Latin Music

Monareta's sound in "Picotero" is revolutionary!! The sounds are amazing, new, and refreshing. You can't help but to dance once their beats hit your ear drum!!
Highly reccomend

Once Picotero makes it into your music player (MP3 or otherwise)you will want to dance non stop!
Get it now.

This early Gipsy Kings album is all acoustic. Nothing but guitars, vocals, handclapping and superb performances here.

The stripped-down format shows off their brilliant fusion of flamenco and western pop music without the clutter of electronic instruments that can make their music a bit cheesy at times. Excellent album.

Hailing originally from Arles and Montpellier, France, the Gipsy Kings bring the music of their parents, who fled Spain and settled in France, during the Spanish Civil War. They are referred to as Cale (Gitano) musicians and are best known for playing Rumba Catalana (a kind of Rumba Flamenca). This beautiful debut album (originally released in 1982) showcases them at their brightest. The guitar work is stunning. I would says the best songs include "Djobi, Djoba," "Papa, No Pega Mama," and "Princessia." The Spanish lyrics are great, but I don't want to give it away! Though, I am not fluent, I got the gist of the romance and intensity they convey here. You definitely don't need to speak Spanish to enjoy the music! I guarantee you'll get lost in the beauty and brilliance of their instrumental intros and haunting vocals. It's as if they are sitting right under your window, in the moonlit evening, serenading you.

This album is just incredible. One of my desert island favorites after owning it for 12 years.

I attended the GK concert in LA last weekend and was a bit disappointed....mainly because of the presence of unexpected instruments like regular drums, keyboard, electric bass guitar, etc. The past few concerts I had been to were ALL ACOUSTIC GUITAR and VOCALS, which is what I love about the GK. So I came to Amazon and bought this CD on a whim, hoping it would remind me what the GK are all about. This is a refreshing reminder. What an amazing display of acoustic guitar and vocals. I love this CD and haven't stopped listening to it since it arrived.

The Gypsy Kings are one of my favorite bands and "Allegria" is my favorite of their CDs. Even though I don't understand most of the Spanish lyrics, the emotion comes through. The music is fun, sexy and passionate. It makes me feel like dancing, even if I'm just singing along while I clean the house.

When Silvio was producing the three LPs as part of his Tríptico, I was desperately waiting for the next one. Years later, looking back I still can't give an objective assessment of "Vol. 2." This work came at one of of those moments in life when you "need" to listen something special, something that can go straight to your soul. What still amazes me about Silvio is the extremely high level of his poetic side. Unlike his outstanding music and arrangements (like that beautiful piano played by Jorge Aragón), for a non-native Spanish speaker his poetry may be hard to grasp. He plays with words giving a whole new sense with a surrealistic touch to common phrases. In effect, under Silvio's brush romantic themes are far from clichés. In Silvio's world, love becomes courage, struggle, fierce battle without losing a bit of tenderness. Water, rain, flowers are the common denominator of this "Vol.2" making the Caribbean autumn pervade through most tunes. Although social consciousness is not the core in this CD, it cannot be absent: "El Tiempo está a favor de los Pequeños" (Time is on the Little Ones' Side) and "El Reparador de Sueños" (The Dream Mender). This latter song with its lullaby waves is quite rare in Silvio's work, and is unique for its simplicity and balmy mood. Amazing! My favorite? Can't pick one unless -as I said- I become very subjective: "Ángel para un Final." This is a CD for those special moments when we need THAT special song. In this case you can choose from eight charming ones.

if you love silvio rodrigues then you should have this one in your collection

En 1984, Silvio grabo tres albumes titulados "Tripticos". De los tres, el que termino reuniendo lo mejor de su produccion ese anno resulto el volumen 2. Desde el primer hasta el ultimo tema, "Triptico, Vol. 2" no tiene casi nada de desperdicio e incluye temas que, tal como sus grandes producciones de fines de los setenta y "Unicornio", que precedio a "Triptico", se convertieron en clasicos del genio de la Trova Cubana.

Con la frase legendaria "Va a hacer falta un buen otonno, tras un verano tan largo," el tema "El Vigia" destaca en particular. A su lado se alzan "Llover Sobre Mojado" y "Angel Para Un Final". Si bien no es el mejor album de Silvio, resulta un album de transicion, con el que se prepara para lo que seria su sonido caracteristico de los ochenta, fusionando estilos y experimentando con mas instrumentos y arreglos mas complejos.

I like Vicki Carr's older music. I was pleased to find this combo CD. It was a good buy.

AS A BIG VIKKI CARR FAN & OWN HER RECORDS, NOW I HAVE THEM ON CD TO TAKE ANYWHERE. THIS IS ONE OF HER BEST.

Nobody has a voice like Vikki Carr and in this two lp collection of contemporary classics the grand Diva's divine voice is on display in it's full glory in peak form. Signed in 1970 to a major label contract with Columbia Records, this stunning collection features Vikki's first two lp's "Vikki Carr's Love Story" & "Superstar" with sublime vocals which are tender and emotional yet at the same time they are strong and soulful making this masterful set as good as great singing gets and all these years later this singing legend is still knocking them out in concert as Vikki's recent Sold Out engagement in Southern California demonstrated...this magnificent singer sang for two hours and received numerous standing ovations from an enthralled and very lucky audience! Do not miss this collection as this timeless vocal masterpiece with brilliant orchestrations and arrangements showcase one of the greatest voices in popular music over the past forty years and still counting. Bravo Vikki!

Just look at some of the songwriters represented: Jimmy Webb, Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Randy Newman, The Bee Gees, Robbie Robertson, Leon Russell, Van Morrison, Phil Spector, Carole King and Kris Kristofferson!!! This CD leads off with a wonderful arrangement by Artie Butler of "I've Never Been A Woman Before" (also covered by Barbra Streisand). Both albums were produced by the great Dick Glasser (Andy Williams). Her version of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" is right up there with the Diana Ross version. But it's the Carole King compositon, "So Far Away", from her "Tapestry" album that showcases Ms. Carr's vocal gifts and the talented background vocals including the most wonderful Myrna Matthews. On another musical spectrum, "Spanish Harlem" (modeled after Aretha Franklin's hit version) rocks out in an almost "dance" version with rubbery bass, upfront percussion, Ms. Carr trading vocals back and forth with the background singers. What could remixers, David Morales or Frankie Knuckles, do with this cut?? Yes, this girl can sing! A worthwhile CD, oh yes!

This is a very nice CD from Vikki Carr. I really enjoyed it. Specially the song "where Do I Begin"(Love Story) whick is one of my favorite out of all my favorites.

I Recommend all of you that enjoy excellent music to buy this CD.

If you're the typical target audience of Putumayo and appreciate the label for bringing excellent lesser-known world musicians to the forefront, then you'll probably find these compilations offensive to the ear. Speaking as someone who adores Putumayo, I found this cd so bad that I felt I had to write a review to warn other Putumayo fans. That being said, if you're just interested in hearing some bizarre and quirky arrangements of popular songs, then you might like it. Do yourself a favor and if you think you might be interested in this album, go to Putumayo's website first and listen to the samples. You'll either love it or hate it.

This is a must have for world music lovers, especially those who have American or British favorites they love to hear in new ways. This is one of my favorite world music CD's and probably the one I listen to the most.

This is one of the most annoying world music albums out there. Next to the Rough Guide to Yodel,it's custom-made to drive away unwanted guests,solicitors,and relatives overstaying their welcomes. Putumayo had an interesting concept:cover songs from around the world. As a concept album,it works in theory. In practice,it doesn't do so well. There are a few highlights-but they are few and far between. The album works as novelty,like the "Annoying Music Show" compilations,or the Leonard Nimoy/William Shatner album.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo's "Ain't no sunshine" and "People get ready" are wonderful,and sound like gospel songs. Les Go's cover of Hall&Oates is given an Afropop vibe. Toure Kunda shows the African roots of a Peter Gabriel song. Angelique Kidjo's Jimi Hendrix cover shows that even at the beginning of her career she was a diva. Her take on "Voodoo Child" is magical.

However,the misses outnumber the hits. Yannick's French take on "Oh what a night" is corny.Cornier than a car running on ethanol. Cornier than an Iowan chowing down on corn on the cob at the state fair. Fatal Mambo&Chris Ardoin do zydeco takes on "Your love keeps lifting me" and "In the summertime" that are gushier than okra in overcooked gumbo. The usually great Mo'Horizons has a weird trip-hop take on "Hit the road Jack" that doesn't really work. Albert Pla's flamenco version of Lou Reed's "Walk on the wild side" is a novelty song. When it comes to flamenco versions of hits,I prefer Rodrigo y Gabriela's flamenco covers of Metallica's "Orion" and Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven." Finally,Bob Marley would be wailing if he heard the Nenes' screeching,shamisen-driven "No woman no cry." An Okinawan cover of the reggae hit works--in theory.

"Cover the World" as a concept album ends up working...as a concept.Angelique Kidjo's "Djin Djin",Rodrigo y Gabriela's self-titled album,and Senor Coconut's ultra-lounge salsa covers of Kraftwerk and Yellow Magic Orchestra provide more fun,and in a sense,more faithful,cover versions.

This CD is unlike any other. One culture takes on another's idea of a popular hit, and reinterprets it through their own set of cultural lenses. The result is utterly fascinating. It is a fun listen...but also a study of people, of music, of psychology, of music, of intercultural interaction. Don't miss this one!

I don't know, maybe it's just because I cut my teeth on world music three and a half years ago with this CD and Putumayo's "Global Soul", which came out at about the same time. I love both of them. "Cover the World" takes a very fresh look at some standards that you may already be familiar with.

As mentioned elsewhere, the two songs by Ladysmith Black Mambazo - "People Get Ready", with Phoebe Snow (originally done by The Impressions), and "Ain't No Sunshine" with Des'ree (originally by Bill Withers) - are alone worth the price of the CD. I played "People Get Ready" over and over when I first got the CD, and still haven't tired of it. Angelique Kidjo puts her own unique spin on the Jimi Hendrix standard "Voodoo Child", as do Les Go ("The Girls") on "I Can't Go For That", originally performed by Hall and Oates. Chris Ardoin and his group Double Clutchin' may give you a new appreciation for zydeco with their rendition of "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher" (originally done by Jackie Wilson), and may even motivate you to check out his brother, Sean Ardoin & Zydekool, as well. Finally, Tukuleur, two brothers from Senegal whose music I cannot locate in the United States with the exception of the one song on this CD, make the song "Afrika (Africa)" (originally by Toto, whom I don't remember) their very own. There are no bad songs on the CD, but those are the best of the lot.

"Cover the World" and "Global Soul" almost single-handedly provided me with the bridge I needed to the wonderful, amazing universe of world music, and they may just do the same for you.

I was strolling on the Champs Elysee in Paris a few years back, wandered into the big Tower Record store and "found" this amazing album being played at many of their headphone "listening" stations. It was a must buy, must have, must play repeatedly album. There is not a bad song on the album. Zucchero's voice has always reminded me of another of my favorite singers ... Joe Cocker. So, if you love Joe Cocker's raw, gut-wrenching, spine-tingling, emotive music ... buy anything you can find by Zucchero ... you'll love the sugar-man, as I do. This is definately a DID (desert island disc) ... the one you'd most want to have with you to survive SURVIVOR!

I dont know where they found this joker. This music is simply not good. Its like smooth jazz with this guy singing along to these ridiculously simple song structures that simply are repetitive and don't sound good. This music goes absolutly no where and it is very boring. A lot of this guys music is [borrowed] too. Also their is a song called Donkey Tonkey on here which really made me want to [hit] this guy, its like a kids anthem "Do the Donkey, the Donkey Tonkey" ...

only the english lyrics were written by Bono - it's an amazing album, incredible - a must have for every collection

If you enjoyed Bocelli and Eros, you will definately enjoy this CD. Trust me...get it, play it over and over.

I had the Italian version of this for a couple of years and despite not understanding what was being said the music and melodies were so wonderful it didn't matter. I loved it. Then, I stumbled across this version that has mostly English lyrics being sung and grabbed it up. What was already one of my all time fave cd's finally spoke to me in a language I understood and I was not disappointed.

As one critic here said there is only one song on this cd that is a dog-the Donkey Tonk...Otherwise this is a near perfect grouping of beautiful songs and enthralling melodies. I cannot fathom WHY Zucchero is not wildly popular in the U.S. You are missing out if you have not 'discovered' Zucchero by now.

One thing I have come to realize over the years of collecting Zucchero's cd's is that you will normally find at least 2 versions of every release. One that is pretty much all Italian and one that has some (if not all) English lyrics. I usually end up getting both. Sometimes the song list is slightly different. Amazon.com is a great place to be able to compare the song titles, ie: whether they are Eng/Ital and the list. There is one cd, his "Greatest Hits" that I think I have at least 4 versions on my shelf. In this case French is one of the versions. So look around and experiment with what works for you.

Give Zucchero a try!

regards,
Laurie

SERGIO MENDEZ AND GRUOP ARE THE BEST SOUTH OF THE BORDER GROUP EVER!!!!!!!!!!

CAN LISTEN TO THEM FOR DAYS, NON STOP

During the late 60's as america looked for an escape from the the news of war and violence they turned toward latin music.Artist like sergio mendes and herb alpert came out with music that mixed latin music with american pop.This album came out in 1969 when the interest in latin music started to wane and was not as popular as earlier albums by Brazil 66.My favorite songs are Wichita lineman with it's great vocal arrangment and YE-ME-LE.Both of these songs were performed on the tv show music scene and are available on dvd.

You have to hand it to Herb ALbert. He had increadible taste. Back in the late 60s there was not a bad band on the A&M roster, and boy, did he know how to pick them when it came to Sergio Mandez and Brizil '66.

On this album, all their albums, Brizil could make bad materiall great and great material even better. (Check out their version of "Can't take my eyes off you." They take Letterman tortured sap and turn it into a fantastic jazz piece ripe for FM radio.)

Here, the brilliant bossa bandits tackle higher end fair, such as "Witchita Lineman," and "Norwegian Wood." They remake and remodal this work, adding keybord solos, and brass.

It is usless and beside the point to compare Mendes' covers to the origionals. Mendes stokes the melodic elements of every song he
makes-this guy could cover Cradle Of Filth and it would be melodic- changes keys, and adds wonderful pollyrythms to otherwise maudlen

This music will bring tears to your eyes, but never through callowness or manipulation. The tender parts are so genuine, and the not so tender parts so melodcally strong, the songs work the emotions. But subtlely, tastefully. Just listen to "Some Time Ago" and you'll instinctively agree.

In a sense, if you have listened to one of the 60s A&M albums, you have the basic idea of all of them. Yet, you really should get all the albums. Sergio may play the same card each time out, but you know what? It ALWAYS works. You don't have to even think about how---just let your spine tingle.


I wonder how he would redeem Brittney Spears songs................

I have had a copy of Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66's Greatest Hits on vinyl since the early 70's and always enjoyed it. But I had never heard any of their other albums until I was in a used record store in the 80's and bought a used Ye-Me-Le LP on a whim. I absolutely fell in love with this album. "Masquerade" is now my favorite Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 song. "Some Time Ago", "Moanin'", "Look Who's Mine", and "Ye-Me-Le" are all wonderful songs.

I usually don't go much for cover songs, Glen Campbell's "Witchita Lineman", the Beatles' "Norwegian Wood", and Three Dog Night's "Easy to be Hard" are among my favorite songs, but the cover versions on here are excellent renditions as well. I enjoy them as much as I enjoy the originals.

And finally, the version of "What the World Needs Now" on this album is perhaps not my favorite version the Bacharach/David tune, I still quite enjoy listening to it because of the unique treatment.

I waited for years for this album to come out on CD and I was so happy when it did. If you like Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 you should definitely have this CD.

"Ye-Me-Le" was almost a return to the original group sound heard on "Herb Alpert Presents" and "Equinox" and, in my opinion, is a much better album than its 2 predecessors, "Fool on the Hill" and "Crystal Illusion".

The album starts out with a bang with a cover of Glen Campbell's "Wichita Lineman" that puts the original to shame. Mendes follows this with a mind blowing cover of "Norwegian Wood". Very seldom does a cover of a Beatles song come even close to the original, but this one does. "Moanin'" and "Masquerade" are great high energy songs combining a touch of R&B with the bossa nova. The title song sounds like a Brazilian street carnival with the band approaching from a distance and then suddenly exploding right in front of you. This song is guaranteed to make anyone smile. The album finishes with a great cover of "What The World Needs Now".

This is indeed a group album with all members participating and orchestrations kept to a tolerable level. Mendes and company sound like they really enjoyed recording these songs and they are a treat to listen to.

I first heard SiSe at a coffee shop in San Antonio. My [...] was impressed, so I bought it for her that day. She's still around. Coincidence? I think not. I guess that means I'll buy more.

Great sound. An eclectic mix of trip-hop, Portisheadish, bilingual feeling. For sure a must have for anyone into this kind of sound.

This sophmore album is great. I love the eclectic mixture of culture and sound that Sise is known for.
I look forward for more to come.

I recently saw Si Se for the first time at House of Blues in Hollywood. Their music is cross between Sade and Dido, but with a delicious twist. I bought the cd and was pleasantly surprised that almost every song is good. Can't wait to hear them on radio...

they play The Truth on an episode of One Tree Hill and after listening to it I just knew I had to go and get the cd. The style is so very mellow and relaxed. It has that earthy jazz tone to it that just makes you feel calm but it has a nice up beat that makes you want to sing along. I would recommend picking up both cds, it's a new treat