Customer Reviews

Nuevo Latino

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The term "Nuevo Latino" was coined in the 1990's to describe a new type of cuisine fusing ingredients from Latin America, Europe and the U.S. The same fusion is occuring in the music world, as young international artists blend Latin rhythms, alternative rock, reggae and electronica to create a new musical stew.

On this CD you'll hear hints of Cuban "son" Brazilian "bossa nova," Argentinean "tango" along with touches of hip-hop and blues. As always with Putumayo, the liner notes are extensive and provided in English, Spanish and French...they even include the recipe for Chupe De Camarones.

It's an exciting CD, but (I think) more likely to please a fan of new music than a traditional Latino music afficionado.

Curator, AfroAmericanHeritage.com

I first heard this CD at the Museum of Fine Arts shop inside Boston's Logan Airport. It was like a breeze of fresh air as all the restaurants were playing the good ole American pop and rock n roll. The songs have rythms and lyrics from multiple Spanish-speaking countries and no two songs are alike. It's perfect for chilling at home or as background music for a party. I've had many friends asking me about this CD when I had them over for dinner. :) Absolutely fantastic!

A sweet set of soft, sly, (mostly) Spanish-language pop from across the globe, including Cuban, Mexican, Brazilian and European artists, all linked together by a sleek, subtle style that foregoes the aggressive edge of both Afro-Cuban salsa and rock en espanol. It's a surprisingly strong set, mellow without being goopy, downtempo without drifting into any of the electronica/world beat cliches that are so prevalent these days. Plus, it has New York's Mosquitos on it -- a pleasant surprise that really made me sit up and take notice. Nice record... highly recommended if you're looking for something to space out on, but don't like stuff that's too goopy or contrived.

The folks at Putamayo continue to show that they have great skill in finding new music and unbeatable taste. This compilation eschews more raucous and festive party music for new music from the Spanish-speaking world that has been influenced by electronica and art rock. The mood is romatic but cool. Highlights include Raul Paz's "Mulata," which evokes an erotic obsession on the winding streets of a seaside town--a sort of Last Tango in Barcleona. The Spanish band Jarabe de Palo's "Lado Oscuro" is a passion-filled plea from man to woman to love freely with no strings attached. All in all, a great introduction to new artists, some like Paz and Jarabe de Palo who are best known in Europe, and superb ambient background for traveling or a mellow party. Good liner notes introduce the performers. Wish they could include complete lyrics.

This is the perfect chill disc to throw in your musical rotation. A mix and match grab bag of musical styles with one common thread; it's in a Latn groove. The artists span the globe which is what one comes to expect from Putumayo. The styles of music run the gamut of Latin exotica but with an edge of electronica that results in world beats with a modern attitude. I love stuff like this, it is very exciting to hear traditional music geting a musical makeover; it is music steeped in tradition with wings for the future. There are long established artists like "Jarabe de Palo", "Aterciopelados", "Los de Abajo" and "Segeant Garica" but there is much more. Lesser known but not neccessarily less talented artists abound for your discovery. Hey! That is what Putomayo is all about, discovery of cool music from elsewhere. Speaking of cool, all these tracks are way cool, especially "Mi Negra" which has that Manu Chao Clandestino multi-layered, percussive lush sound, puntuated by horns and quirkyness, the reggae-Cuban flavored "Original" by Kana and "El Indio" by Los de Abajo, which has a modern tropical feel to it and the ever-lovely voice of Andrea Echeverri from Aterciopelados on "Manana," where she invokes an electronica-driven sambaesque beat that has a retro-futuristic vibe that is pure nirvana. This is good music for relaxing late night and finishing off a good night, or anytime, for that matter. Highly recommended for world music aficionados.

I was in Hot Springs, Arkansas (of all places) when I heard this CD playing in the local crystal/novelty/tat shop on the main street. The only thing I would have ever wanted to buy in that place was the music, and luckily they had spare copies of this CD.

I love it - I've never had any hankering for Latin music, or any other part of Spanish language culture - but this CD just won't let me go. Everyone on this page is right - this is just a great CD!

As an ongoing fan of the Putumayo series of world music i buy just about anything I can find released by them, but this album, for me, is just about my favourite. Since I bought it it has rarely been out of my cd player. The diversity on a theme makes it just as good the hundredth time as the first.

My two favourites are Raul Paz's "Mulata", it transports you to the beach with its relaxed feel, and funky tune, and the backing of the waves in the sond; and Kad Achouri's "Mi Negra", it is French hip-hop, with a Latin rhythmic backing, he delivers the verses in French, and a Spanish chorus, and even though hip-hop is anything but my flavour, this was fabulous.

Overall this is a fantastic album, there is not a song on it that I skip, and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who enjoys latin inspired music with a twist.

I can't but agree with all reviews of the great feeling you are left with after listening to this CD. I will only add my 2 cents about the different songs.
"Rainsong" is the grooviest of all, and has the spiciness of Cuban rhythms. Jarabe de Palo is known for his great lyrics and music with feeling. I also apreciate them adding "Postales", as there is so much good tango fusion these days that people just need to listen to it. "El indio" from Los de Abajo is one of those songs that you just want to sing along to, (and better yet, alongside tequila). I am glad they added a song of this group as they are extremely talented and are one of the top examples of the Latin alternative movement.
"Mi negra" from Kad Achouri is sung in a beautiful French (perhaps Algerian?) accent. It feels smooth, soft and leaves you with a tingling sensation. Truly Francophones are gaining ground in the latin rhythms.

Now I must confess Presente Permanente is my absolutely favorite song. Sexy, sophisticated and assertive, Acida just kicks butt. She is not so well known but this song does it for her.

"Por que te vas" is a replay from a 70s song. Alvarez sings it in the distinctive Spanish sweet mellow yet heart-felt way, however, Janette, the original singer sings still the best version.

My least favorite are "Original" & "Mi ultima voluntad". I feel they are too 'pesadas' (or harsh) and sort of break the harmony from the rest of the songs. I do not think Sergent Garcia is particularly talented, he just happens to be one of the few latin performers based in France.

Whether you are new to Latin alternative or a seasoned listener, this compilation will show you that the latin talent for fusion and richness of rhythm is truly a bottomless pit...
Disfrutenlo amigos.

Okay I adore this cd...I put it on in my car and it takes me back to my Summers in Spain, as a child, growing up in London!! But with a wild twist..fanatastic music that will transport you and revive you but at the same time is calming..if that makes sense. Each track is a delight and I am just now buying more to give as gifts..yes it is that good!!!

I teach a class called Rock en Español- I expose my students to many of the songs on this CD and they are always a hit. My favorite Putumayo latin mix to date!!!!!!