Graciasland

El Vez | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 28, 1994)
• Original Release Date: July 27, 1994
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sympathy 4 the R.I.
• ASIN: B000003KY8
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #86,688 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Graciasland is El Vez's best work, smoothly combining humor, social and political satire, and great rock & roll in one fell swoop. The album's cover, a sendup of Paul Simon's Graceland, both critiques the appropriation of minority cultures by a dominant culture and is just plain funny. "Graciasland" reworks Paul Simon's "Graceland," featuring the politically charged lyrics "For reasons I have explained/I'm not a part of Spain/I'm part Aztlan/and I'm trying to get back to a place I've never been/I'm trying to cross over/Well I've reason to believe/We all have been deceived/There is an Aztlan." Throughout the album he is able to mix pure fun with serious messages, not an easy feat. ~ Kembrew McLeod, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Now we're going to dance, March 17, 2002

By 

Frances Huntington "manfromplanetjazz" (Third stone from the stone, Brisbane, QLD Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Graciasland (Audio CD)

These grooves jump across barriers. Whenever I hear the mariachi sample that opens these proceedings, the guitars and the first burst of vocals from The Beautiful Elvettes (featuring Pinky) and I'm waiting for the lights to reveal his Hispanic Majesty.

Viva El Vez! Songs include retreads of material sung or composed by The King, Santana, David Bowie, Paul Simon and others as well as a traditional number ('El Negra') and originals. El Vez knows how to Party, warn against involvement with gangs and organised crime, pay tribute to Zapata, Chavez, name check Celia Cruz and Wall of Voodoo as well as advocate the practice of safe sex and equal rights for women. Yours truly has never heard anything quite like it and neither has this little pocket of spacetime. The back of the CD says 'Play loud' for a reason. His band, the aptly named Memphis Mariachis, know how to change tempo and paste the bits of melody together seamlessly with Jim Avgeris, guitars and mandolin, deserving special mention.

Let the Mexican Elvis into your life. You'll say, "Thank you very much".

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EL VEZ is better than Elvis, May 17, 2005

By 

A. Johnston "onnie" (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Graciasland (Audio CD)

El Vez is not a muscian to listen to only; he has to be experienced to be appreciated. Don't just buy the CDs, try to get tickets to a live show when he passes through your city or a city near you. He is very talented, extremely sexy, and funny as hell. You simply can not understand this artist until you see him in action. Once you see him, you'll appreciate the music. Between the dance steps, the costume changes and dialogue, you will walk away with a smile on your face and a little salsa in your soul. And maybe a cool t-shirt.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly a fantastic experience, September 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Graciasland (Audio CD)

El Vez is virtually impossible to describe to those who have not witnessed a live performance. This CD is witty, insightful, thought-provoking, fun, and generally all around great to listen to! I can't say enough good things about it.