Rhythms Del Mundo: Cuba

Rhythms del Mundo | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 14, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Hip-O Records
• ASIN: B000J23416
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #52,004 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Created as a benefit project for Artists' Project Earth, an organization devoted to protecting the environment, reversing climate change, and tendering disaster relief, this compilation pairs Western pop stars (U2, Sting, Artic Monkeys, et al) and their hits with all-new arrangements performed by members of Cuba’s Buena Vista Social Club plus other Havana-based talent. The overall effect is of a well-meaning but not entirely simpatico mutual admiration society. Coldplay's "Clocks" is a good example; the lead vocal is coolly lethargic, engulfing the spiky crags of the rhythm section like syrup on a waffle. But then, most of the singers sound strangely unconnected to the frisky 1-2-3/1-2 of the clavé beat. The contrast between the two groups of players could have been bracing, and to many ears it perhaps will be, but most of the time, they seem to transmitting from parallel universes. Not surprisingly, the best tracks are those in which hometown icons are left to do what they do best. But the late, great Ibrahim Ferrer's marvelous interpretation of "As Time Goes By" (his final recording) and Omara Portuondo's wistful yet powerful cover of "Killing Me Softly" only serve to further showcase what’s amiss with the rest of the album. --Christina Roden

Product Description

This unique compilation project brings together the legendary musicians of the Buena Vista Social Club & some of today's most popular music stars Chris Martin (Coldplay), Dido, Franz Ferdinand, Sting, Bono, Radiohead among others, performing collaborations of some of their classic hits.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Some great renditions, some mediocre, May 12, 2007

By 

CathyCeiger (VA, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rhythms Del Mundo: Cuba (Audio CD)

When I first heard Buena Vista's rendition of "Clocks" on the radio earlier this year, it drew me in I was immediately intrigued by the idea of this album. I love Cuban salsa, and many of the fusions are really excellent, such as Clocks, Dancing Shoes, One Step Too Far, and Modern Way. The Spanish-sung tracks that really shine are Ain No Corrida, Fragilidad, and The Dark of the Matinee. For a compilation album, that's a pretty substantial list. The others are okay, nothing special -- the "remixed" Jack Johnson and Maroon 5 tracks don't meld as well, but the original songs are so good they kindof make up for what's lacking in the Cuban aspect of the pieces. Maybe it's my age, but some of the classic songs just end up sounding boring and dated, and I wasn't that impressed with the vocals on many of the other tracks. Overall, I'm glad I bought the CD, the proceeds benefiting our environment, instead of picking and choosing tracks off of iTunes.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really nice change of pace, February 23, 2007

By 

MarleyK (Cary, NC United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rhythms Del Mundo: Cuba (Audio CD)

I found myself unable to fully concentrate in my local bookstore as I was listening to and enjoying immensely a version of Maroon 5's 'She Will Be Loved' with a latin flair to it!! Even after the song ended I kept hearing this really different sounding mix of music. I finally gave up the books and found the music portion of the store as I HAD to know what it was I was listening to!! I have to admit I love latin rhythms anyway, but on reading the cd cover and learning what I did of this wonderful project I HAD to have this cd!! It's not only GREAT music but helps fund a GREAT cause!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Salsa/Pop Fusion CD, July 4, 2007

By 

DJAM (La Habra, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rhythms Del Mundo: Cuba (Audio CD)

The fusion of well known pop artists (ie; U2, Coldplay, etc.) and Buena Vista Social Club totally works on this great CD.