Customer Reviews

Escena Alterlatina

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

 

 

I grew up in Alaska, where we never really had much exposure to Latin alternative music. Then, one day I was browsing in a store and came upon this album. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I heard that Julieta Venegas was a real hottie - I was shocked to find out that not only is she hot, but her music is fantastic. The rest of this album is definitely a great introduction to what is quickly becoming the most fascinating rock genre in the world.....all I can say is that no Spanish-knowledge is necessary. 'Escena Alterlatina' is just an album that rocks!!

A lot of people have lamented the fact that popular music today is for the most part, derivative. These people have never heard Latin alternative rock and hip hop. This CD makes the case that there is vibrant rock and roll out there, and makes clear that Latin popular music is not restricted to the insipid sounds of Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez. This is a must purchase... This is the new sound...GET ON BOARD!

...Escena Alterlatina is a quality compilation that has music by various latin artists. I thoroughly enjoyed the album and look forward to hearing more great alterlatina music.

"If you're just getting into Latin alternative, 'Escena Alterlatina' is a fine place to start.....At least one band from each of the global scene's hotspots is represented." -CMJ New Music Report, 3/5/01

"This admirable collection is an Anglo-friendly and risk-free introduction to a world of edgy rock en espanol often dubbed 'alterlatino'....Wisely, despite the remarkably various styles heard here, the mood is generally fiesta-inducing. There's great fun to be had with the irresistible ska/reggae/calypso mix of 'My Commanding Wife' by Panama's Rabanes and 'Desaparecedor' by Santos Inocentes, who are pretty fly for Argentine guys." -San Diego Union-Tribune, 3/8/01

"Escena Alterlatina is a groundbreaking collection of songs by Latin rock and hip-hop acts which includes 'Me Van a Matar', a swirling new composition from one of the brightest lights of Mexican rock, Julieta Venegas." -The New Yorker, 3/12/01

With Tejano on its back and norteno stars Limite and Intocable resting on their laurels, this set proves that rock-en-espanol is where it's at creatively. Sonios' "La Cantaleta" will remind some people of The Smashing Pumpkins, but the Mexican group is much more adept at creating interesting melodies. "Desaprecedor" and "Es Lo Que Hay" are instantly memorable hard-rock anthems which despite their bombast, make their mark with original musical ideas rather than mere noise. "Me Deixa," by the Brazilian group O Rappa is another standout, with a brooding, almost dark funk groove and plaintive vocals. Unfortunately executive producer Josh Norek also let some wannabe groups slip into this cool party. Los Mocosos sound like a tropical bar band for baby boomers. What they are doing on an "alternative" compilation is anybody's guess, as they are totally outclassed by fellow Bay Area rockers Orixa. Delinquent Habits' great contribution to this set is a copycat sequel to a five-year-old hit. Los Rabanes put a Panamanian Pat Boone spin on raggamuffin with their mindless "My Commanding Wife," and Hechos Contra El Decoro fails with its attempt to graft cranky anti-globalism lyrics onto a reggae beat.

The only reason many of these songs weren't huge radio hits is because rock-en-espanol isn't a viable commercial format yet. This is bad for the artists but great for you, because unlike the poor soul who buys the latest "NOW" CD, you won't be hearing songs that have already been played every hour and 40 minutes on the radio for the last three months. You won't regret buying this one.

I had not previously been exposed to the genre "latin alternative." However, after hearing some of the clips from Escena Alterlatina on a recent NPR program my curiosity was piqued. I purchased the CD and, quite frankly, am very pleased that I did. The music is infectious and presents an alternative to power rock and disco. The track "Commanding Wife," by Los Rabannes is excellent-filled with interesting rhythm changes and catchy hooks. I recommend this to anyone interested in listening to the next wave of new and exciting music.

Alternative Latin is certainly an interesting genre, and this CD is a nice sampling. I also highly recommend the KCRW "Sounds Eclectico" cd if you're interested in scratching the alt latin surface.

I don't really love every track on this disc, but its well worth owning.