Is where I'd start. The subtlety and humour of this wonderful album is missing from his live bands embarassing attempt to be The Clash.

Personally I think I'd start with the first couple of Manu Negra albums but it depends upon whether you're looking for raw or polished.

I'd recommend that one...it's great.

Me Gustas Tú and La Primavera are two of my all time favourite tracks of all time!

Thanks everyone.

I'll see how I get on with what Santa delivers and go from there

At less than a tenner for two CDs and a DVD you don't have much to lose.

I admit that I can't be impartial. I have seen Manu Chao several times, have all his stuff on CD and DVD, and also saw Mano Negra live and have all their stuff.

Churnster makes a good point though. Chao's studio albums are quite delicate and intricate in places, while his live shows are more or less the same as the Mano Negra live shows.

It is possible to enjoy both styles (I do) but the first time I saw his solo live shows I did spot quite a few shell-shocked trendy liberal types who were obviously expecting some sort of acoustic set.

Personally I prefer the older, larger line-up of his band when it had an extra singer (as seen on the Radio Bemba live DVD) and a bit more variety, but still enjoyed the latest incernation.

By the way, if you like Clandestino or Proxima Estacion Esperanza it is worth checking out Amadou & Mariam's album Dimanche a Bamako as it was produced by Manu Chao and sounds more like one of his albums than one of theirs.

Spot on Skuds! There really are two Manu Chaos and both are great, it all depends on your mood. Quieter and more reflective on the studio albums and mostly flat out and manic on the live stuff.

I first 'discovered' Manu in a climbing refugio in Montanejos, Spain. Like many climber's huts the world over it was best described as basic, but it did have an enormous pair of speakers bolted to the wall. The refugio's guardian, sporting feathers in his long green hair and clearly no stranger to assorted minor hallucinogens, plied us with wine and pizza and a soundtrack of Manu Chao. A great night and Me Gustas Tu is still my favourite track. Oh, and the climbing was superb too!!

Sounds good to me