Reviews (2)

Great Guitar Duo
This is a fabulous, very high energy, instrumental album. Rodrigo and Gabriela combine their metal roots with latin melodies, and use the guitar as a percussion instrument in a way I've never seen before. See them live if you can. They grew up in Mexico city trying to make it playing in a metal band, and are now living in Ireland with this album that hit the top of the Irish music charts.

AMAZING.
This is an unbelievable album, and I definitely recommend it. Rodrigo y Gabriela are two amazingly talented musicians. The way they mix so many different genres is incredible and makes the music they create unique, fun, and exciting. A friend recommended them to me, and I was a bit skeptical at first as I've never even really thought about listening to a guitar album, but now I'm completely hooked. I've found it's great to have on in the background in my dorm, and everyone that's heard it in my room has loved it as well. To sum things up, BUY THIS ALBUM! It is well worth it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock    3. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

It's finally happened. After years of puzzling popularity by way of derivative rock retreads, Mana has finally made the leap to full-bodied musical force on its first album in four years, Read more

Reviews (28)

After a few days I understand
I understand what some other users are saying when they complaint about the album having the same sound as some of their earlier work. However, even thought I haven't had the chance to judge for my self, I'm looking forward to it. One way or another.
Same Mana we know and love
Im really satisfied with this new offering from one of "rock en espanol's" finest!Im pleased not shocked.It actually reminds me of alot of the previous Mana albums and i dont know if that is a good or bad thing.Like i said the album is great i love it just like i like all of Mana's albums however i would have liked it if Mana experimented with new sounds.I have to give it to the band because there is no way i can say this cd isn't good or original but it lacks an innovative touch.Rather than play it safe with "Mana" sounds (which we all know and love), they should have explored different synths of sounds.
BRAVO MANA
Muy bueno este nuevo material de mana han vuelto con uno de sus mejores discos y con un sonido moderno y fresco bravo para mana muy buena banda ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Latin    2. Latin Pop    3. Latin Pop/Rock    4. Mexico    5. Rock    6. Rock en Español   

Editorial Review

Mario Vazquez didn't win Read more

Reviews (8)

Awesome CD!!!
Mario Vazquez delivered a great album of versatility and honesty. This is the real Mario the whole world was waiting for. Smooth vocals blending with great songwriting and quality production. Good for you Mario!! I'm looking forward to your next CD...!!!
Highly disappointing
I was very disappointed by this CD. I was expecting much more after buying and listening to the Cesar CD. I can't complain about Mario's singing, but the song selection and style was no where near as good as the Cesar CD. I was expecting the beautiful latin style and rhythms. This was cheap hip hop sounding.

Suprisingly GREAT debut!
Did not expect this CD to be as good as it is when I purchased it. Mario Vazquez is the 29 y/o who made it to the finals of American Idol in season 4 and then decided to quit for "personal reasons". Everyone was shocked because he was alread quipped as being a fan favorite. 2 years later he comes out with a very solid debut, self titled CD.
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary R&B    2. Latin Pop    3. Pop    4. R&B    5. Rock/Pop    6. Urban   

Features

• Import

Reviews (5)

AMAZING
Fantastic and mindblowing guitarists. The entire album is beautful and masterfully done which is so different from anything done today. AMAZING!

WOW -- this is Fantastic!
My wife and I were driving to a friend's when the local rock station played the first cut "Tamacun" and we decided it was amazing and decided to pre-order it. I am thrilled ... listening to it for the first time, I'm over halfway through and there's not a bad piece in the bunch. Absolutely incredible work, and well worth the price.

I'm gonna have to agree
This is a really great record. The cover caught my eye on iTunes and I sampled it and ended up buying the album. Fantastic production and lovely tones. Toe-tapping and dark in places. The Orion cover is a must-have.
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Subjects:  1. Latin    2. Latin Pop/Rock   

Editorial Review

Topflight pop singer pays tribute to her heritage on this amazing roots Read more

Reviews (31)

WhatA Voice
My Parents really enjoyed this particulay album when it came out a few years ago. This past month, we celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and this CD was played throughout the grand party - bringing sweet memories and tears of rememberance to both parents eyes and their childrens eyes. Being that Mom is of hispanic heritage and dad's deep appreciation of that culture - that adds up to my love of this type of music. This CD is a treasure that will provide memories forever.

Great CD.
This is an excellent CD.Linda Ronstadt has never sounded better, singing that is.She has a great voice, but she is a left-wing quack who spouts her mouth off about things she knows nothing about.If you can forgive her nutty liberal opinions, then I will highly recommend.Great CD.
Ronstadt at her best.
Ronstadt sings these very difficult classical Canciones like the professional that she is.I highly reccomend this album to fans of beautiful Mexican music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Country-Rock    3. Latin Continuum    4. Latin Music    5. Mexican    6. Pop    7. Pop/Rock    8. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

As a follow-up to her 2005 Latin Grammy win, Mexican-American diva Lila Downs has chosen to release a loving tribute to Read more

Reviews (8)

Excellent!
I agree with the other reviewers.... this is one is also my favorite Lila Down's album...quite surprisingly.I am more taken by the proposal of other albums like Tree of Life, with their emphasis on less well known regional music from Oaxaca.Conversely....when I saw the song line-up, I thought...what a joke - these songs & styles have been done over & over again.... the last thing I need is another Ranchera & Norteno CD.But then I listened....was impressed....and bought it.
Lila's Best so Far! / Lo Mejor de Lila Hasta Entonces!
I read about Lila Downs' new CD, La Cantina, in Victor Cruz- Lugo's article entitled, "Sweet Sorrow," published in the June-July 2006 issue of Hispanic Magazine (page 76).
I think this is her best!
Lila Downs can be a bit preachy or pc and I have no problem with that but this album is a GAS, both with the lyrics and the music. In fact, it sounds like she's having a lot of fun. The cumbias in particular are catchy and hip. If you like this, be sure and check out Astrid Hadad's album "Ay!" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cumbia    2. Int'l & World Music    3. Latin Folk    4. Latin Pop/Rock    5. Mexican    6. Mexican Folk    7. Mexico    8. Pop   

Reviews (4)

Great Volume in Great Series
I love this CD (and the others in the series) because they instantly create the mood you are after. In this case, if you want Latin sounds and rhythms, you pop this CD into your stereo and you're instantly transported away. I often play this CD at work because it provides a nice backdrop of sound that's upbeat without being too distracting.

Draws you in...
Yes,its true. From the first track onward, this album draws you in with its storytelling, spoken word and soothing melodies.At first glance, this wasn't something I would listen to but, alas after my first listen, it was hard for me to listen to anything else for a week!! Putumayo always does it right when they put together a project.Standout tracks are "Reflejo de Luna", "Caminhos de Cuba",and "Carmela".Any Putumayo fan will not be disappointed.

Perfect for lounging
This is one of the best Putumayo CDs I own so far. Each song has a particular mood and character to it - from trippy, relaxing, romantic, sexy to dramatic. Love the mix of electronica beats, violins and flamenco guitars. A must have!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cocktail    2. Dub    3. Electro-Acoustic    4. Ethnic Fusion    5. Flamenco    6. House    7. Int'l & World Music    8. Latin Dance    9. Lounge    10. Modern Son    11. Pop    12. Regional Mexican    13. Salsa    14. Samba    15. Tango    16. World Fusion   

Editorial Review

Effortless effervescence--that's the most fitting phrase to describe Read more

Reviews (10)

Solid
LOVG has done it again. They have composed beautiful melodies, written beautiful songs, and played it all to perfection on this cd. It is quite different from its previous releases, but it still has that familiar high quality that fans are used to from this band.
One of my favorite bands!!!!
I love this CD and their previous one too. Love every single song. I listen to it almost everyday.

Guapa is beautiful
I think this album is fantastic.From the first sweet melody of Noche, until the very last note of the Cuando Cuentos Cuento (the hidden track), it's great.The silly little songs like V.O.S., the thought provoking songs like Vuelve, and the sweet songs like Apareces tu, are all there, and so is the LODVG signature sound.It didn't grab me as easily as "Lo que te conte mientras...", but after a few listens has easily become one of my favorite albums. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Latin    2. Regional Mexican    3. Rock    4. Rock en Español    5. Spain   

Editorial Review

With its amazing mix of Portuguese, African, and Indian musical genres, dances, and instruments, Brazil's pop scene is unique because so much of it is acoustic.This disc is a pleasing potpourri of mostly non-electronic tunes sung by some famous and not-so-famous artists.Of course, the Read more

Reviews (6)

Brazilian Brilliance
Putumayo has never gone wrong with its Brazilian compilations.Like "Brasileiro",its first Brazilian compilation,this album is focused on the country's acoustic music.This album is reflective,relaxing,and at times bittersweet,like dark chocolate.
Great music
I got this CD to dance my 8 month old baby to sleep -- it worked great for that. I've heard it so many times, but I love it everytime, and it keeps getting better. Track 4 is my favorite at the moment!

Sure, it's got sambas, though not the more upbeat ones.....
.....but still very fun and relaxful to listen to and enjoy. This is a nice set of low-key sambas, bossa nova, and acoustic guitar melodies which makes you feel more at ease with yourself (and sung in Portuguese, one of the world's most musical languages, even if you don't understand a word of it).
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Subjects:  1. Bossa Nova    2. Brazil    3. Brazilian    4. Brazilian Folk    5. Brazilian Pop    6. Int'l & World Music    7. Pop    8. Regional Mexican   

Features

• Enhanced
• Soundtrack

Reviews (11)

Great for Rodriguez Fans
This is a good compilation. If you're looking for the song that Antonio Banderas plays to the kid in Desperado, this has the full version. Mostly good songs, but a few that aren't amazing.There's a few songs that supposedly inspired the story, but really aren't near as good as the rest. If you like the "epic mexican spaghetti western" sound of Rodriguez's stuff then this is good to have. And I think some of it is previously unreleased, so if you've got all the other soundtracks, this should be next on the list. Good stuff for a Rodriguez fan, or even just someone that's into the unique style.

captivating
I came across this album after watching Kill Bill V2.The song that starts just prior to the closing credits (and continues through the credits) is Malague�a Salerosa and I just had to know more about this song.As a result, I discovered this CD.As it turns out, Robert Rodriguez did the score for Kill Bill V2 and I subsequently have come to discover what a creative talent this man is.I heartily recommend the book "Rebel without a Crew," which I recently read.It is Robert's story behind making El Mariachi (I have also posted a review of that book).
Not Much "Mariachi", But....
I bought this CD on the strength of my knowledge of some of the musicians hoping to find a sleeper. And I did! The problem for the record company is how to get music stores to put it where it will be found by the "right" people, that is those with an adventurous taste in music who are not afraid to cross over into music sung in a language other than English. Waterloo Records in Austin long ago figured out how to reach that type of listener and so this is a hot seller in Austin. But what about the rest of the US?
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Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Regional Mexican    3. Soundtrack    4. Soundtracks    5. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

John Lee Hooker used to say "the blues is a feeling," but this collection is proof that it's also a universal language. These 11 songs by musicians from South and North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa are a thoroughly enjoyable summation of the genre's ability to cut through cultural barriers to touch the heart. "Slide Blues" by Argentina's Botafogo could be a Delta relic if not for its Spanish lyrics. And singer Big Mama with harp man Victor Uris beautifully blur the lines between Catalonia and Chicago. The great pianist Otis Spann and the trio of Eric Bibb, Rory Block, and Maria Muldaur provide two straight-up shots of the style. The best tunes are outright cross-cultural collaborations.Read more

Reviews (1)

A must have for blues lovers
If you love the blues, you must add this to your collection. It's fascinating and fun to hear how the blues have spread - and been adapted - around the world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Pop    4. Regional Mexican    5. World Fusion    6. Worldbeat   

Editorial Review

Just in time for sultry weather festivities, the trusty world music compilation label Putumayo has put together yet another dynamite party album. From the opening 1-2-3/1-2 Read more

Reviews (2)

New Style Salsa and Latin Flavors
Putumayo always puts out a quality product, and this disc is no exception. The collection of salsa and latin rhythyms is a collection spanning several countries, but all of the tracks are lively upbeat and fun. several of the tracks include electronic elements, such as electric drumbeats and samples. This allows the listeners to see what is being done with a now classic genre to revitalize it. this new generation of Salseros breathes new life into a now-classic music style.
TRULY A SENSATIONAL PIECE!
This music makes you want to get up and dance! The first few tracks are the best, but the whole CD is very good. I could not stop listening to son fro by africando and many more. Hide this CD because once you pop it in, your friends will never want to give it back to you. After owning gypsy caravan, afro-latino, afro latin party, salsa around the world, cuba and many more i have come to say that this is one of the best putumayo we have seen up to date. Also check out putumayo colombia-It is sure to get you dancing like you have never danced before!
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Subjects:  1. Int'l & World Music    2. Latin    3. Latin Dance    4. Regional Mexican   

Editorial Review

Rakim & Ken-Y's Read more

Reviews (12)

MuyBien Titulado!Great Tittle!
It would've been a masterpiece even if the only song on the whole cd was "Down". It's my fave. But i love all the songs.
I love this album!!!!!
I love this album. Dime Que Sera is in my cd player on repeat!!!!!!!!!! I looooooooove Ken-Y's voice on that ballad and he is as handsome as he sounds.

5 STARS...NO DOUBT!!
this album is da best!!! i recommend it to ne1 that likes reggaeton!! it has a lot of romantic songs...my favorite ones are Si La Vez, Me Matas and I like Dime Que Sera...i dont get tired of listening to them over n over again.... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Latin    2. Latin Freestyle    3. Latin Pop    4. Latin Rap    5. Rap & Hip-Hop    6. Regional Mexican   

Editorial Review

Maná may be at the forefront of the ever-burgeoning Rocken Español movement, but the Mexican band employs a variety ofstyles to perfect its pleasing pop sound. Nowhere is that more evidentthan on Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (80)

An awesome ( for lack of a better word ) CD!
Mana + MTV...great music along with a great/experienced television network. It doesn't get any better then this.

Parfait
Si je devais choisir parmi ma collection mes dix albums pr?f?r?s, Man? Unplugged serait sans aucun doute le premier (voire unique) album en espagnol que je s?lectionnerais sans h?siter. C'est un ? classique ? pop/rock dont on ne se lasse pas et, si on parle un tant soit peu espagnol, on l'appr?cie d'autant plus.
One of the most beautiful pop records ever made
I'm listening to this disc as I write. I remember the first time I heard/saw it: wandering through a Sanborn's store in Mexico City -- I stopped cold and viewed the DVD on an instore TV for ten or fifteen minutes, absolutely captivated. Shortly thereafter, it was mine, as was the DVD (which adds a whole other dimension). I would put "Mana Unplugged" in my top twenty discs of all time. The group is the Mexican Beatles: writers of exquisite pop songs with heart, beautifully crafted, played with vigour and a little rock-n-roll swagger, and also a progressive political bent that comes through on songs like "Ana" and their terrific cover of Ruben Blades' "Desapariciones." The love songs, from "Vivir Sin Aire" to "El Muelle de San Blas" to "Rayando El Sol," are among the few that consistently bring tears to my eyes. And the playing has the attention to technique and subtlety that characterizes Latin music more than its North American or Western European equivalent. As an advantage for the non-Spanish speaker, the CD comes with translations of the lyrics of most of the songs. These lose some of the poetry, but at least let you know what's going on thematically. A magnificent, unmissable record. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Latin    2. Latin Music    3. Latin Pop    4. Latin Pop/Rock    5. Mexico    6. Rock    7. Rock en Español   

Reviews (1)

Enamorado
For the Pepe fans this is a must.The more I listen to it the more I love it.Especially No estoy de aqui, my new favorite Pepe song.Excellent listening while driving to work or relaxing at home. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Latin    2. Mexican    3. Mexico    4. Regional Mexican    5. Tejano   

Reviews (1)

Vintage Putumayo
Living in the Wine Country,I looked forward to the release of this CD.After all,vineyards and wineries are part of my daily life.I wondered if this album would be a dud like "Music from the Coffee Lands" (a decaffeinated compilation if there ever was one)or a hit like "Music from the Tea Lands"(Putumayo's first Asian compilation,and one of its best)This CD proved to not be a disappointment.
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Subjects:  1. Bossa Nova    2. European Folk    3. Fado    4. French Folk    5. Greek Folk    6. Int'l & World Music    7. Latin Folk    8. Pop    9. Regional Mexican    10. Samba    11. Worldbeat   

Editorial Review

You'll be hard-pressed to find a more inventive, perplexing sound than "nortec," the hybrid of Mexican norteno music and techno beats perfected by the Tijuana-based Nortec Collective. The group introduced its sound on 2001's Read more

Reviews (12)

A Delight!
Let me start out this review with two overwhelming generalizations, both of which, of course, have many exceptions. First, I really enjoy electronica music. Second, I don't care for Mexican music. Now, having said this, you can imagine my mixed feelings about reading a review (in the Wall Street Journal, as I recall) about an album of Mexican electronica by Nortec Collective entitled "Tijuana Sessions, Vol 3." The review was quite laudatory. My curiosity was piqued. I couldn't resist ordering the CD.
A great album
I stumbled onto this album at eMusic as I subscribe to it. Thinking what do I have to lose as I hadn't heard anything about Nortec Collective. I was suprised to find quite an excellent album. It's a fusion of big electronic beats with traditional Mexican music. I guess their name Nortec comes from a combination of Norteno (meaning from the North) and techno, which basically is describing the two different musical worlds colliding.
Intertextualidad
Adem�s de la obvias mezclas no debemos olvidar que el norte�o es de por s� hijo de la polka alemana y el folcor mexicano, asi que bueno, este es un remix del mix de otro mix...
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Subjects:  1. Dance Music    2. Electronic    3. Electronica    4. Mexico    5. Pop   

Subjects:  1. Latin    2. Mexican    3. Mexico    4. Norteño    5. Regional Mexican    6. Tejano   

Editorial Review

With magnetic rhythms, cool grooves, and catchy hooks, the Mexican rock band Maná have conquered fans on both sides of the border. From the wickedly cool opener "Hechicera" to the pulsating "Un Lobo por Tu Amor," the tunes are easy to get into, regardless of whether you know Spanish or not. There's plenty of fun, too, on the rollicking "Tu Tienes Lo Que Quiero" and the zany "Clavado en un Bar," which became the tour anthem during the band's 1998 tour. Also bewitching are the romantic "En el Muelle de San Blas" and the achy love ode "Como Dueles en los Labios." The band is also daring, remembering political prisoners around the world on "Me Voy a Convertir en un Ave." Read more

Reviews (89)

fome
Mana siempre me ha parecido una banda bastante aburrida, carente de gracia, cursi, poco innovadora, y por sobre todo cursi (lo repito porque es demasiado cursi), Aun asi debo reconocer que el baterista es un buen musico, toca bastante solidamente.
This Album Is For Everyone
It's been almost seven years since Man� released this album, but I still think it's a great album. This band, in my opinion, has been the most successful Spanish rock band. They have tons of hits and every single one of their albums is a monster album with many hits. Man� also talk about many different kinds of things in their songs.
comfy cd
This is my rainy day cd that I always play when I'm down, its raining, or I can't figure out what else to listen to. I love all the songs, especially "Muelle de San Blas". That song holds a special sound that has so much feeling. It feels like sweet sorrow, you don't even have to understand Spanish to feel this. It is a great cd with lots of emotional value. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Latin    2. Latin Music    3. Latin Pop    4. Latin Pop/Rock    5. Mexico    6. Rock    7. Rock en Español   

Editorial Review

Singer-songwriter Lila Downs usesthese 15 compositions (both originals and covers) to explore the joysand sorrows experienced by Mexican immigrants who cross the border fora better life only to experience exploitation and racism in thiscountry. A child of a Mixtec Indian mother and Anglo-American father,the talented Downs brings in a fresh perspective from two culturalworlds. She imbues the Mexican Read more

Reviews (17)

the voice of a Godess
All i had too do was to listen to the first track on this CD and i was hooked, this woman has the voice of a Godess, and the lyrics, wow incredible, my only wish now is to see her live in concert!!!!

A lament for Mexican immigrants
BORDERS is dedicated to the Mexican migrants who struggle to cross the border into the US, and opens with a haunting contemporary lament in 'Mi Corazon Me Recuerda'.
To begin is to end to end is to begin...
My friend Maude from DC turned me onto this disc a couple of weeks ago during a brief visit and I was captivated after the first ten bars.Her recommendation is that the cd doesn't do Lila's voice justice after seeing her live.Until I have that experienceI won't challenge the point.All I have have is this recorded representation by which to judge.Ms Downs uses her remarkable voice to deliver the most heartfelt and moving performance top to bottom to have graced my ears in quite a while.She covers a variety of topics and genres with originality and power making me mindful of any number of wonderful chanteuses.I will definitely be out in search of more titles (explains why I am here now).I've read people referring to Lila as the modern day incarnation of Frida Kalo(I'm certainly not here to refute that) but within a musical context she may be this age's Joan Baez.Thanks for the tip Maude.Most of all, thank you Lila... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cumbia    2. Int'l & World Music    3. Latin Folk    4. Latin Pop/Rock    5. Mexican    6. Mexican Folk    7. Pop    8. World Music