Parla Patois

Southern France isn't necessarily the first place you'd look for topnotch dancehall reggae; nor, to be honest, does this sound much like what comes out of the reggae scenes in either Jamaica or the U.K. But it sure does sound great. The three Marsellais youngsters who make up Massilia Sound System are equally passionate about Jamaican music and their own local culture, hence the album title and the repeated lyrical references to Marseillais culture and language. About half of the songs on this album are just insanely catchy; "Canon Es Canon" and "Joyeux Voyous" will have you attending French class just so you can learn how to sing along (here's a hint, though: half of what they're singing is in a regional patois that you'll never learn in any class — good luck finding a teacher to help you transliterate, let alone translate "Canti, As, A"). "Violent" is even better — its combination of speed-rap inventiveness, melodic hooks, and goodhearted sentiments is irresistible. Only the two lackluster dub interludes disappoint. Highly recommended.