Malavoi
are a major force in French Antillean music, but when they were just starting out, way back in 1969, they sounded as if they were going nowhere. These first recordings have never been released before, and it's quite possible that the band isn't too happy about them creeping out now, because, frankly, they're embarrassing, showcasing a group that not only had yet to find its sound, but that didn't even sound good. If anything, they looked set to become a
pop
band, but even that is performed poorly. If you're a longtime
fan, this might interest you, purely on historical grounds -- but don't be certain even of that. ~ Chris Nickson