12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Beautiful Introduction to the music of Argentina, June 8, 2004
This review is from: Rough Guide to the Music of Argentina (Audio CD)
Before I heard this album one of the only genres I was familiar with was tango. There are actually other beautiful and haunting styles of music like the upbeat milonga (similar to the tango, but with a musical resolution unlike the "frustrated" final note associated with tango) and ballads. This album was a great introduction to the variation of styles played in contemporary Argentina as well as traditional sounds.
The CD starts out with the sabor of tango. "Tango de Ayer" made me think of the arabals (slums) of Buenos Aires. I could almost smell the cigarette smoke and the red wine coming from a nearby tavern as a smouldering couple provocatively swirls around the dance floor, locked in a passionate embrace. What a fabulous beginning for an album that just continues to grow progressively more intriguing with every track. Some of my favorite tracks are:
Cancion De Lejos--The words are so powerful. (Me voy, amor/si soy motivo para olvido decirmelo--Translation: I am going, my love/If I am motive for forgetfulness tell me)
There is also a wonderful tango from the era of the 1910s-1930s sung by the legendary Carlos Gardel (Tortazos).
My favorite track by far is the song Canto a Nande Reta. It is a beautiful tune played with accordeon and has a very Slovic feel to it (like a polka).
Please, for anyone who hasn't immersed themselves in the beautiful music of Argentina, or for people who have a great love for it already, buy this album! You won't be sorry.
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