Customer Reviews

Kcrw Presents: Sounds Eclectico

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4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
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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".

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.

"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.

I've been lsitening to KCRW for many years, off and on, but one things remains constant; they deliver great live in studio songs. Think MTV unplugged alternative style and in this case Latin alternative. Don't you just hate that term alternative? This disc features all the heavies of from the Latin alt.(there, I didn't say it, I feel better) market. Check it out, it's a who's who of Latin alt.(ugh) music. If you are familiar with the songs and the artists not too worry. These versions rock as they are totallly different from what you may already have from the artists disc. Take El Gran Silencio's version of "Sound System Municipal" Libres Y Locos which sounds nothing like the original or the toned down version of Los Aterciopelados El Dorado "Baracunatana." In either case they rock the mic anyway. Great songs include The Richest Man In Babylon Thievery Corporations third world musical vison via "Shadows of Ourselves", " Deja" by Sidestepper which features haunting melodies, the great Manu Chao Clandestino who turns in an accoustic version with nice improvisation,the bubbly-lounge dance grooves of Venezuela's Amigos Invisbiles on "Gorditas de Mario" expousing the virtues of fat tacos metaphorically and the Mexican super group Cafe Tacuba Avalancha de Éxitos presentation of "La Muerte Chiquita" done as only they can. If you are new to music from south of the border, which includes way down south,this is a good place to jump and board and sample these musical delicacies. Try it you'll like it,(tiene mucho sabor)it has lot's of flavor.

Yes, this is a good compilation. It pretty much covers the best of latin music today. The live performances sound great.

Hopefully there'll be more releases like this in the future.

I can't believe how seriously amazing a CD they put together here.
It sounds too perfect to be live. You don't even have to know Spanish to appreciate it, in fact, a few songs are fully or partially in English.

You should purchase it from KCRW directly so they get the profit to make more compilations like this.

The music is so varied yet maintains a high level of quality (with the exception of some off-tune singing on the more novelty jams).

The sounds eclectic 3 disc it's better but this is relaxing too, if you don't know about latin groups this is a good way to know that kind of sounds