Customer Reviews

Tarantism

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I would have to rate this recording as one of my personal (short list of) favorites. In my opinion this music is among the top 20 rock albums recorded in the twentieth century, it is that good! This album tells a story, there is a flow, a purpose. Not only are you subjected to musical variety, you take a musical journey too. There is nothing about this selection that does not incorporate musical apocalypse. In other words, the journey taken is a journey through human dysfunction and the emotions therein. Having said that, for me, listening to this CD is a kind of discovery. The subject matter is intense folks! I happen to love the way the songs flow, from one theme into the other, like a progression.

Regarding the music, there is a combination of several genres present. You can taste blues, folk, ballad, and pop, all blended in the rock that has that "south of the border" flavor--that is yet difficult of accurate description. The music and melody make the record, but then on top of that there is the performance! The performance gives the already classic music, that edge, that feel. There is a soulful element throughout. If you are a rock fan and you like the music of say ZZTop, Masters Of Reality, Tea Party, Wide Mouth Mason, Cream, Hendrix; in other words, music that has that soulful difference that sets it apart from the crowd, than you may very well love this recording from Tito and Tarantula. This album is the cream of the crop of twentieth century rock.

I first encountered Tito Larriva in David Byrne's 1986 slice of absurdist Texas life "mockumentary" TRUE STORIES. I quickly became enamored of his Tex-Mex rock sound, and have followed his career through his work with the CRUZADOS, as well as his current band - through its various musician change-outs. TARANTISM is Tito & Tarantula's best-selling CD to date and, although it contains only 10 tracks, they are some of the band's best known songs: From the full-throttle, sultry and white-hot "After Dark" (is there a red-blooded male out there who doesn't remember Salma Hayek's "would you like some fries with that shake" table dance in FROM DUSK TILL DAWN) and the frenetic "Angry Cockroaches" (also made famous in the same film), to "Back To The House That Love Built" and "Strange Face Of Love" from the film DESPERADO, Larriva's music has frequently provided the driving musical energy behind Robert Rodriguez's films. (The CD is in fact co-produced by both Larriva and Robert Rodriguez.) This CD represents the best cross-section of the band's early work--before they started to veer off into the musical experimentation of their album LITTLE BITCH.

I am surprised that Larriva hasn't found more of a following in this country. Perhaps it is because his music is hard to categorize. It incorporates elements from classic rock, as well as "Tejano," but doesn't really conform to either. Until the rest of the country catches on, and Tito & Tarantula becomes a household name, they will just have to be our little secret.

First came across Tito and Tarantula on Robert Rodriguez's Desperado soundtrack - it kicked [...] and this album is more of the same bluesy rock. Stinging guitar licks and passionate highway rock - very visual, very dramatic, very poetic. Highly recommended...

There's a review from a"shane-o" from florida that makes this comparison: los lobos meet the stray cats. Nothing could be further from the truth. It ain't roots rock, and it certainly isn't rockabilly! I'd have to say its probably more of combination of Tito's last two bands, the CRUZADOS, and the Plugz. This band cranks out some seriously mind-bending rock music on this smokin' debut. Check out Smiling Karen at your local music store's listening station, and get ready. Want a really beautiful yet trippy anthem-like tune? Sweet Cycle is just that: Sweet and melodic, with excellent ambient guitar styles and riffs from Peter. Their show in Seattle last year blew the roof off the venue. Great to see former Boingo drummer Johnny Vatos stickin' it to the skins. This cd's perfect when you're on the road or for serious partying! Also, a great follow-up release: Hungry Sally. Salud to Tito. He's keeping real rock music alive, ese.

I saw these guys play live at a hole in the wall night club here in SD. I felt like I was on the set of From Dusk till Dawn. Their guitarist sat in a chair barefoot and played faster than lightning (with a nice SRV feel to it). This CD represents that live show well. A must buy...

This music is QUALITY. Tito and Tarantula are one of my favorite bands - and how can you not love music that has been chosen for gems like FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, the EL MARIACHI series, and PRISON BREAK? This quy's voice is awesome, and the styles, moods, performance is bar none. Some of the best music one could ever find.

I've heard them first in the OST "From Dusk till Dawn". This CD reflects the moods of this film very good. A very strong (and sometimes heavy) guitar sound defines the style of Tito&Tarantula. For it is using certain Latino-music influences, it is very well worth of hearing this extraordinary blend of styles. I recommend everyone to watch a.m. film and then listen to this CD - then you'll rate it ***** as well !

This masterpiece album features Tito & Tarantula's first songs, some of which were used in "Desperado" and "From Dusk Till Dawn". Here's the goods on it:

After Dark--This song was performed in FROM DUSK TILL DAWN and is available on the soundtrack as well. It is a very good song with lead guitar that would make Steven Hufstefer proud. This is a slightly different version of the song than featured in the movie, but is as good nevertheless! Featuring vocals by Tito Larriva.

Smiling Karen--This is a good rock song, but I've found it stuck in my head for the rest of the day on several occasions that I've listened to it. It's still a good song, but beware when you listen to it if you don't want it running through your head for the rest of the day. Featuring vocals by Tito Larriva.

Slippin' and Slidin'--This song contains more screaming than any other song on the album. It's not a bad song, but the singing isn't that great for once. Featuring vocals by Tito Larriva, Peter Atanasoff, and Jennifer Condos.

Strange Face of Love--A great song. This track was featured in DESPERADO, and just from what you hear in the movie, you know you have to find an album with this song on it. Great tunes, great singing, and great music. Featuring vocals by Tito Larriva, Peter Atanasoff, and Nick Vincent.

Cucarachas Enojadas [also known as Angry Cockroaches]--This song is such heavy rock, it's almost metal. It was another song featured in FROM DUSK TILL DAWN. I love listening to it, with its screaming guitar to its shouted vocals over the blasting music. It is different from the version on the soundtrack, though, because the vocals are a lot more muffled than on the soundtrack, and it is 30 seconds shorter as well. Featuring vocals by Tito Larriva, Peter Atanasoff, and Nick Vincent.

Back To The House That Love Built--Without a doubt, Tito & Tarantula's best soft rock song ever recorded. Possibly even the greatest soft rock song ever recorded. Played three times in the movie DESPERADO, this song is classic. Featuring vocals by Tito Larriva and Peter Atanasoff.

Jupiter--The lyrics of this song sounded rather unpleasant to me at first and I didn't listen to it much. But then I came to realize how good the music is and now it's one of my favorite songs on the album, thought it's topped by the ones from DESPERADO and FROM DUSK TILL DAWN. Featuring vocals by Tito Larriva, Peter Atanasoff, and Nick Vincent.

Sweet Cycle of Life--Another soft rock song, and not as good as most of the others, but somewhere around being as good as Jupiter. Featuring vocals by Tito Larriva and Peter Atanasoff.

Flying in my Sleep--I don't like this song very much compared to the rest of the album, as it is a soft rock song with a poorly chosen tune. It's just too soft for my taste. Featuring vocals by Tito Larriva and Peter Atanasoff.

Killing Just For Fun--This song is pretty good, though the lyrics sounded unpleasant to me on this one too the first time. But later I changed my mind and realized that it's actually a well-done rock song, and now it's not so bad. Featuring vocals by Tito Larriva, Peter Atanasoff, Jennifer Condos, Lyn Bertles, and Nick Vincent.

So there's Tito & Tarantula's first album for you, and you can listen to clips of the songs to see what I'm talking about when I say that THIS ALBUM ROCKS!!!

Everyone knows when music is good. This CD will make you get up & move. Simply BAD to the BONE

While trying to rebuild my music collection that was lost because of a virus, I purchased this CD because of "Back to the House." I could not believe what I had been missing all of these years.

It doesn't matter the listener's musical background, musician to music buff to the everyday listener....you will LOVE this ENTIRE CD.

As a guitar player....I agree with the other reviews. IT'S PACKED WITH GREAT GUITAR!

It's hard to find....so take the time to search it out! Well worth the wait and money!