Customer Reviews

Bostich & Fussible Present: Tijuana Sound Machine

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A little over two years ago I purchased and reviewed "The Tijuana Sessions: Vol. 3" by Nortec Collective. I liked the album so much that I also ended up later purchasing and reviewing "Panoptica" by Panoptica, one of the bands associated with Nortec Collective. Both albums were excellent. Very unusual music. Mexican Techno. Both were delightful listening and nothing like I'd ever heard. So, I've been listening to more Mexican Techno including two CDs by The Mexican Institute of Sound. Again, the MIS albums are very unusual and delightful recordings. My latest CD is the "Tijuana Sound Machine," presented by Nortec Collective.

The "Tijuana Sound Machine" CD is outstanding. Five stars, no question. The album gets off to a great start with "The Clap" and "Nortena del Sur," two of the best tracks on the CD. All tracks are excellent, but my favorites are the first two plus "Tijuana Sound Machine," "Akai 47," "Mi Casita," "Wanted," and "Playbox." All of the songs have minimal lyrics so, although this is a Mexican recording, language presents no barrier to listening. None at all. Also, it's Mexican music, but it's probably unlike any Mexican music you've ever heard. In some respects, it reminds me more of some European techno music, but, to be fair, I'd say the music stands alone as a unique, highly creative and refreshing listening experience. The music is constructed in electronica fashion, but it has a much more human sound to it than typical electronica. Perhaps the difference is that heavy use of traditional musical instruments and voices and minimal use of electronic sounds creates that sense. Plus the songs are very nicely pieced together and very catchy. It's fun, joyous music. Most of this stuff would go over well in a dance hall environment, and I suppose that's how it originated and that's where it's mostly played. This music is excellent and deserves much wider circulation.

Finally, the CD cover art is amusing in a droll sort of way. The aging car (70s Dodge?) and the car speedometer on the CD disc bring an amused smile to my face. The "Sessions: Vol. 3" and "Panoptica" CDs are the same way. What could look more like Tijuana, Mexico? But the music is unlike anything I've associated with Tijuana and I've lived as a next door (San Diego) neighbor for 45 years. Either the Nortec Collective or Nacional Records people have an interesting sense of humor.

Gary Peterson

This is a great CD in perfect condition. Nice mix of Mexican dance, instrument and electronic...A unique sounds that gets you moving. It was delivered quickly by the sender.

I have to say I own the 2 Tijuana Sessions volumes because I wanted something else in music, also I live in Mexico, and then I found this amazing CD, bought it and played... The result? Awesome!!!!!! maybe are used to listen a repetitive beat and get bored after 3 minutes, but with this you don't! The whole sound the CD carries, makes you want to dance... It's a must have when you want to listen a variety of sounds very well mixed and with a very mexican feeling, Favorite tracks? , Rosarito, Mama loves Nortec & Cetron, buy it and volume up.

I NEVER THOUGHT THE WORDS "MEXICAN" AND "FUNK" WOULD BE IN THE SAME CATEGORY (WHEN IT COMES TO MUSIC), BUT I AM HERE TO TELL YOU THAT THIS UNHEARD OF CATEGORY DOES INDEED EXIST. IT COMES TO YOU IN THE FORM OF "TIJUANA SOUND MACHINE". I AM INTERSTED IN ALL FORMS OF FUSION MUSIC (COMBINED MUSICAL FORMS) INVOLVING FUNK, AND THIS CD DEFINITELY DOES NOT DISSAPOINT. THE BEST CUT ON THE CD IS "MAMA LOVES NORTEC". IT IS A VERY DANCABLE TRACK WHICH NEVER LOSES ITS FUNKY GROOVE. THE NEXT BEST CUT IS "MI_CASITA", WHICH IS YET ANOTHER MOVIN' AND GROOVIN' BOTTOM HEAVY TRACK. THE NEXT 3 TRACKS, WHICH TIED FOR 3RD PLACE, ARE "SHAKE IT UP", "AKAI 47", AND "CETRON". ALL 3 OF THESE TRACKS WILL MAKE YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP TO YOUR LOCAL DISCO, AND DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY AT HOME. ALL TOGETHER, THERE ARE 15 SONGS ON THE CD TO EITHER MAKE YOU MOVE OR LIFT YOUR SPIRITS HIGH. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CD FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES THEIR WORLD MUSIC, WITH A HUGE DOSE OF FUNK.

Xtraordinary better than the past two albums it is more like it. the Tijuana Sessions Vol. 3 is good but this is better but yet the last 2 tracks loose the essens of the album most of then are really good highly recomended, don't waste time and groove to Rosarito,Tijuana Sound Machine,Jacinto & Akai 47 [My favorites].

Excellent music. Gypsy, fun, exotic, upbeat. Really smooth,flowing,cool music. Energy infused, makes u want to move to it.

This is what I have been waiting for since Nortec Vol. 3! If you are a fan of that album, or any of the stuff by Nacional label artists, you will really enjoy this one. This album is amazing and gets better every time I listen to it. Previews don't begin to do it justice. You are in for an upbeat, eclectic, sunshine-drenched ride that you won't want to end...

!VIVA BAJA!

!VIVA NORTEC!

If you can sit still while listening to this then you'd better see an undertaker!