Music: Tinariwen's "Tassili" (fresh Touareg grooves from North Africa)

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[Video Link] Tassili, the new record from Tinariwen comes out in a few weeks. With all the political unrest in their native country of Mali, in the Sahara desert region of north Africa, the music and the spirit behind their work seem all the more timely.

This band of Touareg musicians are touring the US right now, and just played LA's Troubadour last night (Henry Rollins called 'em "one of the best live bands ever"). Above, a preview of the new album.

Below, a music video from their 2009 release, "Imidiwan: Companions." Look for their music on Boing Boing's in-flight entertainment TV channel on board Virgin America Airlines, too.

Catch them on tour. Here's a schedule.

[Video Link #2]