The Bob Dylan of Argentina
A reader | New York City | 02/10/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"English-speaking, native born, non-Latino Americans and Canadians have a problem. We don't speak Spanish. Even if we do remember a few words of high school Spanish, we usually don't venture into Latin American or Spanish culture unless it's spoon-fed to us by the mainstream media. This is a shame, and a loss for music lovers who could be expanding their range rather than playing the same genres over and over again.
A case in point is Leon Gieco, who, for over 40 years, has been the voice of the people in Argentina as a prolific folk and rock performer with a huge Latin American and international following. Some of his songs, notably "Solo Le Pido a Dios" (I Only Ask of God), have become human rights anthems. Argentina has had social and political problems for decades, and Gieco, in his role of musical truth-teller, experienced censorship of his material and even left the country for a year for his own safety. Nevertheless he has endured and prevailed, and is rightfully regarded today as one of the most influential and important figures in Argentine music.
But Gieco's music is not dry. On the contrary, his deep convictions, his rough and expressive voice, and his superb musicality combine to give us an emotional and rich listening experience. This Greatest Hits collection showcases Gieco in a range of styles: rock, folk-rock, pop and blues, sometimes with an obvious Latin flavor (as in his cover of "Guantanamera"). Gieco writes quite eloquently about love and life in general, as well as politics. For example, "Todos Los Dias Un Poco" (A Little Bit Each Day) with music by Luis Gurevich, is one of those simple ballads you can play over and over. I don't love all the arrangements on this CD (some are a bit too poppy and synthesized), but I do love all the songs, and the way he sings them.
Gieco has been called the Bob Dylan of Argentina, because he often performs with just a guitar and harmonica, as Dylan did in the early days. Gieco's focus on social causes and his poetic lyrics draw obvious comparisons to Dylan. But Gieco has a better singing voice than Dylan, and his own unique style informed by his deep Latin American roots.
Even if you don't speak Spanish, if you love good music you'll enjoy this CD. If you're willing to take the time to get accurate translations of his lyrics, you will be richly rewarded by Gieco's poetry as well. And if you do speak Spanish, but haven't heard him before...ESCUCHALO YA!!!"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1
