Daveportivo's Cultural Evaluation Facility

Okay it's probably a bit harsh of me to entitle this M.I.A when the song is by The Very Best Of and then include a picture of M.I.A instead, but to be honest, I would never have heard this track if she wasn't on it. Which is a shame, but it's also great that she works with such a broad spectrum of artists that it brings so many great talents to your attention. The Very Best Of are from Malawi and take there influences from all over the place, their myspace list Ludacris as an influence, so this certainly is the part of the new world music revolution. Rain Dance is built on the back of a huge rhythem section, absolutely pounding African drums that never relent mixed in with M.I.A's panting and sampled "heys". The African style singing/chanting of The Very Best Of is absolutely gorgeous, it suits the beat superbly and creates a sublime melody. This is a proper dance track, M.I.A takes it from Tribal sounding into the urban arena, it's her in silly rap mode, she's having fun. "Let your feet go smash smash, Like your making Goulash" as you can tell this track is unashemedly fun, it's all about stomping your feet and dancing. It's fun, it won't be to everyone's taste, but this is one hell of a dance-able beat, as the title suggest this is romper stomper, a tribal Rain Dance.