Alkohol Sljivovica & champagne (2009)/ Goran Bregovic

"If you listen to music on headphones, this might get a bit overwhelming after a while. The tubas, trumpets and general exuberance harnessed by Bregovic are intended to be heard out in the open, preferably at a wedding celebration, though a birthday party would be fine too. The trademark oompah horns of the Balkans are a common thread throughout, but the songs are all melodically distinct, and among the 13 tracks there is surely a theme for any mood you might wish to revel in or escape from. There are so many influences and associations floating in the air here, it is bewildering, if enjoyable, to try to isolate them. On "Imagine" (no, not the John Lennon song), the percussion could be Turkish or even Indian, while the horns could be from New Orleans. Balkan music has been threatening to break into the mainstream of western pop for several years now. This triumphant album doesn't require any advertising. Just play it, and it will do the rest by itself." (C. Gillett, The Observer; waardering: 4 uit 5 sterren)