Gogol Bordello
Gypsy Punks (Underdog World Strike)

If someone had the impression of having truly known Eastern music by listening to the masterpieces of "Bregoviz," or a bit of Kletzmer (maybe played by the "Brave Old World" et similaria), they are very mistaken.

If they think they have heard the pinnacle of social critique music by listening to the "Ska-P" or perhaps the "Bandabardò" or the "Modena City Ramblers," they are wrong again (even more than before in this case). Try instead to imagine mixing a bit of elements like "elementary punk," Kletzmer violins and Tzigani strings, a voice not just hinted at as often happens, but instead screamed and you will get the perfect mix to classify this 2005 album.

Note that we are not talking about a miracle, nor about exceptional musical talent, but rather about an album that allows one to break free from the deep impasse in which those groups that dominated this niche of the music market a few years ago have fallen.

Gogol Bordello manage to make social critique without falling into the stereotype that characterizes many of the bands that mix world music with a style more congenial to them (let's think once more of the Ramblers). They are hard and pure, they hit hard on both lyrics and instruments, and in this album, they often forget what it means to be "politically correct".
Out of the 15 tracks on the album, one can quickly make a census of which ones are truly captivating: we (metaphorically) divide the album in half, and we find the first eight truly lively, well-played, and captivating. The latter seven are simply different; here they try to convey as much information as possible about the collective's thoughts, and thus the pace inevitably slows down.

An album, therefore, dedicated to those who want to experience a type of unusual punk. Worth trying.