on XL records and are double albums with 3 tunes per side (ish) not sure if 33rpm or 45rpm.

I have other L.P's on XL (Basement Jaxx from memory) and the SQ is good.

I made the decision at the time (2005) that for the type of music that M.I.A. is - a c.d. wold be the best option. I also didn't have such a good record player at the time/c.d. was cheaper!

 

[Still]

Thanks BT & same here. I will try to restrain myself, but obsessives gonna obsess :-D