Digging the Underground

In one of the interviews that is included on this DVD, Transglobal Underground's Tim Whelan explains that even though some journalists have described the London residents' work as a musical journey around the world, it is actually meant to be a musical journey around London. The thing is that because London is so ethnically diverse, traveling around London can be a very multicultural experience — and Transglobal Underground's recordings have reflected London's multiculturalism. They have reflected the sort of multiculturalism one would experience if he/she bought a London Underground/Tube pass and decided to visit Shepherd's Bush, Brixton, Bethnal Green, King's Cross, Whitechapel, and Earl's Court all within the course of a day. And that multiculturalism is alive and well on this DVD, which contains some interview footage that was shot in London but is primarily a live video. Most of the DVD focuses on an August 4, 2007 show at the Festival Les Escales de Saint-Nazaire in France, and Transglobal Underground are in very good form on live performances of world fusion gems like "Dancehall Operator," "Yellow and Black Taxi Cab," and "Drums of Navarone." Indian, Arabic, Caribbean, and African elements are all part of the equation, as are funk, dance music, and hip-hop; in other words, the live performances are an accurate musical depiction of London in the 21st century. This DVD, which was assembled by the Paris-based La Huit, doesn't offer a lot of surprises or point Transglobal Underground in any new directions, but all of the live performances in France are inspired and memorable, and the interview footage is an added bonus.