Search - Roberto Goyeneche :: El Polaco en el recuerdo Vol.5

Gardel II

Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 10/17/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If Carlos Gardel can be said to be the definitive tango singer of the "guardia vieja", then Roberto Goyeneche certainly is at the top of the list of the greatest tango singers of the second half of the 20th century.

Throughout his career, Goyeneche exhibited the versatility to handle the classics as well as tango nuevo with aplomb. From his humble beginnings and a career as a bus and taxi driver, Goyeneche moonlighted his way to tango immortality.

On Volume 5 of El Polaco En El Recuerdo, Goyeneche brings his unique vocal style to twenty songs, many of which are obscure to non-Argentines. My favorites are Desencuentro, Pompas de Jabon, Bandoneon Arrabalero, Ese Muchacho Troilo, a fast-paced rendition of the Gardel classic Mi Buenos Aires Querido, Nunca Tuvo Novio, and the classic Cuando Volveras.

While these songs are not the best of Goyeneche, this CD is still essential to anyone who wants a comprehensive collection of his works. Gardel is still worshipped today in Argentina and by tango lovers worldwide. Goyeneche belongs at his side in the pantheon of tango greats. I knock one star off this CD for the lack of liner notes.

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