Island Life

Yerba Buena | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 26, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Razor & Tie
• ASIN: B0009VNBW4
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #148,404 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

It seems almost criminal to say anything less than stellar about Island Life, the sophomore album from producer Andre Levin's latin-fusion collective Yerba Buena. And indeed, there's a sufficent amount of energy and plenty of good-time party vibes on the disc, which infuses the Afro-Cuban framwork with cumbia, salsa, merengue and flamenco rhythms. The thing is, we've heard much of this hybrid before, done in more substantial ways. Yerba Buena wants to be all things to all people, and its music is jam-packed with splashy collaborators. The cutesy "Sugar Daddy" is a prime example, featuring something for traditionalists (Celia Cruz), urban hipsters (Les Nubians), and even movie buffs (John Leguizamo)--all in one song. There are also appearances from the critically acclaimed rap group Orishas (standout "La Candela"), Grammy favorite Diego "El Cigala" ("Corazon Bandolero) and Pedro Almodovar muse Rossy De Palma. It makes for an interesting A-list of world music VIPs and oddities, but Island Life ultimately doesn't gel into something outstanding. It's merely OK. --Joey Guerra

Product Description

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Island Life Will Take You To Paradise, August 11, 2005

By 

Alfonso "Alfonso" (Miami, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Island Life (Audio CD)

I'm not sure what the Amazon reviewer is talking about. Maybe he doesn't like Islands. This record is so good I don't know where to begin.

I have been playing this at every backyard cookout and once it's on, people don't want to hear anything else. The crazy thing is that everyone likes the whole record but they all have different favorites.

The special guests are great but anyone who has seen this band live knows that the core band is what makes this thing tick.

Buy this album and get your summer party started!!!!!!!!!!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Island Life, January 5, 2006

By 

Johanna "Joha" (Miami, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Island Life (Audio CD)

I first heard of Yerbabuena, while listening to NPR's "The World", and immediately knew that I had to get the CD. Yerbabuena is explosive, witty, and well executed. I'm not sure what other reviewers are referring to... the album is a gem in my opinion, catchy lyrics, great fusion, good instrumentation...not to mention contributions by Diego "El Cigala", Orishas, and others.

It's a shame that Yerbabuena does not get airtime play in broadcast stations (yet), they are certainly a cut above the overplayed reggeton, salsa and repetitive ballads in Latin radio. If you are tired of all the above, this album is for you. Enjoy.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yerba Buena is AWESOME!, August 15, 2005

By 

Gabriela Vega "Gabriela" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Island Life (Audio CD)

I am not sure what the principal reviewer for Amazon is talking about!!!. I have been listening to the last two Yerba Buena CD's and the music is contagious, you automatically start dancing and singing if you can catch the song. The mix of all things Cuban, cumbia, flamenco, sounds great. And what about the little rap here and there?

BTW - I just saw them in concert, they had EVERYONE dancing!!! Get the CD I highly recommend it.