Search - Almendra :: Almendra

A Classic of Argentine Rock Beginnings

Juan Mobili | Valley Cottage, NY USA | 05/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When this album finally came out in Argentina, it was a wonderful day for hundreds of us, young people who long for a "long-play" vinyl from Almendra. They had already released some singles and play the few venues dedicated to this kind of music then but, by and large, they remained a band who few knew, compared to the throngs still digging the bands who were still singing in English, more concerned with selling records than breaking new ground. But, then, this album was released and popular music was not the same anymore, at least in Buenos Aires.

Now, many could argue that Almendra was not the beginning, and they are right. They weren't the first nor the only ones but they extended the "fan base" for non-Tango urban music exponentially. Listening to it again now, some 35 years later, it's clear some songs have aged better than others, yet many of the themes and the level of playing is not different from a lot of indie band sprouting all over America right now -I'm thinking of the current San Francisco folk scene, for instance.

Here you have beautiful ballads, classics really, about young women ("Muchacha Ojos de Papel" and "Laura Va"), concerns with what reality -really- is ("Figuracion"), and witnessing people losing sight of what life is all about ("A Estos Hombres Tristes"). See what I mean? Things that young people are still concerned about, and thank God for that!

Even if you don't speak Spanish, you'll fall in love with Luis Alberto Spinetta's voice, their lead singer and predominant composer/poet.` If you know the language or, even more, if grew up down South -extremely South- this album holds a wealth of memorable songs. If you weren't there then, imagine "Rubber Soul" coming out, and you'll get the picture.

PS: this edition also contains all singles before the album came out as well as some songs from their double album follow-up. So, if you want to own a single CD from these guys, this is it."