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L'Essentiel
Mix the Gipsy Kings, Ricky Martin, and Les Negresses Vertes, throw in a multilingual former member of the Israeli air force, and you have only just begun to describe Alabina. Lead female vocalist Ishtar is a sultry Middle Eastern beauty whose versatile voice blends terrifically with the Gypsy quartet Los Niños de Sara. Together, the group successfully merges Middle Eastern music with Latin rhythms into one flowing, energetic sound. Tracks such as "Lolai" and "Vengan Vengan" are upbeat and fun, and dancing is inevitable. "Comme Toi" reels you in with Ishtar's seductive vocals. And particularly impressive is "Lolole," the band's interpretation of the Animals' '60s hit "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." A great addition to any international music lover's collection. --Bethany Abraham