THE GIRLS ARE POST (Single Review): tUnE-yArDs - 'Lady'

tUnE-yArDs feat.  Angélique Kidjo, ?uestlove and Akua Naru, ‘Lady’, Knitting Factory Records

Part of the (RED) Rush to Zero AIDS campaign, ‘Lady’ is the new effort from tUnE-yArDs, designed to raise funds and awareness for an AIDS free generation by 2015. The single, which sees tUnE-yArDs’ Merrill Garbus combine her efforts with Angélique Kidjo, ?uestlove and Akua Naru, is one of ten ways the Red Hot Organisation and (RED) charities are spreading AIDS awareness over June 2012.
‘Lady’ is a reworking of an original track by renowned afrobeat artist Fela Kuti. The new track attempts to recontextualises Kuti’s original song; as Garbus, (who also produced this new release) states:  “I wanted to reclaim ‘Lady’ for women in the world today, particularly African women, who will have an important role in ending the AIDS epidemic there.”

This new version of ‘Lady’ was recorded live in two takes, with minimal use of overdubs. The track has the same energy and flavour of typical tUnE-yArDs fare, and has far more pep and urgency than the original Kuti version. The track remains true to its roots, however, maintaining a mellow vibe with laidback high-life rhythms. The vocals to this track are the ultimate focus for the listener, however. Garbus’ robust voice takes a back seat, instead making way for the feisty, alluring vocals of Angelique Kidjo, and the dauntless and artful rapping of Akua Naru. Combined with backing vocals from Garbus, this single offers some interesting and enjoyable vocal harmonies.

‘Lady’ is available to download from i-tunes now, with all the proceeds going to the Rush to Zero initiative. The track will also be available on the charity album (RED) Hot + Fela, also on Knitting Factory Records, which is set for release later in the year.

See this at TGA at: http://www.thegirlsare.com/2012/06/13/review-tune-yards-5/