Customer Reviews

The Venezuelan Zinga Son Vol. 1

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Los Amigos Invisibles hail from Venezuela, a country better known for legendary Salsa contenders like Oscar D'Leon. Their fourth CD, "The Venezuelan Zingason," is one of the most eclectic musical efforts ever pulled by a Latin American act. In terms of style, this is a collection of powerful hedonistic tributes to Funk, Bossa Nova, Lounge, and millennium advertising. But the best part of this magnificent release is the hilarious song writing by José Luis Pardo and the rest of his Amigos. Dedicated listeners will probably need some assistance with the Venezuelan slang in order to better appreciate the intended shallowness of some of their songs (the title, in fact, is a deconstruction of "sing a f**k song"). But everyone else will just get up and shake their culo with "Ease Your Mind" and "Majunche," probably the best tracks on the CD. This release even includes a video of the beautiful and nostalgic "Playa Azul," where in the third act a snowman dances a Samba with the band. Los Amigos Invisibles has a loyal cult following in the Americas and Europe, and even though in 2001 its members decided to move to Brooklyn to be closer to their producers, sound engineers, and intellectual mentors (which include David Byrne), they still make almost daily appearances at their website, and are on constant tour. LAI have publicly complained about the obstacles that have delayed this release, and are currently finalizing their next CD, which shall ostensibly have a stronger southern feel. Their first three CDs are also excellent. Ladies and gentlemen, after a decade of Buena Vista dominance of Latin music, meet the New Cuban, the Invisible Friends.

It's been some three years since we heard the previous work of the band, but they are finally back, out of their "musical silence" with a more mature and evolved sound than the one they had in 'Arepa 3000'. Combining influences of Fania-based Salsa, bossa nova (Jobim) and deep house, and singing several songs in English (not surprising considering how much time they spend in NYC lately) the Amigos present their fourth work in a moment that Venezuela -their homeland- and the world at large very much need their excellent groove and good musical humor. Most likely, the album will come down in price in the upcoming weeks, as it is released everywhere, so don't rush to get it, but don't forget to put it on your Wish List so you can keep an eye on it!!<P .....

The groove is the thing here. That is, one groove after another, grooves that evolve and develop as the song unfurls, grooves that blend from one track to the next, forming a continuous experience of torso-swaying joy.

If you are unfamiliar with Los Amigos Invisibles, and all you have to go on are Amazon's song samples and this review, please, take my word: this is a musical experience that goes beyond the cliches of a "latin" or "samba" sound. This album avoids cliche (and, to be honest, uses cliche when it works, too). It's an experinence that will get into your soul, if you let yourself enjoy it for what it is.

A genre-transcending album.

...because if you hadn't driven me to listen to independent internet radio I would have never discovered the brilliance of Los Amigos Invisibles, and this gem of a CD. The versatility of the tracks are amazing, ranging from house, to classic Latin grooves, to after-hours lounge music, to '70s disco, with a dash of hilarity to round it out. Venezuelan Zingason is 70+ minutes of sheer joy. Everyone who has heard me play this CD (which is now quite a few people considering it's in heavy rotation at home, my car, and my cubicle) comment on how much they enjoy it and now want it for themselves. I have the boys' other CDs on my wish list and can't wait to have them in my collection. Los Amigos Invisibles is proof that today's best music is not on cookie-cutter radio stations.

Los Amigos are, simply put, the hottest -- and best -- Latin act in music today. Their incorporation of traditional latin rhythms with jazz, funk and rock meld into a sound uniquely their own. Venezuelan Zingason continues the tradition of The New Sound of the Venezuelan Gozadera, Arepa 3000 and their limited release self-titled LP (which can be obtained via the LAI website). "Ease Your Mind" (in English, weirdly enough) may be the best track here, followed by its Spanish phonetic equivalent "Isyormain." And, of course, throughout the disc LAI never lose their humor or clever deviousness.

Also, if you EVER get a chance to catch Los Amigos live in concert, I guarantee you one of the BEST times of your life! They are simply SPECTACULAR!

I HAVE BEEN COLLECTING ALL OF LOS AMIGOS INVISIBLES EVER SINCE I HEARD THEM IN SESSIONS AT WEST 54TH, AND I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS IS THE BEST CD THEY HAVE MADE SO FAR. THEIR FIRST CD, A TYPICAL VENEZUELAN AUTOCTONAL BAND IS GOOD, BUT I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THAT IN AN OVERALL CONTEXT, THIS IS THE BEST CD LOS AMIGOS HAVE MADE SO FAR. IN THE OTHER CDS THEY MADE BEFORE, THESE ONLY HAVE A BUNCH OF GOOD SONGS, BUT THEN THE OTHER SONGS THAT WERE INCLUDED IN THEIR OTHER CDS PRETTY MUCH WERE MADE TO FILL THE CD, BUT IN THIS CD ZINGA SON, LOS AMIGOS MADE A MORE COMPACT CD, AS YOU WILL BE GUARANTEED TO ENJOY EVERY SONG THIS CD HAS. AH, GET THIS CD, AND DON'T GET THE OTHER ZINGA CD, (THE USA VERSION) GET THIS ONE BECAUSE IT HAS ONE NICE ENDING THAT YOU WON'T FIND IN THE OTHER ZINGA SON CD. IN MY OPINION, THIS IS THEIR BEST CD SO FAR, AND I HOPE THAT THE SECOND VOLUME TURNS EVEN BETTER!!!!!

I have been a fan of Los Amigos Invisibles since I stumbled onto them playing a gig on PBS' Sessions show back in the late 90's. Anyhow, I saw they were playing a show in a small club here in Seattle last nite. For $15 I had to go! Honestly I would have paid more to see these guys. The energy that these men play with is both amazing and genuine. You can tell that they enjoy playing to their fans. This album, which comprised the bulk of their 2+ hour set is incredible. Particular jems which stand out are: Una Disco Llena, Playa Azul, Ease Your Mind, Diablo(Produced by DJ Dimitri from Paris), and Bruja. You can certainly hear the influence of the MAW crew on their sound. This album much tighter and focused than previous efforts; which isnt a bad thing.
If you are EVER given the priveledge to see these guys live..by all means go!

Just purchased the CD yesterday and it does not disappoint! I've been a long time fan since the "New Sound of the Venezuelan Gozadera" first came out. This third domestic installment displays an even more polished production. This CD also displayed a definite tempo progression from gentle Bossa Nova (Comodon Johnson) to the Latin party funk of "Ease Your Mind". The MAW crew has done an excellent job of production! I liked the way "Una Disco Llena" flowed seamlessly right into "Venezuelan Zinga Son". I even enjoyed the Brazil-like "Playa Azul" as well as "Esto Es Lo Que Hay". Whether you like their seemingly racy lyrics or not, you cannot deny the tightness of their musicianship and sound. This is no ordinary run-of-the-mill dance band. I hope other fans see their progressive musical growth on this CD. If you've seen this band live, you'd know what I'm talking about! A perfect CD just in time for summer travel or just driving around. Enjoy!

The fourth album by LAI proves to be one of their best. There's a consistent mood throughout the whole album. It's more mellow than their previous albums, although it does contain enough beats to make you dance for hours. The arrangements are brilliant, as well as the instrumentation. Los Amigos Invisibles continue to be one of the most underrated groups out there. This album will probably remain on top of my weekly playlist for a long time.

This is a very tight CD from Los amigos invisibles despite it being their slowest in terms of the rhythm in their songs.
Their past records show more energy and this one just has a different kind of energy...a slower one but a good one nonetheless.

I'd recommend this CD as it is one of their best. It shows growth from Los amigos invisibles.