Customer Reviews

La Flaca

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I first heard the song " La Flaca" back in 1997 in Spain, I was struck by its catchy sounding lyrics and its rhythm and beat. I knew right away this song was a winner. The only thing I wasn't sure of was who is singing it, I initially thought Juan Perro from Radio Futura, but after asking around that was ruled out. It wasn't until I went to a record store in Bilbao that I found out it was Jarabe de Palo. Who is he? I never heard of him before, that's right he's a new artist from Barcelona, but the singer is named something else (Pau Dones). At that time I realized Spain had a new star in the making someone who could easily upstage Joaquin Sabina, El Ultimo de la Fila (Manolo Garcia y Quimi Portet), Radio Futura (Juan Perro), etc. And that is what has happened, people throughout Spain have been obsessed with "La Flaca" never seeming to get enough of it, it was being played everywhere. This album has other great songs such as El Bosque de Palo, El Lado Oscuro, Dueno de mi Silencio and so on. So don't hesitate and treat yourself to the best thing that hit Spain musically in 1997 and buy this great album.

This album is one of the best Spanish-language CDs that I own, and it's the one I listen to the most. It's a fantastic blend of music styles and the Spanish is pretty easy to understand; even if you have problems, the lyrics are included so you can find out what the words are. La Flaca was probably *the* hottest song in Madrid last summer, and the sound is just so sexy! Listening to this CD makes me want to get up and dance. This is a must have for anyone who likes Spanish music and salsa/blues/rock rythyms. Most of the songs carry the salsa rythym, though one or two are more rock-sounding. The lyrics are wonderful.

I definitely recommend this one. Even if you don't understand Spanish, you'll love the sound of Jarabe de Palo's music!

La música y las letras son increíbles, este CD no tiene pérdida. Lo compré para regalar y terminé comprando otro para mi. No te lo pierdas. The music and lyrics are amazing, especially if you are a native Spanish speaker. They are even more impressive if you are familiar with the group's intended messages. They might let down people who try to literally translate them, but anyone who knows anything about languages could assume as much from any kind of direct translation. It is a great CD, you will not regret it.

I traveled throughout South America for a couple of years in the late 90's. There was no shortage of music blaring in night clubs and on the radio, but the one song I couldn't shake was the title track from this CD. I had no idea who sang it and when I finally caught the name I had to buy it. Turns out the whole CD is solid pop/rock, a good addition for your international section!

American audiences may just be catching on to Spanish export because of some catchy commercials floating through the air waves featuring "La Flaca." There is a hook to Jarabe de Palo's style that makes the crossover in media very easy. His singing style is reminiscent of Juan Perro and his backup musicians play a variety of easy going pop styles. The star quality of the disc is the voice of JDP. It is one that makes an unfamiliar song sound at once quite familiar. The best illustration of this phenomena is the title track "La Flaca" which once you have heard it once will stayin your brain for days and become a part of you. It is as though you have heard the song before immediately. I guess this is why there are "radio friendly" songs as this one got a lot of airplay a few years back and continues to this day on the roc en Espanol stations. The band is tight in a loose way for a relaxed groove that fluctuates between a jazzy blues guitar rhythms, accoustic bliss and in general a soothing bit of pop balladry that features the unique Castellano vocals according to PDJ. "La Flaca" is featured twice, the accoustic version is a showcase for the vocals of JDP and finishes the set quite appropriately as that song will be playing in your head for days and years to come. Recommended for rockeros that enjoy their roc music to be in a gentle vein sometimes.

If you are new to Rock in Spanish, "La Flaca" is an easy-going rock/blues/bosa-nova CD with intelligently written lyrics. The piano, organ and percussion work beautifully on this CD.

I enjoy the emotional songs in this CD best. The first one is "Dueno de me Silencio" (Master of my own Silence). A song about feeling trapped in a relationship that has gone cold but feeling obligated.....The river that's brought me to you has dried up. I can't remember the day I was ever happy. I've never been so cold -- cold is being at your side. If I don't talk to you, perhaps it's because I don't want to. If I don't talk, it's because I prefer to be [at least] the master of my own silence. Believe me when I say, it's better this way..

I also love "El Lado Oscura" (The Dark Side). . ."I was born with the mark of The Dark Side. How do you win Heaven when one loves with all their soul? It's that the love I have for you, you can't pay for with money. How do I say without you I would die. Don't blush if I tell you that I love you [or tell me that] you'll leave me or won't leave me -- that doesn't scare me."

All the songs are not sad though. Some are pretty amusing. Great songs all.

This is an extremely enjoyable, fun CD...I know this guy doesn't have a "voice", and he sings in a monotone sometimes, but the music has an infectious charm, clever lyrics, and it's easy on the ears and brain.

Though "La Flaca" is his biggest hit, my favorite by far is the bluesy "El Lado Oscuro"...though his voice is at its best and most expressive in the final track, a live performance, acoustic version of "La Flaca". The Spanish guitar of Antonio Martínez "Ñoño" on two songs is lovely, and a nice touch.

The insert is positively dismal. One of the worst ever. Yes, it has lyrics, but you can hardly read them. There is the notion by some that this kind of layout is "Arty". Well, it's nothing but a disservice to those who bought the CD and would like to read the lyrics...and to ho-hum with "Arty" ! Who needs him anyway ?

When I was a student in Malaga, Espana, "la Flaca" was dedicated to me by my friend and favorite bartender Francisco. I picked up this album along with Depende before I left to come back to the US. Whenever I miss the Mediterrenean and my friends, I pop this disc in and it brings me back to my little Spanish world. I've gotten my friends addicted to it, and there's nothing like Jarabe de Palo accompaning you in your car on a trip to the grocery store or to NYC. If you're looking for something new, pick it up. It'll grow on you.

I had the great fortune to live in Spain through most of 1997 and though I didnt speak spanish particularly well you cant escape the local music even if you tried. I bought several discs over there which featured a catchy song which was a hit over there only to discover that there really was nothing else worth a second listen on the disc. On the other hand, there was "La Flaca" by Jarabe de Palo. I thoroughly enjoyed this one! the title track was a giant hit that year and deservedly so. However the entier disc includes a nice mix of musical styles into a disctinctive rock sound. The only complaint I had was the use of sythesizers on two or three tracks just didnt seem to fit in with the rest of the disc, which has a very minimalist "just the music" feel to it with no electronic effects or the like. But I can overlook that for a great CD.

This album is easily one of my favorite CDs ever. The smooth melodies and ease of listening make it good listening any time of the day. I don't understand most of the lyrics too well, but that doesn't matter; the music is universal and speaks to the soul. Anyways, if you are new to Spanish music (and if you can understand the lyrics, you're even better off) pick up this CD...you'll find that it is in your CD player more often than your old stuff. Enjoy!