"Aight, if you are looking for interesting and fun music with a distictive Latin flair then this is the one to get. The music has the ability to make any room start jumping. If you love to dance to Latin music you are in heaven. But beyond that the song selection shows the diversity and breadth of the musicians. One of the most fun (there's that word again)songs is Number 4. It sounds like an old-style swing song, except for the fact that the lead vocalist is singing in Chinese...really really cool. There is also a really cool version of Sing Sing Sing. My personal favorite is Rumba de 5 Kilos. If you enjoyed the music of Pink Martini then this cd is a must buy, the same quality but much more danceable. And if you really like this cd then you should pick up Sympathique by Pink Martini (another group put together with Pepe Raphael)."
So what if I don't understand a word of it?
Teatime2 | MA, USA | 06/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As real white-bread, East Coast type of woman of a certain age who does not understand a word of Spanish and wouldn't think of dancing in public...........I have to say that this CD is my all-time favorite. Whoa! It's music I just stumbled upon and took a chance ordering. I love, love, love it even though I do wonder a bit about that Pepe. And, the album art is terrific. I wish I could buy some of the inside prints.
Just load this in your car CD player and hit the open road."
Wild, rowdy but charming, relentless fun!
alenchik | NYC | 01/07/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a trip! Mad, bizarre, outrageous paired up with melodic, rhythmical, and enchanting. I'd classify their style as mellifluous hodgepodge. Bold improvisations on some familiar tunes and themes, plus plenty of inventive and original variations. Incredibly catchy, swirling, jiving music and lyrics. Nothing is held back, totally unrestrained. The CD starts out with terribly energetic tracks, mellows out a bit in the middle, and wraps it all effortlessly at the end. "Latenight Betty" is nothing short of a fiery, feisty, cathartic listening experience."
Incredible! Wonderfully eclectic!! Great dance music!!!
Bill Brent | Portland, OR USA | 08/17/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This first CD by Pepe & the Bottle Blondes is the most wonderfully eclectic mix of latin, swing and show tunes I've heard in a long time. Every cut is a delight and emminently danceable. Pepe's voice is amazingly rich -- seemingly able to handle everything from deep baratones to high C's; and he's backed up expertly by the three Bottle Blondes. In addition, he's managed to put together an incredible mix of masterful musicians from percussion to horns to flutes to classical guitar. The compositions are tight and well-conceived.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!"
I want more Pepe & the Bottle Blondes!
Diandra J. Mezta | Boston, MA | 09/22/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I grew up a third-generation Spanish American and was thusly exposed to a lot of different types of Latin music and I love it all. Lately though, I've been looking for something a little off the mark, something different. I wanted an album that was good for a big party, but nice enough to play at a dinner party.I somehow stumbled upon Pepe & the Bottle Blondes and it hasn't left my CD player since the day I bought it!The depth of Pepe's voice and those of the Bottle Blondes as well is astounding and moving in a way, especially on "El Váls De Tomás" (my favorite song on the album.)If you're a big fan of salsa, latin jazz, anything with a good beat, you'll really appreciate this album. I can't really define any one word to describe their sound, all I can say is that they make beautiful music. I can't wait to hear more from Pepe & the Bottle Blondes."