Kcrw Presents: Sounds Eclectico

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 13, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nacional Records
• ASIN: B000AMJD8S
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #92,629 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The free-format radio show, "Morning Becomes Eclectic," broadcasting from the Los Angeles-based station KCRW, is arguably the nation's most iconoclastic and influential program. This compilation of live, in-studio performances by some of today's Latin musicians, topped the iPod charts, and for good reason. In spirit with the show, this collection's diversity of North and South American, and Caribbean artists offers an impressive sonic census of the Hispanic, African, pop, and Brazilian influences that characterize that genre. Latin music really sizzles in this live context, whether it's the soothing sonorities of Omara Portuondo's bolero "No Me Vayas a Enganar," the Chicano rock of Los Lobos's "Carabina 30-30," or Ozomatli's Spanglish rap on "Saturday Night." If anything, this collection shows how rooted this music is in it’s acoustic, unplugged traditions, and how revolutionary it can be in its electronic expansions to other musical forms. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

DETAILS MAGAZINE

‘[KCRW is] the most influential radio station in America’

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great compilation of the best music sung in Spanish these days..., February 2, 2006

By 

Manny Hernandez "@askmanny" (Bay Area, CA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Kcrw Presents: Sounds Eclectico (Audio CD)

KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" has a well-earned reputation in indie radio circles, of introducing independent acts to the American public. U.S. and European acts that are initially unknown to most of us typically get exposed first in this program. So is the case with numerous acts that deliver their message not in English, but in Spanish. So, in the same tradition of the successful "Sounds Eclectic" compilations (the most recent one of which was released in early 2005), "Sounds Eclectico" does a magnificent job at presenting the work of some of the best acts that sing "en español" these days.

Though most of the songs on the album are not new to those familiar with the production of the artists included, it represents a great acoustic introduction to those unfamiliar with them. Most of the tracks come from the world of "Latin Rock", with a few exceptions: an exquisite bolero by Omara Portuondo, of Buena Vista Social Club fame; a mariachi performance by Los Lobos; and a lounge rendition by Thievery Corporation. All through the album, there is truly no weak point. It's solid from end to end. As for my favorites, I'd probably say they are Mexicans Cafe Tacuba and Kinky, Argentinean Juana Molina, Venezuelans Los Amigos Invisibles and the most global artist there will ever be: Manu Chao.

This album is a keeper and also a great compilation and an even better introduction to the best of what's around "south of the border".

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars World Music from nearby, September 13, 2005

By 

William Merrill "eclecticist" (San Antonio, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kcrw Presents: Sounds Eclectico (Audio CD)

This disc is a great way to expand your musical horizons a little by hearing some music and artists you are perhaps mostly unfamiliar with. Drawing from various live-in-studio performances from the superb KCRW radio program "Morning Becomes Eclectic," this CD specifically features Latin music. Show host Nic Harcourt has very good and cutting edge taste, and the collection of artists he put together for "Sounds Electico" lives up to the title - a diverse and intriguing lineup. The styles range widely, including acoustic folk, dancable electro-pop (a la Nortec), Beck-ish hip-pop, and several things that defy categorization. (Ex., is the Brazilian Girls song orchestral cabaret-trip-hop-noir?) Among the 16 cuts, my favorites are Juana Molina's lovely/melancholy "Insensible," the slightly goofy "Gorditas de Mario" by Los Amigos Invisibles, and a nice piece by Jorge Drexler where it's just him and his guitar. There are many other worthwhile songs on the CD. Definitely recommended. By the way, fans of Nic Harcourt might also want to check out his new book, Music Lust.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Latin (or electronic?) ALBUM OF THE YEAR, September 14, 2005

By 

Lil' Creeper (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kcrw Presents: Sounds Eclectico (Audio CD)

"Sounds Eclectico" is the best collection of Latin alternative artists I have seen to date. Incredible and intimate live recordings from such stellar acts as Cafe Tacuba, Manu Chao, Julieta Venegas, and Aterciopelados all in one place? I'll take it!

But not only that, this album will also appeal to open-minded gringos who dig the electronic grooves of acts like Thievery Corporation and Brazilian Girls (who are also on the album). Nic Harcourt has done it yet again. Kudos to KCRW for having the smarts to expose the English-speaking masses to such incredible talent.