Search - Marc Ribot, Cubanos Postizos :: Marc Ribot Y Los Cubanos Postizos

Chris G.
Reviewed on 8/7/2006...

Instrumental. Good groove.

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Most beautiful, soulful electric guitar I have ever heard

09/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I will get the negatives out of the way. I do not like all the tracks, especially the only one penned by Ribot, #4, and # 6. They just don't do it for me. On to the great.The first track is perhaps the single most beautiful piece of music I have heard. They great thing about Ribot's playing is not only his choice of notes, but his great timing. It is so intuitively right that one could practice the piece forever, and still not play it as he does, which is to say perfectly. And the percusion is perfectly spare for this shimmering, tranquil song. The second song has a great, soulful groove that is not just a product of the rhythm section and a catchy vamp, but once again of Ribot's great feel for timing. The organ work adds to the simmering, deep groove. #3 is a fairly typical and repetative cuban uptempo number, but there is a raw and edgy tone that seperates from the cliche cuban piano, or horn vamp. #4. see above.#5. More instrumentation and vocals in this one. Even though Ribot is clearly not a singer, this is a strong song because of the veriety of textures -- rock guitar, psychodelic organ, acoustic guitar, horns, cuban chorus, and Ribot's spoken words. They form a hard and yet sentimental mix that is perfect for the words, "don't cry, because when you do, I feel... something."#6 See above.#7. A driving, raw and beautiful track that comes to a powerful, intense conclusion.#8. Again spoken words and also singing by Ribot. Listening to him speak Spanish is funny and but the music is solid.#9. Perhaps the most jazz-like track on the CD. It feature advanced guiitar work from Ribot, but it is not just technique for it's own sake, but serves the whole, and does not comprimise, but embelishes the beauty. #10 Somewhat similar to #3, but with had malcontent horn that adds a somewhat whacky, but unique and contributing element to a cuban groove. If you have any interest in the electric guitar as an instrument, that, contrary to many peoples prejudices, can be played as or more beautifully than any other, by this album. If you don't give one flying hoot about what I just said, but appreciate beautiful, soulful yet not smooth and watered down music, buy this album."

Ribot is at the top of his game throughout the entire album.

01/07/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Marc Ribot Y Los Cubanos Postizos (The Prosthetic Cubans), (1998, Atlantic) This album is sensational. Ribot is a master of the guitar, with impeccable timing and timeless mood creation. The CD is a tribute to the late Arsenio Rodriguez, a Cuban composer, guitarist, tres player and band leader who died in 1972. A finer tribute could not be offered. Most of the tracks were written or recorded by Rodriguez. Como Se Goza En El Barrio is just one example of Arsenio's brilliant songwriting. Another, Los Teenagers Bailan Changui, is absolutely intense. The album is laden with fat percussion from EJ Rodriguez and Robert J. Rodriguez. John Medeski lends his organ magic on four tracks and Anthony Coleman on two. Brad Jones adds stellar bass to the mix. Tracks like the Ribot penned Postizo illustrate the guitarists ability to be traditional and totally avant-garde at the same time, while maintaining a beat everyone can dance to. Ribot is at the top of his game throughout the entire album. He rips it up! This album wonderfully captures the intangible sensuality of Cuban music. Every cut is excellent. Recommended to all. One of 1998's best. 10 tracks, 47 minutes. Paul C. Doyle, The Vermont Review"