Various Artists - Latcho Drom: Bande Originale Du Film

This soundtrack from the stunning film Latcho Drom is a first-class introduction to the story of Gypsy music and culture. Tracing a chronological 1,000-year-old path of Gypsy migration from Rajasthan to Spain, these 18 tracks contain a myriad of different styles from the Indian subcontinent, Egypt, Turkey, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, France, and the flamenco Gypsies of Barcelona. Many well-respected acts like Taraf de Haidouks and Hasam Yarim are featured as well as many unknown but extremely talented Gypsy artists. Whereas the film paints a picture of a struggling society, the collected music illustrates the resilience of these outcastes, with the majority of tracks being effervescent dance music echoing many cultures. There are reflections of tragedy and sadness, notably from Romania, but these are more than balanced by rocking Balkan block parties, Turkish cabaret, and French guitarists swinging as hard as Django Reinhardt. --Derek Rath Amazon.com

World Music

If you loved the movie then you will love the CD. Earthy melodies that harken to a past life and connect you to the traditional musical expression from India and the 3rd world. Not everyone will resonate with this CD. If you like exotic music and the celebration of life through primitive music you will enjoy this. July 10, 2008

great world music record

This CD is the exact soundtrack of the movie of the same name. The only difference is that the movie shows the dancing that goes with it. A great substitute for the movie for gipsy music lovers from all over the world. January 1, 2008

Beautiful and infectious music

There are clear themes of love and pain in these songs. It should be hard to see gypsies as so many people do, when their music is so sincere and passionate. August 18, 2005

The music of the Gypsy soul

Having seen the film twice, I looked forward to listening to the CD. Well, it's marvellous. A wonderful range, arising from the spread of the Rom (my ancestors) from northern India to western Europe. There are times when your foot won't stop tapping. But the most moving piece is the old woman singing the lament about Auschwitz. It brings tears to my eyes every time. March 5, 2003

Unparalleled Journey into the World of Gypsies

Dispersed for reasons unknown from their original homeland believed by many to be Rajasthan (India), traveling unparalleled roads to the newly adopted homelands of Egypt, Turkey, the Balkans, and Central Europe, i.e., Romania and Hungary, the Romani have maintained their unique identity, heritage and cultural roots through their music. This CD manages to capture the diversity and unity of gypsy life through a wide variety of instruments, musical styles, and expressions: depicting the versatility and talents of this often misunderstood group of people. Amazing how the basic rhythm and beat of life of the Romani (gypsies) can be so well represented on one CD! Erika Borsos (erikab93) April 16, 2002

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