You know those things you remember from your childhood that pretty much sum up all of your growing up in its entirety? Could be a Red Flyer wagon or a Louisville Slugger or the smell of a homemade apple pie. For me, it’s Buena Vista Social Club. I grew up with this album. I also grew up with Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, Billy Joel and James Taylor, but this album sticks out for the unique accent it put on my father’s musical selection. Not to say that the other artists lack a unique style, but when you are child still expanding your musical selections, something like Buena Vista Social Club really sticks out.
The recording (it’s not so much a band as a recording) was named after a prominent members club in Havana, Cuba (pronounced Coo-ba to the layman.) The original recording actually included musicians that played at the club during its prime in the 1940′s. The whole album has this vintage, better times sound that, in my opinion, is one of the best feelings an album has offered to me in a while. It is almost the equivalent to sitting back and listening to a Frank Sinatra album with a great bottle of scotch and a cigar. Except with a hint of fiesta.
The opening track “Chan Chan” is one of their most popular and one of my personal favorites. Listen to this album in the summertime with a glass of lemonade and a straw hat (I’m not sure what the straw hat is for, but it seems like it fits.) Even though I have no idea what they are saying, although I should I took 7 years of Spanish, the music speaks to me, and I’m certain it will speak to you too.
Check out this classic video for “Chan Chan”:
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Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – “Tiny Light”
“Tiny Light” is the new single from the groups third album, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, due out June 8, 2010. Ms. Potter and her band of insomniacs have had my full attention since I saw them live back in 2005. Potter’s raspy blues tone had me at hello. Potter’s way of saying goodbye at the end of the song will rip your head off. Enjoy!
Buy the single
Ozomatli – “It’s Only Paper”
I am a big fan of Ozomatli. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a blending of Latin, funk, rock and hip-hop? People without souls, that’s who. Don’t be one of those people. “It’s Only Paper” is an upbeat summer jam about the burden of money. So in the spirit of the song don’t let the paper drag you down. Feel free to send all of your paper my way and I will shoulder the burden. You’re welcome.
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Foxy Shazam – “Unstoppable”
Well, these guys have been keeping it foxy and shazaming things for a while now. “Unstoppable” found itself getting played during the Superbowl back in February and since then these experimental rockers have been unstoppable, if you will. This motivating song will no doubt motivate you to run out an pick up their self-titled album.
Buy the single
I like a good remix. If done right a remix can add new life to a song. When I heard of what Rhythms del Mundo was doing I took immediate notice. Their two full albums are not remixed compilations, but rather albums that showcase completely restructured work. The vocals from music industry heavyweights remain and the orchestration is what has drastically changed. Some of your favorite songs from your favorite artists are now presented with the spice of a Latin beat. Sounds interesting, right? Well, it is. Be prepared to dance like no one is watching. In my case, I hope no one is watching.
Just some of the artists featured on the album
Rhythms del Mundo exists to support Artists Project Earth (APE). APE is a collective that focuses efforts on climate change and responses to natural disasters. The artists on the albums lend their support to this philanthropic organization by lending their vocals to the musical masterminds of the Buena Vista Social Club. Once the vocals were in the hands of these talented musicians they went to work by adding their Latin orchestration to the tracks. The final product is simply incredible. The musical arrangements are masterful and the infusion of the Latin sound into the mix is unique and refreshing.
The first Rhythms del Mundo project was their 2006 release of Rhythms del Mundo Cuba. This groundbreaking album caught world wide listeners by surprise. I was certainly one of those that were surprised. The album boasts tracks from Sting, U2, Franz Ferdinand and Radiohead, just to name a few. One of the stand out tracks for me was the new rendition of Coldplay’s “Clocks”. The success of Rhythms del Mundo Cuba thankfully paved the way for the follow up, Rhythms del Mundo Classics, which was released in the summer of 2009. The organizers built off of their previous model and took it a step further with an even more eclectic mix of artists and songs. Rhythms del Mundo Cuba and Rhythms del Mundo Classics are two albums that would be great additions to your music collection. Just push play and commence dancing.
KC’s Personal Picks: Keane’s cover of “Under Pressure”, The Rolling Stones’ take on “Under The Boardwalk” and The Killers’ rendition of “Hotel California”
Take a look at the video for “Clocks” from Rhythms del Mundo featuring Coldplay
Listen to the album:
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