M.I.A.: Kala

Status of copy at Case Memorial Library
Contents: Bamboo banga — Bird flu — Boyz — Jimmy — Hussel (ft. Afrikan Boy) — Mango pickle down river (ft. Wil C Annia Mob) — 20 dollar — World town — The turn — XR2 — Paper planes — Come around (ft. Timbaland).
Chuck Arnold wrote in People: "'I said M.I.A. is coming back with power power!' So declares this Sri Lankan-British rapper-singer on 'Bamboo Banga,' the hypnotic, chant-like opener of her new CD. And there is no denying the propulsive — and progressive — force of this exhilarating follow-up to 2005's critically acclaimed Arular. You won't find a more sonically stimulating disc around in 2007. 'BirdFlu' merges squawking sounds with tribal drums … 'Boyz' makes you feel as if you're trapped inside of a pinball machine with a marching band. M.I.A., whose lyrics address Third World issues, employs Nigerian rapper Afrikan Boy on 'Hussel' and incorporates Indian influences elsewhere. But the most thrilling track of all is 'XR2,' with its dizzying rush of electronica beats" ("Music," 9/10/07, p. 53).