Customer Reviews

Graciasland

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

 

 

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".

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.

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.

The man, the myth, the legend. El Vez combines radical Chincano activist politics, The King's musical stylings, and showmanship in a infectious combination of ironic yet positive grooves. You just gotta buy it. Tell 'em Miguelito sent you!

I first heard of El Vez through a documentary on Elvis, when they were talking about Elvis impersonators. It's funny, because I never really consider El Vez to be strictly an "Elvis impersonator," at least not in the same way so many others in the business are. Yes, El Vez sings some Elvis songs, and yes, his stage name does suggest some kind of Latin Elvis, but if you see his shows, it's not all Elvis, and it isn't strictly in Elvis or even '50s style. I have always considered El Vez to be an entertainer in his own right and even if his shows had no Elvis music in them at all, I'd still go back.

His idea is to rewrite Elvis songs with Mexican history and ideas. His songs "Imigration Time" and "En El Barrio" are very serious takes on Mexican culture. And he has others that are just plain fun to listen to as well, such as "You ain't nothin' but a chihuahua" and "Hurrarches Azules" (the equivelent of "Blue Suede Shoes").

If you like Elvis, you will love El Vez. But at the same time, I don't think buying the CD is enough. For the complete experience and full appreciation, you really need to see this guy perform. He will amaze you in every way, from the six (or more?) costume changes, the dance moves, the funny speeches between songs and the interaction with the crowd, you will not be let down.

El Vez is the Mexican Elvis. His gimmick is rewriting old Elvis songs with lyrics that relate to Mexico. It isn't as funny as you would think. He sings about Latino things like green cards, gangs and Cinco de Mayo. You can tell he is trying to promote a positive image for Mexican-Americans, but it just isn't very entertaining. I wanted to enjoy this CD, but I didn't. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the unlisted bonus track, which is an informal version of "Got a Lot O' Livin' to Do!".