"Remarkably, despite this oppressive backdrop, Zambia still nurtured a healthy home-grown music scene. With an additional hardcover book supplying detailed historical context with the CD edition, the terrific, two-volume Welcome To Zamrock! unearths an embarrassment of previously obscure sonic riches and reveals that this rarely-hailed African nation really coulda been a contender during the 70s.Compiled from tracks recorded from 1972-'77, the majority of these discs' 34 songs are delivered in English and usually enhanced by Hendrix-loving, fuzz pedal-toting lead guitarists. A few (most notably Chrissy Zebby Tembo's emotive Born Black) lament Zambia's socio-political ills, but connecting with the dancefloor was clearly most artists' primary aim, with Teddy Chisi's sweaty, Isaac Hayes-esque Funky Lady, Machine Gunners' quirky, Bhundu Boys-ish Changa Namwele and the Remain In Light-style urban funk of Musi- O-Tunya's self-titled contribution among the many highlights spreadoverthese two spirited, life-affirming compendiums".