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| What might appear to be a new collection of rare highlife gems is actually just a 'best-of' prior Soundway archival comps. |
Here's the scoop from Soundway...
"Ghana Special: Highlife brings together groundbreaking tracks from Ghana’s golden era, where Highlife, rock, and soul merged with deep tradition. Featuring Asaase Ase with Ebo Taylor, Hedzoleh Soundz, Ogyatanaa Show Band, and more, this collection highlights the innovations that reshaped the sound of modern Ghanaian music. A curated journey through classics and hidden gems, celebrating timeless artistry in a new edition."
Note: If you've got the previous Soundway compilations, namely 2009's Ghana Special (Modern Highlife, Afro-Sounds & Ghanaian Blues 1968-81) 5LP box and/or Ghana Soundz Vol. 1 & 2 from 2002 and 2004 respectively – you, or the West African highlife fan on your Christmas list, may already own all of the tracks.
The 10-track Ghana Special: Highlife's black and white sleeve with no liner notes or band photos included (apart from the mystery trombonist on the cover credited as "A musician at Rothman's factory Christmas party, Accra, 1976") isn't anywhere near the high standards in archival projects we've come to expect from the label. If Soundway wanted to avoid the appearance of a corner-cutting cash-in for the holiday season, they could've added a bonus 7-inch single with recordings exclusive to the release or just a digital download card might've been nice. It certainly would've made the $40 price tag a bit more palatable for those who've supported Soundway over the years.
Ghana Special: Highlife
A1 The Ogyatanaa Show Band – You Monopolise Me
A2 Honny And The Bees Band – Psychedelic Woman
A3 The Wellis Band – Bindiga
A4 The Uhuru Dance Band – Yahia Mu
A5 Sawaaba Soundz – Owuo
B1 St. Peter & The Holymen – Bofoo Beye Abowa Den
B2 Asaase Ase Feat. Ebo Taylor – Ohiani Sua Efir
B3 Hedzoleh Soundz – Edinya Benya
B4 Honny And The Bees Band – Sisi Mbon
B5 The Black Star Sound – Nite Safari
