Customer Reviews

Si-Se

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Si-Se has a unique sound that fuses elements similar to Basia and Everything But The Girl, but with some a Latin feel. Carol C reminds of a Venezuelan singer, and even of Gloria Estefan at times, but her sweet voice of Dominican ascent comes from New York. She and U.F. Low put the band together in 1999 under the musical patronage of ex-Talking Heads David Byrne, and signed a record deal with his label, Luaka Bop (the same that has Los Amigos Invisibles, among others, under its roster).

Good music, very easy to listen to and almost bewitching. All songs are a mix of styles. Some songs (like "Sonrisa") contain a certain middle eastern influence. The overall feel of the album is that of a blend between outright electronica with Latin sounds. In a nutshell, highly recommendable.

I bought this after hearing the song "Dolemite" a couple of times, once on the KCRW show Sounds Eclectic, and once in a book store. It's an interesting tune, kind of a mix of three musical ideas that keep changing places -- one funky, one croony, one poppy.
When I bought the record I was kind of let down at first; the other songs just didn't make the same impression. But the more I've listened to this record, the more I've liked it, and suddenly I realized that it's become one of my favorites of the year.
Si Sé seems to be going for a kind of post-pop, cosmopolitan aesthetic (some songs are in English, others in Spanish), with electronic/programming elements, occasionally Latin rhythms, danceable tempos, and quieter, R&B-ish melodies (plus very pretty viola work by Jeannie Oliver). Sometimes songs follow each other and sound like they're from different bands; maybe the strongest binding element is the voice of singer, Carol C., who has a clear, strong delivery that's close to a classic pop-diva style (Sade, maybe?).This isn't a bad thing.
What comes out on repeated listens are the strength of the hooks: These are good melodic songs, making the unusual instrumentation a bonus instead of a crutch. "Cuando" and "Bizcocho Amargo" are standouts, and so is a reinterpretation of the Oran "Juice" Jones song "The Rain." Plus, the band does pull off an excellent live set, proving that it can execute outside the studio, and helping convince that this is band to watch. Highly original, highly adventurous, highly entertaining. I don't see them getting a lot of radio play in the near future, but I suspect that's really another argument in the band's favor.

I found Si*Se by pure accident. I went to see another artist and they were the opening band. They blew me away and I went to get their CD immediately after the show ended. I've been listening to it at least a couple of times a week since then, and it's been at least 8 months. All of their songs are fantastic, from the belt it out anthem "Cuando" to the bittersweet "Sonrisa" and the always fresh "The Rain (Where Do I Begin)". Needless to say I highly recommend this CD. To say that they rock is an understatement, they also groove, jazz and chill all with a smooth latin flavor. Ending it all with a sweet lullaby (that I happen to remember from my childhood) makes it the best CD to listen to before falling asleep.

New York has a huge melting pot of people, and there's a certain feeling in the air during a humid, sweaty summer. Si-Se captures that feeling perfectly in their music. I had the opportunity to see them open for David Byrne back in 2001, and I immediately bought this album. It has consistantly been one of my favorite albums, and the blend of trip-hop, latin music, and pop is incomparable to any other band playing today. They are as unique to latin music as tool is to heavy metal, or aphex twin is to electronica. Si-Se is a genre unto itself.

Si-Se live is another beast altogether. In the past year I have seen them no less than 6 times, which is only about half of the times they've played. They play New York at least once a month, and tour various other states at least once a year. If they come to your town, SEE THEM. It's a show that will revitalize your hope in music for the 21st century.

I'm happy to see that they have maintained their rabid fan base in the 2 years since I first saw them, and while I hear there are some label problems delaying their second release, I will wait patiently, because I know I won't be let down.

Saw them open for David Byrne......a truly great band....good lyrics and a lot of musical experimentation......It's sad that really talented and passionate musicians like this you find by accident, while talentless passionless drivel like NSync, B Spears etc...we get bombarded with daily....

I just received Si*Se last night, and already, I'm hooked. Their alterna-latin sound mixed with scratches, hip-hop beats, and interesting instrumental choices result in a highly polished album, full of diversity. Carol C., the lead singer, has a voice that has a floaty, dreamlike quality to it, which works well with their brassy trip-hop beats, their sassy Latin rhythms, and their beautiful, seductive ballads. Compared to everything mainstream on the radio, Si*Se feels fresh and different, lyrically, vocally and musically.

The more I listen the more I want. Carol C.'s voice draws you in, lets you float around with her, and brings you back better than you were before. I catch myself humming the melodies throughout the day anticipating being able to get home and enjoy in full force! If you ever have the opportunity to see Sise live...do yourself a favor and GO!

This CD is fantastic! It reminds me a lot of Santana, but with a more mystical feel to it that makes it easy to listen to over and over. I also like the fact that the album has a lot of cool songs on it, instead of just a one-hit-wonder and 11 tracks of garbage. Highly recommended, and great for the car!

I was roaming through the music store looking for a soundtrack and the Si Se cd was playing in the stores' sound system. At first I ignored it but it was slowly pulling on me. By the time I was getting ready to leave I was singing along, swaying to it in the store, sweating. "These people are awesome" I said to myself. They sent me somewhere dreamy and relaxing. I was on a budget but hey, I couldn't pass it up (totally forgot about the soundtrack anyways). It is electronica, Latin, reggae, (a bit of sting), totally different. A great new 21st Century band! Buy this cd asap! You will be very happy.

I usually spend my workday listening to whatever dimwit radio station my coworkers can find consensus on. Soon as the clock strikes five, i put this disc in my portable and i'm in transport...

As each shimmering, shivvery track unfolds, i can hear the Cocteau Twins taking a conference call with Morcheeba and Massive Attack, while Olive drifts by overhead in a hot-air balloon...heading to St. Germain's "Boulevard"....

Know what i mean? <grins>