Search - Nortec CollectivePresents: Bostich + Fussible :: Tijuana Sound Machine

Excellent!

Gary Peterson | San Diego, California USA | 09/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A little over two years ago I purchased and reviewed "The Tijuana Sessions: Vol. 3" by Nortec Collective. I liked the album so much that I also ended up later purchasing and reviewing "Panoptica" by Panoptica, one of the bands associated with Nortec Collective. Both albums were excellent. Very unusual music. Mexican Techno. Both were delightful listening and nothing like I'd ever heard. So, I've been listening to more Mexican Techno including two CDs by The Mexican Institute of Sound. Again, the MIS albums are very unusual and delightful recordings. My latest CD is the "Tijuana Sound Machine," presented by Nortec Collective.



The "Tijuana Sound Machine" CD is outstanding. Five stars, no question. The album gets off to a great start with "The Clap" and "Nortena del Sur," two of the best tracks on the CD. All tracks are excellent, but my favorites are the first two plus "Tijuana Sound Machine," "Akai 47," "Mi Casita," "Wanted," and "Playbox." All of the songs have minimal lyrics so, although this is a Mexican recording, language presents no barrier to listening. None at all. Also, it's Mexican music, but it's probably unlike any Mexican music you've ever heard. In some respects, it reminds me more of some European techno music, but, to be fair, I'd say the music stands alone as a unique, highly creative and refreshing listening experience. The music is constructed in electronica fashion, but it has a much more human sound to it than typical electronica. Perhaps the difference is that heavy use of traditional musical instruments and voices and minimal use of electronic sounds creates that sense. Plus the songs are very nicely pieced together and very catchy. It's fun, joyous music. Most of this stuff would go over well in a dance hall environment, and I suppose that's how it originated and that's where it's mostly played. This music is excellent and deserves much wider circulation.



Finally, the CD cover art is amusing in a droll sort of way. The aging car (70s Dodge?) and the car speedometer on the CD disc bring an amused smile to my face. The "Sessions: Vol. 3" and "Panoptica" CDs are the same way. What could look more like Tijuana, Mexico? But the music is unlike anything I've associated with Tijuana and I've lived as a next door (San Diego) neighbor for 45 years. Either the Nortec Collective or Nacional Records people have an interesting sense of humor.



Gary Peterson"

Well done!!!!

Mister Weird & Sonido Perla | High Cal | 08/11/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Xtraordinary better than the past two albums it is more like it. the Tijuana Sessions Vol. 3 is good but this is better but yet the last 2 tracks loose the essens of the album most of then are really good highly recomended, don't waste time and groove to Rosarito,Tijuana Sound Machine,Jacinto & Akai 47 [My favorites]."