Search - Various Artists :: Reconquista: Latin Rock Invasion

In the Spirit of Zapata

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 05/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The year was 1997 and the Rock en Espanol movement was gaining momentum in the US market. Mind you this musical"revolution" was merely going through an evolution as the movement had been going strong for many years outside of the US. That said this sets the stage for this CD which was issued in conjuction with a promotional tour of the same name, "The Latin Rock Invasion". Some of the groups featured on this CD were on that summer tour, including "LFC", "Maldita" and "Tijuana No". This is an excellent CD that will give you an idea of some of music out there and the various fusions of styles that is a dominant feature of Rock en Espanol. Most of these groups featured are those that have been around for years, some are pase, their best work behind them, some have even disbanded, like "Califanes" and "Mano Negra". The point is that this music reflects a period in time not the current vanguard of Rocanrol. There are classic songs like "Pachuco", most Chicanos or Mexicanos can relate to as it deals with the theme of our parents or grandparents identity and the hypocrsy involved. This is a great party song and it sets the tempo for what you will inevitably do and that is turn it up, turn it up real loud, a todo volumen. Another classic song featured is the song made famous by "LFC", ""El Matador". The Argentinian group made this song in the early 90's as a protest song to the assassination of a noted journalist in their homeland. This song rocks and tears the house down when seen live regardless if you speak Spanish or not. There are other notable tunes including "Ay Tenochititlan" an extended dance hall version of the original, a fun party song with a message. "Un Gran Circo" opens with a recording of an open market place presumably someplace in Mexico and then "Roco" lays into the maladies of the DF proclaiming it is a great cicus complete with all the colors of the megalopolis. "Senor Matanza" by "Mano Negra" is superb and stands the test of time featuring the multi talented lead man "Manu Chau". All in all this a concept compilation that reflects the first half of the 90's. Since the first invasion many inroads have been made into the US market and many of these artists have splintered off to create new groups. The rock invasion continues under the guise of new names but the message is still there. This is a very good CD that should expand your interest if you are a novice and a reflection piece if you're a long time fan of the groups featured. Remember turn it up a todo volumen y que viva Zapata!"