By Gregg Shapiro

Contributing writer

Evolving from an a cappella group that made rhythm and percussion instruments of their own voices to a mostly one-person operation that incorporate physical musical instruments in its orchestrations, Zap Mama has always been a fascinating and entertaining unit. Marie Daulne, the most visible and audible member of Zap Mama, remains at the forefront on “Supermoon” (Heads Up). Steeped in exotic world music rhythms and beats the disc shines immediately on opener “1000 Ways,” with a persuasive bass line, clever scratching and infectious vocals. Michael Franti co-wrote “Hey Brotha” with Daulne and contributes vocals and guitar to the reggae-driven track. “Toma Taboo” features the one and only Meshell Ndegeocello bringing on the funk with her bass. “Kwenda” adds a call and response chorus to the proceedings, and yes, we can dig it.

It’s hard to believe that seven years have passed since the release of Manu Chao’s breakthrough studio disc “Proxima Estacion: Esperanza,” but they have. A forefather of the Latin alternative scene, his latest disc “La Radiolina” (Nacional/Because) finds him at the top of his game. Sure, the songs are packed with political messages (George Bush gets name-checked in one and another is titled “Politik Kills”), but they are also unequivocally dance-floor friendly. Combining a Latin new wave sensibility with irresistible dance beats, tracks such as “Tristeza Maleza,” “Rainin In Paradize,” “Besoin De La Lune,” “El Kitapena,” “The Bleedin Clown,” “El Hoyo” and “Panik Panik” are sure to liven up any party, club or even political event.

The “retro-futuristic hyper punk” of Polysics, a quartet from Tokyo, is as you might expect both nostalgic and new. “Polysics or Die!!!! Vista” (MySpace) compiles old and new material and full-length music videos to make for a fine how-do-you do. Dressed in orange jumpsuits, a tip of the red plastic hat to front-man Hiro’s favorite band, Devo, Polysics cook up a storm of synths that will have you pogoing all over the place before you know it. “Electric Surfin’ Go Go” lives up to its name and “Baby Bias” should have you grabbing your baby and heading to the dance floor. Of all the tracks here, “I My Me Mine” is the one that most recalls early Devo (consider that a recommendation), while the delirious “Catch on Everywhere” owes a debt to The Chipmunks. Finally, you have to love (or at least admire) a band the covers The Knack’s “My Sharona” and does it justice.

Zap Mama plays Martyrs’, 3855 N. Lincoln, Oct. 24. Polysics play the Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee, Oct. 24.