Search - Cafe Tacuba :: Cuatro Caminos

The Four Roads Lead In 1 Direction: Forward

Felipe Equihua | Los Angeles, CA, USA | 10/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I started listening to Cafe Tacvba because they did a cover in Avalancha of Leo Dan's "Como Te Extraño", thinking it was their best song. I cannot explain how amazed I was when I listened to their original stuff, especially when Reves/Yosoy came out, which is probably the second greatest Rock En Español CD.I say second, because Cuatro Caminos is by far the best CD ever created in Spanish Rock. Every song is an entity in itself, but when combined to create the album, the result is magnificent. The multiple state of minds reached through listening is astonishing. As an example, you begin with deep introspection with Cero y Uno, continue with silliness in Eo, and proceed with a feeling of loneliness in Mediodia(my favorite song in this album).The overall rating of this CD is unfortunate, since someone who does not know anything about Cafe Tacuba made the mistake of reviewing this CD. This is not a step back, this album only proves that with enough imagination and skill, Rock En Español can reach a uniqueness all its own, one that does not blatantly try to emulate the Rock that is North of the Border. You do not need to buy this CD based on what I say, but if you don't, there is one more treasure that I have found over you."

Best Album of the Year

Andrew Hansen | Chicago, IL USA | 10/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In interviews, the boys of Cafe Tacuba have said that they didn't find their lack of English to be an obstacle in their appreciation of American rock. Likewise, they have refused to record in English, figuring that we should be able to get the point. As a monoliguist who only understands the language you are now reading, I admire the hell out of that. And I think I get it. At the very least, I think this is the best album I bought all year and I think it's the best thing Cafe Tacuba have yet done.I use to be of the school of thought that believes "Re" is a masterpiece and that everything that deviates from it is a step backwards. I now think that's very limited. "Re" is a lot of fun (again, I can't speak to the lyrics but the music is certainly entertaining)but its mixture of recognizable genres could be seen a stunt, albeit a successful one. "Cuatro Caminos" is the work of a band with it's own voice. I can't wait for the next one.I use to have a favorite song on the album but it changed this weekend. Next weekend it will probably be a different song.I think it's time for me to learn a second language..."

Tomar el fresco

Billy Shakespeare | Ann Arbor, Mich. | 07/02/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is simply another solid effort from one of the finest, most innovative modern bands in any genre. One thing I thought curious was a starburst sticker on the package quoting some rock mag or other to the effect that Cuatro Caminos "could be the Kid A of Latin rock." While I'm happy if a comparison to Radiohead when Radiohead is so hot helps Cafe Tacvba move some merchandise, I'd say that that notion misses by one release. This one is nowhere near as experimental as Reves/Yosoy, but rather harkens back to the sound of their earlier work. That's not to say it's a regression, but, like Radiohead with Hail to the Thief, the band has pushed its boundaries and now feels confident in returning a bit to their roots while still incorporating some of the more offbeat elements they've explored in recent years.In this vein, Cuatro Caminos moves from "Eo," a rollicking, abstract song with the locomotive rhythm fans will recognize from a number of tunes on Reves (and a smattering of electronic squawks and blips, to boot), to "Mediodia," a soft ballad in the style of "Maria" from the band's self-titled album. Things may never quite get as rough and ready as "Ingrata," but songs like "Que Pasara" and "Soy o Estoy" will certainly please those who missed some good, old-fashioned raw Ruben vocals the last time around.Maybe this disc is "experimental" and a million spins of Reves/Yosoy have just inured me to the point that it sounds tame in comparison. Whatever the case, there's nothing with which to be disappointed here. Whether allusions to Radiohead are on point or not, to have two discs like Hail to the Thief and Cuatro Caminos come out so close together is a rare treat in a day and age when bands like these are increasingly without equals."