Foals frontman Yannis Philippakis just released Lagos Paris London, his EP as Yannis & The Yaw which is a collaboration with the late afrobeat legend Tony Allen. The EP is a nice combination of Foals’ funkier side along with overt afrobeat touches, all powered by one of the greatest, most distinctive drummers of the last 50 years. You can listen to the whole thing, and watch the lyric video for EP standout “Clementine,” below.
We asked Yannis to pick his favorite songs that feature Tony on on drums and his list includes tracks by Fela Kuti, Sebastien Tellier, Carl Craig and a few Tony Allen solo numbers as well. Check out his list and commentary below.
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YANNIS PHILIPPAKIS – TOP 10 SONGS WITH TONY ALLEN ON DRUMS
“AFRO DISCO BEAT” – TONY ALLEN
A great introduction to Tony’s music and afrobeat as an entire genre.
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“FADJAMOU” – OMOU SANGRE
A brilliant, high energy track with Malian legend Oumou Sangare.
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“PROGRESS” – TONY ALLEN
Another stone cold classic of Tony’s early era
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“NEPA” – TONY ALLEN
One of the later highlights of Tony’s catalogue, a poppier exploration.
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“IKEJA ROADS” – TONY ALLEN
Lose yrself in the groove!
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“WATER GOT NO ENEMY” – FELA KUTI
A Fela classic where you hear Tony at his early power. A highlight of afrobeat & the heights of Afrika 70
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“KILODE (CARL CRAIG REMIX)” – TONY ALLEN
Love this remix so much! Bass drop in the middle is sick, and this used to soundtrack our house parties.
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“COOL CATS” – TONY ALLEN
My favourite track of his later Blue Note records. It’s more jazz but no less exciting.
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“BAG OF BREAKS” – TONY ALLEN
Great production, Tony was constantly searching. Almost sounds like Battles. Ahead of its time.
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“LA RITOURNELLE” – SEBASTIEN TELLIER
An example of how versatile Tony could be, one of the best tracks of the last twenty years, and you hear Tony in a totally different world.
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