Stop the War Coalition: Benefit Concert

The music and the message are both powerful in this November 2005 concert, recorded in London. Both come courtesy of the Stop the War Coalition, a UK group that has campaigned since 9/11 against the various actions that comprise the so-called war on terrorism. Only about 10 minutes of the program are devoted specifically to speechifying, but that's plenty—especially for any American viewer who may still wonder why the rest of the world pretty much hates us (a partial answer can be found in musician Brian Eno's remark that the only reason for the presence of an estimated 8,000 British troops in the Middle East is so the Bush administration can claim that the invasion and occupation of Iraq is a "coalition" effort). Yet those uninterested in polemics will also find some extraordinary music here, especially after short sets by singer Imogen Heap and composer-DJ Nitin Sawhney (who's joined by Eno), when the Rachid Taha Band takes the stage. The Algerian-born, French-raised Taha's music combines Eastern tonalities and Western sensibilities, as the singer's Arabic vocals and exotic instruments like the oud meld with electric guitars, Bo Diddley beats, and Eno's trademark "soundscapes" in one of the most rocking, exuberant sets this reviewer has ever seen—and the energy level (high throughout) goes through the roof when former Clash guitarist Mick Jones joins the band onstage for five tunes, including "Rock the Casbah" (referred to here as "Rock El Casbah"). While the visuals are pretty standard (with lots of kinetic editing), the Dolby Digital 5.1 sound is great. Highly recommended for warmongers and pacifists alike. Aud: P. (S. Graham)