Amadou & Mariam

One of the pure musical joys of the 2000s has been the global breakout success of this Malian husband-and-wife duo. This greatest hits collection shows that the couple continue to experiment with elements of Western music -- as opposed to West African music -- yet nothing distills the no-nonsense, simpatico nature that the twosome has perfected over thirty years of playing together (they met in a school for the blind). This is a fine introduction to their music, and fans of the blues or any kind of guitar music need to hear Amadou's relentless rhythmic guitar playing.