Customer Reviews

Here comes...el Son - Songs of The Beatles with a Cuban TWIST

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Despite being originally banned by Castro, Beatles music has been a major influence on Cuban music, as it has on so many other types of music around the world. This album was inspired by a book about an international symposium held in Havana to discuss Beatles music.

This was the first album recorded in Cuba but sung entirely in English. Everybody involved in the project was local, ensuring that it would be a purely Cuban tribute. Instruments familiar in Britain, America and elsewhere - violin, guitar, trumpet and double bass - were used as well as instruments which give this album the Cuban feel - maracas, tumbadora, bongo, guiro, paila, shekere and timbales.

These versions sound significantly different - fresh and exciting - simply because of the different instruments. I've heard a fair number of Beatles tributes - this is one of the better ones. And how did they ever manage to release an album of eighteen Beatles songs without including Yesterday? I love that song, but it certainly makes a change to see a Beatles tribute without it.

This is one of the most refreshing interpretations of Fab Four music I have ever heard, and I've heard plenty. The music of The Beatles has been interpreted a million times over in all kinds of styles, adding to the greatness of this most famous of all Rock & Roll groups. The Beatles continues to inspire new twist and turns to their legendary creations, and this is surely one of the spiciest I've encountered.
What I really love about this particular CD is that all the songs are in English but played with delicious Cuban rhythms. My hips are pretty stiff on the dance floor and my feet aren't too nimble...generally...so with Latin beats, forget it! Until now. With this record I sing along to tunes I know by heart and let my body be carried by the easy but exotically wonderful latin rhythms that grace each song...and t here's 18 of them.
You won't regret getting this CD, it's simply captivating.

As a musician and a Lover of the Beatles and Latin Music, This
CD adds style and Flavor to several popular Beatle songs.
From the upbeat Afro drums of "Hey Jude", to the romantic blend of percussion in "And I Love Her" to the a capella rendition
of "Because" {all sung with a really nice Spanish accent}

The Beatles captured the sound of a generation, this CD caputers
the soul of that sound through diverse Latin arrangements.

This is truly a valuble part of my muisc collection.

I was surprised by this album overall, as there were new takes on classics. Some do fall a little flat for my taste. But the simple act of recording it and paying homage to the brits was revolutionary if you believe the history behind this. Some cuts are a bit abrupt, as the syncopation and melodics seem to work against each other in a frenzy of forced rhythm that is neither here nor there. But when they get it all together it's magical. A good effort, original... with the heart in the right place and the harmonies do it justice. Only a couple may trascend the original. I'll never think of hello, goodbye the same way again. And here comes the sun glows with the light of a caribbean sunset, with the strumming of the "tres". While And I love her gains a wistful sweetness.

Wow! This CD was done for lovers of latin music and fans of the Beatles. The Cuban twist makes the Beatles come back to 2002! Hey Jude is unique in beat and rhytm. You won't regret buying it.

I have wondered for so many these long years what the Beatles would have sounded like if they were born and raised in Cuba.... and now I finally know. There's nothing like tapping your feet to a rousing cubana version of Number Nine from The White Album, or an all new unplugged and danceable Helter Skelter. After listening to Here Comes.... el Son, I heard that Charles Manson said that he was WAY OFF. To quote him directly, "What was I THINKING!?!? If I had originally heard THESE versions of the songs, things would have been a LOT different!" Inspired by these hispanic rythms, I have been working on my own little 'twist' album...

Wow, what a gem. There's so much going on with this record, I never get tired of playing it. Beautiful voices, completely unexpected arrangements, irresistible rhythms -- a pleasant surprise around every corner, right through to the end. The expertise of the musicians is obvious, but what really hooks me is the palpable joy and devotion of all concerned. If you're feeling the blahs, pop this into your CD player and you'll soon be dancing around the house. Can't wait for the next one.

Beatles fans, here is a new and innovative way of listening to the Beatles. In English, with Cuban rythm. Great listening; will keep you dancing too! Enjoy!

I purchased this CD because I wanted something upbeat for a party. Everyone loved it and it was a great conversational piece. Everyone should have one in their collection!

Very good music, I like very much The Beatles and dansing the salsa, so this album is really a good combination of the too ! EXTRA !